POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!  

Philadelphia Science Fiction Society Upcoming Meetings General MeetingsGeneral Meetings are open to the public and are held at International House, 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, at 8:00 p.m.; or at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA at 8:00 p.m.

Social gathering begins at 7:30 p.m. The Business Meeting begins at 8:00 p.m. The Program begins at 9:00 p.m.

Date

Speaker or Program

Location

November 10 to 12, 2017

 Philcon 2017

Cherry Hill Crowne Plaza

December 8, 2017

 Roberta Rogow

The Rotunda

January 5, 2018

 Annual Meeting & Elections

The Rotunda

February 9, 2017

 www.IanRandallStrock.com

The Rotunda

Sandy G. Fox Productions PresentWomen Can Do Festival! An opportunity to visit vendors, health & fitness sessions, performances, panel discussion, music, food and much more.

2:00PM-7:00PM

Admission is FREE 

Film at The Rotunda: "9 to 5" and "Born in Flames"FREE Screenings Continuous From 8 PM on the Second THURSDAY of Every Month! 

Thursday January 11th 2018

NINE TO FIVE (1980, directed by Colin Higgins, 110 minutes, U.S.)BORN IN FLAMES (1983, directed by Lizzie Borden, 90 minutes, U.S.)

(Preceding the films will be a conversation with Tara Murtha of the Woman's Legal Project and author of the 33 1/3 book, “Bobby Gentry's Ode to Billie Joe.”)

The Rotunda celebrates the #metoo moment with an emancipatory double feature: Colin Higgins' (author of HAROLD & MAUDE) workplace harassment revenge comedy NINE TO FIVE and Lizzie Borden's underground feminist sci-fi cult film, BORN IN FLAMES. 

Jane Fonda was at the height of her Hollywood powers when she spurred writer/director Colin Higgins to write her a script for a labor comedy “which shows you can run an office without a boss, but you can't run an office without the secretaries.” The comedy, with Lily Tomlin, the acting debut of Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman as the boss who has it coming, is unusually well-produced and stylish, and was only second to THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK in 1980 box-office grosses. It's one of three features directed by HAROLD & MAUDE author Colin Higgins, (Chevy Chase's 1978 debut FOUL PLAY and the 1982 Dolly and Burt's musical, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS are the others) a career thwarted when the openly-gay director died of AIDS in 1988.

Lizzie Borden's 1983 film BORN IN FLAMES stands as an vivid document of NYC's downtown 80s art scene and was named as one of "The Most Important 50 Independent Films" by Filmmaker Magazine. A socialist revolution has swept the U.S. but ten years later women are still fighting, racism, sexism and classism. In faux-documentary style, Borden tells her tale through news clips, activist meetings and broadcasts from a pair of pirate radio stations as the women of NYC begin moving together as guerilla units with a shared mission to disrupt the patriarchy. It's a film that 35 years later is still on the radical edge of U.S. cinema. With performances by musician Adele Bertei and director Kathryn Bigelow and music from Mayo Thompson of Red Krayola.

Admission is FREE

The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational (TAKII)

ABOUT THE ASIAN KARAOKE IDOL INVITATIONAL (TAKII) Established in February 2006, The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational is the world's most extreme Asian culture fusion festival. Featuring 2 main seasons & numerous other co-branded events & performances throughout each year, it's filled with a diverse multitude of "Festivities" well-suited for people from all walks of life & fandom. With maverick innovations, such as "Project "DATTE"" ("Delivering Assistance To The Extreme"), the Team TAKII Coalition (a distinguished group of our most passionate supporters & outreach volunteers), & the TAKII World Tour (a traveling & customizable entertainment experience for individuals & organizations alike), it entertains, inspires, & enriches the lives of its fans worldwide on a continuous basis.

