First Fridays at BSM

July 10, 2017

Thank you to our community sponsors and for your investment as a community by attending the First Friday series this spring!

First Fridays are all ages arts events curated by the BSM community. For our pilot season, we celebrated the visual arts, music, and poetry. We hope to build excitement around the arts at BSM as one of the participants in Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts and create a BSM connection to the city-wide First Friday movement. First Fridays at BSM provide equal access to the arts through peace and beauty, regardless of able-ness. They also provide a respite from the noise and crowds on Broad Street with the welcoming hospitality of community, the arts, coffee and tea.

 Art

In April, we explored beautiful art representing BSM & the Philly community. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the art installations in our historic building. The gallery was open in the sanctuary and featured the art of congregants and guests: Dan Gilmore, Rin Barton, Sara Underwood, and Terry Price.

 

Music

The May First Friday was a coffeehouse and jazz night. We took in the smooth sounds of The Dap Admirals. The jazz trio members were Kevin Walker on drums, Dan Finn on piano, and Nick Krolak on bass. Everyone enjoyed some coffee on the house courtesy of our community sponsor, La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

Poetry

During the month of May, Poet Laureate of Philadelphia Yolanda Wisher and local poets Trapeta B. Mayson, Shevaun Brannigan, and Tamara Oakman facilitated poetry workshops each week with our guests. This series culminated in an evening showcase presenting their poetry as well as the writings of our guests. Special appearances included the slam poetry team from Central High School and our very own staff members Mark, Ruthie, and Michele. It was an evening of celebrating the diverse voices of the Philadelphia community!

We are grateful for your support for this community event. Stay tuned for more arts-related events at BSM this fall. We hope to see you underneath the windmills this fall! If you would like to get involved in these events, reach out to Michele (michele@broadstreetministry.org).