This event is presented by International House of Philadelphia, produced by cinéSPEAK, and in partnership with The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (happening November 7-17!).

Event Flow:6:00 PM – Doors & Community Celebration —enjoy light food and mix and mingle with your IHP community and our program partners6:45 PM – Welcome Remarks & Film Intro —facilitated by Bedatri D. Choudhury, cultural journalist, the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Philadelphia Inquirer and board member of cinéSPEAK.7 – 9:30 PM – Film Screening & Community Conversation: Monkey Man —Stay for a post-screening talkback facilitated by Bedatri D. Choudhury

ABOUT THE FILM:

Monkey Man

Director Dev Patel / US, Canada, Singapore & India / 2024 / 2hr 1 min / English

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Kid is an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club. There, night after night, he wears a gorilla mask and is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Admission is $5-$10 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Please purchase tickets HERE

JOIN US FOR A PATCHWORK OF STORIES FOR GROWN UPS

Patchwork Storytelling Guild presents a brand-new fringe fest showcase, A Patchwork of Stories for Grown Ups, honoring the oral tradition and artistry of storytelling. Tickets are PWYC.  Suggested: $15. Recommended for ages 13 through adult audiences.  Light refreshments available. 

Patchwork is celebrating the art of storytelling, elevating voices from novice to seasoned professional, and bringing a vibrant mix of styles, tales, and emotional depth to the stage with boundless enthusiasm and great anticipation!

Tellers include (in alphabetical order):  Michele Belluomini, Blinky Comix, Tiffani Dean, Renee Khadijah, Maria LoBiondo, Denise McCormack, Mary Ann Paterniti, Greg Snow, Christina Sturgis, and Nancy Taylor. 

According to McCormack, president of the guild and MC for the show,

“A Patchwork of Stories for Grown Ups is a favorite event for Patchwork, a vehicle to promote this incredibly important pastime and integral elevation of a way of life, of being human, of celebrating our human experiences with aplomb. 

Storytelling, at its core, is a grand experiment, and it really captures the true essence of the fringe! It’s exciting!”

This program is sure to delight story-lovers everywhere, and we encourage everyone to come hear some really great stories!

Admission is pay-what-you-can; suggested donation is $15 but no one will be turned away. Registration is recommended. Please register HERE

Caminé, caminé,y caminé, pero nunca llegué…Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac

Theater, Music, Visual Arts, Immersive/Interactive Experience

 Spanish language version!The story, originally written for the stage by Veronica Mercedes Ponce De Leon & Francisco Javier Carbajal, follows the abridged life of a young Mexican punk rocker who seeks to find new opportunities across the Tijuana, Mexico border. Confusion and tragedy ensues which results in our protagonist being lost in the Mexicali desert. The cast is made up of members of the community that supports Ollin Yoliztlin Calmecac in their ultimate goal of proliferating Mexicayotl cultural programming throughout the greater Philadelphia area. This event will also feature a showing of the Documentary "¿Y nosotros que?" Which will play as people arrive, take their seats, and enjoy some of the free food that will be provided. This film similarly follows the story of immigrants in the city that have been faced with adversity and left behind by their governments in the wake of the pandemic.

This free event is wheelchair accessible, family friendly and part of The Fringe Arts Festival network of shows and events. Taking place at The Rotunda, West Philadelphia, 4014 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 - Tues. September 10th & 17th, 2024 at 6:30pm.

Admission is FREE but advance registration helps us know how many people to expect. Please register HERE. Please note that the showtime is currently incorrect on the Fringe website. The correct time is 6:30pm. We are working with the Fringe to correct this. 

Delve into "Woven Worlds: Traditional Tales and Personal Threads" with Denise McCormack at The Philadelphia Fringe Festival!

Renowned storyteller and performance artist Denise McCormack invites you to delve into "Woven Worlds: Traditional Tales and Personal Threads," a thought-provoking and captivating solo show. Tickets are PWYC. Suggested: $15/pp

In "Woven Worlds," Denise McCormack masterfully intertwines ancient folktales with personal insights, creating a rich tapestry of stories that resonate deeply with modern audiences. This performance offers a unique journey into storytelling, where traditional wisdom meets contemporary reflection.