Guest info, vendor info, tickets, and more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asian-karaoke-idol-invitational-takii-24-the-power-of-love-tickets-39503537143

The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational (TAKII)

ABOUT THE ASIAN KARAOKE IDOL INVITATIONAL (TAKII)Established in February 2006, The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational is the world's most extreme Asian culture fusion festival. Featuring 2 main seasons & numerous other co-branded events & performances throughout each year, it's filled with a diverse multitude of "Festivities" well-suited for people from all walks of life & fandom. With maverick innovations, such as "Project "DATTE"" ("Delivering Assistance To The Extreme"), the Team TAKII Coalition (a distinguished group of our most passionate supporters & outreach volunteers), & the TAKII World Tour (a traveling & customizable entertainment experience for individuals & organizations alike), it entertains, inspires, & enriches the lives of its fans worldwide on a continuous basis.

Guest info, vendor info, tickets, and more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asian-karaoke-idol-invitational-takii-24-the-power-of-love-tickets-39503537143

Martin Luther King Day WALK FOR PEACE 

Kick off at 11am at 51st & Brown Street then come to The Rotunda!

Calling all Youth Groups, Drill Teams, Schools and Community Organizations. 

Come join us in a day of Community Service as we Celebrate and Commemorate Dr. Kings memorial “Freedom Now” rally at 40th & Lancaster in 1965. The walk will begin 11am at 51st & Brown Street going down to Brown St & Lancaster Ave then down to 40th & Lancaster Ave. The walk will be followed by a day of programs, free food and activities at the Mount Olivet Community Center - 641 Preston Street and The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street. 

A three-part memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. stands at the intersection of 40th Street and Lancaster and Haverford Avenues in Mantua, the site of the late civil rights leader’s Philadelphia “Freedom Now” rally on August 3, 1965. A bronze bust by artist Rebecca Rose depicts MLK Jr.; painter Cliff Eubanks’ mural evokes a photo from that day, while a historical marker explains the event’s significance. 

For more information please contact: Rahim Muhammad 610-352-0424 or Officer Jessie Woodhouse 267- 970-9375 or Mr. Roberson 267-977-4206 

Sponsored by: PA Council on the Arts & Philadelphia Cultural Fund 

A 2018  Celebration of  Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and Civil Matters KeepsakesPEACE-A-THONTheme: Public Health Initiatives on Aggression, Violence, Bullying and Preventive  Life Choices of Grief and Loss as a Community Engagement

Honoring Peace Not Guns, founded by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Graduate Penn's Fels School of Government Peace-the-Hood, founded by Falaka and David FattahPeace in the Streets Campaign , founded by Jon Mckay, Graduate of Penn's Non-Profit Institute

Featuring Film Showings, Live Performances, Booksignings, Panel Discussion and Video Screenings and Community Resources acknowledging the significant contributions that emerging and prominent Philadelphians have made to the local and national scene of  Entertainment, Literary/Publishing, Performing Arts, Broadcast Media, Arts and Culture

4pm -  5pm Film Showing of "A Place Called Home" by bestselling, award-winning and critically acclaimed writer Kimmika Williams, starring the Twin Poets from the HBO series DEF Poets and Zuhariah McGill, featured actress in plays, television and films and produced by the House of Umoja Music Video Presentation of "Driving While Texting" presented by Kieth Mungin, producer of the "Baby Mama Drama" TV Talk Show, Film Documentary and creator of the critically acclaimed play and "Life Outside these Streets" by Jon McKay

This program is for all ages, especially Parents and Teachers and is suitable for After School/OST programs to attend .  Audience members will be asked to sign the Imani "Peace Pledge", participate in a brief panel discussion and may elect to film short stories of their life changing experiences of harm, hurt and pain.

5pm-6pm (Private Fundraising/invitation only Bidders Conference to celebrate the 49th-50th Anniversary of the House of Umoja)

6pm - 7pm Film Showing of "A Place Called Home" for General Audience of all ages and it will be open to public.

7pm - 8pm  Film Showing of "Litty City" produced by Lateef Bey and filmed exclusively in Philadelphia

Panel Discussion with producer and cast with booksigning by Quasim Adams, author of "Sugar to Sh........."

