Why Not Now? Why Not You?
We mustn’t wait for life to allow art, we must let our art allow for life. Why not us why not now.
Be bold and unapologetic with our creativity.
5:30pm-10pm
Celebrate your creativity in an inspiring space! For the whole family!
Artist Bios
Karon: A New York Native/Philadelphia Transplant, Karen is a percussionist, playwright, director, producer, and poet. She is also the founder and leader of two musical collectives: The Karen Smith Experience, and Sistahs Laying Down Hands (SLDH).
Jake Doggett is a spoken word artist born and raised in city of brotherly love. Spending his days as a general contractor, Jake draws inspiration for his spoken word pieces from fragments of the ordinary experiences of everyday life. Extrapolating those fragments out into abstract ideas, Jake aims his words to bridge the ordinary to the divine. Through this, Jake hopes to show both himself, and the audience that the beautiful Gospel of Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven can be experienced anywhere, and by anyone.
Alexa Lahr (lucidmelody) is a Philadelphia creative and yogi. Also Cofounder of Inspiration Station. She strives to cultivate creative spaces for people to inspire each other. She also loves to create jewelry, candles and clothing. She always works to stay well rounded in her arts.
Stephen Wise is a multi instrumental /vocalist. A spiritual "new thought/ancient wisdom" recording artist, he plays saxophones, flutes,native drums, didgeridoo, keys and composes and produces his own music. He expresses his soul through his beautiful noise. Stephen Wise aka Ras Katriel is a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist. A spiritual "new thought/ancient wisdom" recording artist, he plays saxophones, flutes, native drums, didgeridoo, keys and composes and produces his own music. "Wise one" expresses his soul through his blending of a variety of genres from pop, soul, jazz, reggae, funk & world then add meditative to that. His lyrics express high conscious, positive messages that reflect his yearning to see Oneness become main stream. "Not only fashionable but true global understanding that divine is within when we bring our consciousness to it." Ras Katri has worked with some of the biggest names in music such as; Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, Kenny Gamble, Teena Marie, Ritchie Havens, Boyz II Men and the Roots to name a few. Wise has completed 7 cds and as he puts it: "I'm here to serve humanity through the beautiful noise my music makes and I'm just getting warmed up."
Cinque (Host)
AVG is a Haitian pastor's kid born in Massachusetts, raised in Ohio & now living in Philly. He's been writing poetry since the 4th grade and uses this medium to wrestle with faith, spirituality, romance, and social issues. With 2 books and publication in an anthology called Our Hope Remains, he hopes to continue writing mirrors, hoping people see themselves in his poetry.
Sai Crosscombe (Sai of relief): I am a Philadelphian folk singer/songwriter and visual artist. I am also co-founder of Inspiration Station. My work is deeply shaped by the world around me and my own personal growth. I strive to pour my life experiences into every note and brushstroke, creating art that is both raw and deeply authentic.With every song and piece of art, I invite others into my journey and into my world, a testament to the power of perseverance and creative expression.
Plum Dragoness: Native to West Philadelphia, Plum Dragoness (aka Gabrielle de Burke) is a multi-talented thespian, dancer, martial artist, instructor, poetess, and writer who has been involved with performing arts since childhood. She is known for her poetic style, vocal performance, fire dance, flow arts, and choreographic flair throughout Philadelphia and abroad
Sista K is a lyricist and vocalist extraordinair, philly community music activist.
Taajuldiin (of Khalifaa): Playwright , vocalist, lyricist, composer, drummer, producer, songwriter, filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, av tech and soundhealer, life coach, Philly lifer, Founder of the Philadelphia Peace Initiative
Danny Hirsch: lived in Philly since I was a child. And music has been such a tool for my life. I started out by playing drums and a piano around the age of ten, then as I got older music became more therapeutic, and my creativity grew. I play by ear… Guitar,piano, and drums. And I make my music on the spot/improvised. The music comes to me in my head then onto paper or just the sound waves. The music I create is like visuals to me. Not only do I hear the music but I feel and see it as well, thus my “stage name” Vision101.
Cicada Killer is an indie rock band based in Philadelphia. Composed of drummer Liam Dun, bassist Moustapha Balde, lead guitarist Frank Delane, and singer/guitarist Jimmy Waltman, they take inspiration from emo, jazz, and folk music.
Presented In conjunction with and sponsored by the Philadelphia Peace Initiative and DiMe Foundation
We at The Philadelphia Peace Initiative invite you to join with us as we realize our mission of partnering and uniting community based organizations committed to ending violence on the streets of Philadelphia. By partnering with PPI you will also support an entire network of organizations dedicated to making peace possible in our city. The Philadelphia Peace Initiative exists to provide a much needed umbrella under which all in service to the Philadelphia community can organize, network, and provide mutual support. In order to strengthen and expand this network of peace, we need partners like you who are able to provide volunteers, consultation and other vital resources. Specifically, your support will help us in the following areas of our multi-pronged approach: Collectively addressing legislation that adversely affects our community at large. Commemorating the diligent work of all who work to keep the peace in our city. Sharing resources and information on how to remedy the problems facing our community. Organizing awareness rallies and other forms of peaceful public assembly. Together we can make possible a peaceful Philadelphia. Taking responsibility, changing lives…
Please contact us at ppi.philly4peace@gmail.com Join us today, we need you!
Returning soon: PHILLY DAY 2025