"I believe that stories have the power to connect us to our shared humanity," says McCormack. "In 'Woven Worlds,' I explore the threads that bind us together, drawing from both timeless tales and my own life experiences."

Having performed at respected venues such as the National Storytellers Network conferences, NJ Storytelling Festival, and NYC's Artists Without Borders, Denise McCormack's storytelling prowess is well-known and highly regarded. Her engaging performances have captivated audiences far and wide, and "Woven Worlds" promises to be a highlight of this year's fringe festival.

About the Artist: 

Denise McCormack is a celebrated storyteller and performance artist, renowned for her ability to bring narratives to life on stage. With a captivating presence and a talent for weaving engaging tales, Denise has enchanted audiences at local, regional, and national venues, including the National Storytellers Network conferences, NJ Storytelling Festival, Philadelphia's main stages, and NYC's Artists Without Borders. Her performances are characterized by a deep understanding of her craft, compelling character portrayals, and an intuitive connection with her audience.

In addition to her performance work, Denise plays a vital role in the storytelling community. She has served as the past liaison for the National Storytelling Network, president of Patchwork: A Storytelling Guild, chair of the NJ Storytelling Festival, and coordinator of the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild Family Storytelling Series. Her leadership and dedication have helped foster a vibrant storytelling culture, encouraging new voices and preserving the art of oral tradition.

Denise’s storytelling extends beyond the stage; she offers workshops and coaching sessions on the practice and craft of storytelling and public speaking. Her sessions are known for their lively, insightful approach, helping participants unlock their storytelling potential and improve their communication skills.

With a background in English and TESOL, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Denise brings a rich educational perspective to her storytelling. Her passion for narrative, combined with her performance skills, makes her a compelling and influential figure in the world of storytelling.

Admission is pay-what-you-can; suggested donation is $15 per person. Advance tickets are recommended. Please reserve HERE

Caminé, caminé,y caminé, pero nunca llegué…Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac

Theater, Music, Visual Arts, Immersive/Interactive ExperienceEnglish language version!

 The story, originally written for the stage by Veronica Mercedes Ponce De Leon & Francisco Javier Carbajal, follows the abridged life of a young Mexican punk rocker who seeks to find new opportunities across the Tijuana, Mexico border. Confusion and tragedy ensues which results in our protagonist being lost in the Mexicali desert. The cast is made up of members of the community that supports Ollin Yoliztlin Calmecac in their ultimate goal of proliferating Mexicayotl cultural programming throughout the greater Philadelphia area. This event will also feature a showing of the Documentary "¿Y nosotros que?" Which will play as people arrive, take their seats, and enjoy some of the free food that will be provided. This film similarly follows the story of immigrants in the city that have been faced with adversity and left behind by their governments in the wake of the pandemic.

This free event is wheelchair accessible, family friendly and part of The Fringe Arts Festival network of shows and events. Taking place at The Rotunda, West Philadelphia, 4014 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 - Tues. September 10th & 17th, 2024 at 6:30pm.

Admission is FREE but advance registration helps us know how many people to expect. Please register HERE. Please note that the showtime is currently incorrect on the Fringe website. The correct time is 6:30pm. We are working with the Fringe to correct this. 

Grab-Bag IonescoNight Hawks Theater // William Burrison

Theater, Immersive/Interactive Experience, Spoken Word & Storytelling

Find one bag (all with something pertaining to Playwright Eugene Ionesco), in the nooks, crannies, or more obvious Fringe spaces of the Rotunda. If you find a bag in time...Then you get a prize! Or actors will interpret whatever you find.

About the Artist: William Morris Burrison is a three time Pennsylvania Arts Council fellowship recipient for playwriting. Burrison has worked as a community newspaper journalist for the University City Review and its Center City "Free Press" edition. His poetry has been published in the Overbrook Poets "MORE VOICES IN THE STREAM, " Volume II. He is still working on a short story collection, unpublished, entitled "IN UNIVERSITY CITY."