8pm - 10pm Live staged adaptation and performance of "SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I AM PROUD" presented by the National Black Authors Tour and the National Black Arts Spoken Word Tour featuring actors, poets and performers who have been featured in stagings for "Peace Not Guns", "Peace in the Hood" and "Peace in the Streets"

Introduction includes presentation by Gun/Violence expert Richard Oliver, music videos on Violence and a presentation by Janice Jenkins, former Philadelphia School Teacher and author of "Gangsta Girl" plus meet and greet of successful participants from Penn's Non-Profit Institute

Coordinators

Dr. Maurice Henderson

Adjunct Fellow, Center for Public Health Initiatives

(Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania)

Penn Community Scholar  (Co-hort 2017-2018)Executive Director, New Creations/Alternative Learning Center(under the fiduciary auspices 501(C)3  non-profit tax exempt categorization by LOTS/Life Outside these Streets founded by Jon McKay)

and

Rashid Atkins BeyExecutive Director, New Bold 21st Century (under the fiduciary auspices 501(C) 3 non-profit tax exempt categorization by Imani Star Development, Inc. founded by Akhenation Mikell, MHS)

For more information contact:Maurice Henderson, 267-230-0317, mauricebrianhenderson@yahoo.com

Thursday January 18th live from The Rotunda. Come witness a show like no other...some of the best Artists around competing for ONE BAG OF MONEY. The crowd picks the winner...the crowd can also boo the artist they don't like off the stage...this gone be tooo much fun...DON'T MISS IT!!! doors open at 630 show starts at 7! @supaflynowings @taj__mahal__ @granderlavail @__unclepaulie @iamtyreeevans @_forsakened @thegreatsphynx @saint.sincere @casinoobrown

#whowillwinthebag #phillylivemusic #singer #newmusic #imboomin#boomsaidit #therotunda #philly #rapper #spokenword #competition#comedians

Audrey Chen + special guestDaniel de Jesús

ABOUT THE EVENTBowerbird is excited to present a rare Philadelphia appearance by experimental vocal duo Audrey Chen and her British singing partner (pictured above). Opening the evening will be cellist-singer Daniel de Jesús. 

With primary focus on the interplay between the uttered sounds of the mouth and vocal chords, Audrey Chen and her long time collaborator (pictured above) plumb the depths of their most inherent and bodily instruments. Their improvisations are fearless, fragile, hungry, passionate, riotous, ululating and animalistic, yet are also in all respects, human. They express, pronounce and intensely articulate (in their fashion) the many nuanced shades of their individual and collaborative conditions. 

Set to levitate toward the stratosphere, cello-wielding frontman Daniel de Jesus captivates with his powerful, soaring vocals and steals the hearts of all mortals in his presence. Upon first listen, alternative rock purists will appreciate the musical nods that de Jesús offers toward other-worldly rock influences like David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, & Bjork. Soulful & mysterious & unforgettably unique - that is the sound of Daniel de Jesús. For this performance, de Jesuss will be premiering some new music from his latest project.

Admission is FREE 

Sirius JuJu | Fly Or Diea soundbending by Bop Life and Pionic Records.

Sirius JuJu:Heru Shabaka-Ra - trumpetMike Watsun - bass clarinetAlex Kulick - guitarBen Rosen - bassJulius Masri - drum

..listen: https://soundcloud.com/boplife/the-jinn-jawn..listen: https://soundcloud.com/boplife/2015c“..while they murder, we re-drum.” - Heru Shabaka-Ra“..music is the weapon...the weapon of the future.” - Fela Anikulapo Kuti

..still building pyramids....with liquid sound..light and laughter..with plasma and breath, with bop and bodyrock, crazyleg twostep, graf writin in hotep.....hidden capstones in cop zones... shadow walkers whisper talkers freedom style, lowered eyes and lids lie higher minds and deeds.. .spliffstar, peoples champ champin blacks, dressed in black like monk, brass knuckled armstrong... long strokin john henry grindin strong into the twilight....raising temples to the Sun, One, and Nun...

Fly Or Die:Jaimie Breezy Branch - trumpetLester St.louis - celloAjemian Jason - bassChad Edward Taylor - drums

..look: https://youtu.be/GJV2BQJamZk..listen: https://intlanthem.bandcamp.com/album/fly-or-die

...The New York Times: "#4. JAIMIE BRANCH “Fly or Die” (International Anthem)Sometimes charging forth, sometimes rerouting, the debut album from Ms. Branch is always on the move. A formidable solo performer, she could get by on extended technique alone. Instead she’s enlisted a wonderfully unorthodox band (Tomeka Reid on cello, Jason Ajemian on bass and Chad Taylor on drums), and created a work of hardscrabble imagination." --Giovanni Russonello

...Stereogum:"#1 Jaimie Branch – Fly Or Die (International Anthem)Trumpeter Jaimie Branch took over a decade to make her first album. She spent that time earning her spot on the Chicago scene, playing with saxophonist Keefe Jackson, cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm, bassist Jason Ajemian, drummer Tim Daisy, and others. As far back as 2007, people already knew who she was; she was invited to perform in New York at theFestival of New Trumpet Music. But personal problems kept her from fully focusing on music for quite a few years. Now that she’s emerged, though, there’s no denying her. Fly Or Die was primarily recorded with a quartet that features cellist Tomeka Reid, Ajemian on bass, and Chad Taylor on drums. Her playing is free and abstract, swirling around and wafting like a breeze through the storm created by the band. Taylor in particular never seems to let up on the groove, and Reid’s cello and Ajemian’s bass give the music an African/American throb like you hear on Julius Hemphill’s early albums Dogon A.D. and Coon Bid’ness. At times, extra instruments appear: a forcefully picked guitar serving as an interlude, or two cornets that join her for a foghorn-like brass trio segment. This isn’t just the best jazz album of the year, it’s one of the most amazing artistic statements I’ve heard in forever. An absolute must-hear." - Eric Mcdowell

Admission is $5. More appreciated. 

Ragtag Empire teaches lesson and organizes parties to celebrate swing dance, otherwise known as the Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop was created by young black teenagers in Harlem in the 1930's. Lindy Hop is danced with a partner to classic big band music, swampy New Orleans jazz , or even Motown. Ragtag encourages new dancers to choose to learn either leading or following (regardless of gender). No partner necessary. Our teaching & parties  put their arms around LGBQT+ love and identity, as well as all body types, abilities, and ages. Lindy Hop teaches body awareness, rhythm, improvisation, and social skills. Open to  those who are brand new or more experienced dancers! 

8-9PM Beginner and Intermediate Lessons (No partner necessary) 9-12AM Lindy Hop/ Soul  Dance Party with live music from Evan Cory Levine & his band

Facebook Event Link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/138659496808797/For more info:  Website: https://www.ragtagempire.com/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1671326509832471/

Insta: @Ragtag_empire 

Vision Driven Consulting has teamed up with The Rotunda to bring resources and capacity-building workshops to self-producing artists/musicians, arts organization staff, and event curators in all disciplines.

Workshops: 6-8pm at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia); all workshops in the series are FREE and OPEN to the public. Refreshments provided. No sign-up necessary.

Taxes for Artists (January 29)

Grant Writing – Beginner (February 12th at The Rotunda)

Grant Writing – Intermediate (March 12th at The Rotunda)

Real Budgeting for Real Work (April 9th at The Rotunda)

Event Planning (May 14th at The Rotunda)

Marketing (June 11th at The Rotunda)

Facilitator: LaNeshe White, Interactive Mechanics & Theatre in the X

Crowdfunding 101 (September 10th at The Rotunda)

Creating an Artists Statement (September 24th at The Rotunda)

Setting & Measuring Goals (October 8th at The Rotunda)