Performances on Thursday September 19 at 7pm and Sunday September 22 at 7:30pmAdmission is $10. Advance tickets can be purchased HERE

Honoring Philadelphia's Street Art Pioneers6pm-9pm

On September 20th, the iconic Cornbread, also known as Darryl McCray, will host the 2nd Annual Pioneers of Philly Street Art award ceremony, famously known as “The Cornbread Achievement Awards.” This prestigious event promises an evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to meet Philly’s Original Graffiti Legends, who will be making special appearances at the ceremony. This ceremony will shine a spotlight on the trailblazers of Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene. These individuals have not only shaped the landscape of Philadelphia's street art but have also inspired countless artists and enthusiasts.

Nominees For This Year’s Awards Include:

Dr. Cool (Dr. Cool No. 1): A revered Street Art pioneer.

Sarah McCorriston: A visionary behind Paradigm Art Gallery.

DJ Too Tuff: A Philly legend of the world famous Tuff Crew whose influence extends beyond the

turntables.

Mutt: An airbrush artist and pioneer whose works have left an indelible mark.

Sank The Graffiti Ambassador: Celebrated for his contributions to Street Art culture.

Leon Rainbow: Jersey Fresh curator and artist in Trenton, NJ who combines street art & other

artistic forms into innovative projects and events.

Snapkrackart: Philadelphia Multi media Street Artists & Photographer.

Dan Mason: A Tattoo Artist who creates illustrative, eccentric subject matters & geometric

designs

Montrelle Douglas: Artist & Guest Speakers

James Burns: Artists with the Philadelphia Mural Arts

Rambo Rame: A legendary Street Artist & Muralist

Distinguished Guest Speakers Include:

Zakaariyah Hardin: Executive Director of The Hip Hop Foundation, known for his dedication to

preserving and promoting hip hop culture.

Ogbonna Hagins: Former editor of Philly Word Magazine and a prominent local political leader,

who has championed the arts and community engagement.

Rambo Rame: A legendary Street Artist whose works have become emblematic of the city’s

artistic spirit.

Dan One: Acclaimed Street Artists and muralist

Roz Fulton: creator of Direction & Exposure Access

Zee Jones

Celebrating Hip Hop Culture

This award ceremony is not just about honoring individuals but also about recognizing the broader cultural significance of hip hop’s artistic elements. From Street Art to DJing, these art forms have given voice to the marginalized and have fostered a sense of community and identity. By celebrating these pioneers, we inspire the next generation to explore their creativity and learn from Philadelphia’s rich hip hop history and roots. Understanding and appreciating this history is crucial for the younger generation. It allows them to grow within the culture, drawing inspiration from the past to innovate for the future. The Cornbread Street Art Achievement Awards serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the legacy of Philadelphia’s hip hop and street art pioneers continues to inspire and flourish.

Join us for an evening of celebration, history, and inspiration at The Rotunda on Friday, September 20th Witness the honoring of those who have shaped Philadelphia’s artistic landscape and be part of a movement that continues to inspire and uplift.

Sponsors And Supporters:

This event is generously sponsored by The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Graffiti For Good, and Cornbread The Legend.

The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Founded in 1984, this program has transformed the city into an expansive canvas, with over 4,000 murals created to date. It stands as the nation's largest public art initiative, fostering community engagement and artistic expression. Cornbread’s journey began in the late 1960s when he started tagging walls to get the attention of a girl. His audacity and creativity sparked a movement that spread from Philadelphia to cities around the world. Today, Cornbread is celebrated as a pioneer who elevated graffiti from vandalism to a respected art form. 

Admission is FREE

CIRCLE D PRODUCTIONS, LLC presents FLUX CAPACITOR & THE ADVENTURES OF MATTE BLACKDoors at 7pm. Show at 8pm. 

Flux Capacitor

Pete, Jason, and Mike Specht were born and raised (literally) as a power trio. The Specht brothers’ intuitive dynamics are the engine of Flux Capacitor’s progressive, psychedelic rock sound. Steady regional touring, emanating from their Reading, and Philly PA home base earned the band broader recognition, ultimately landing them on festivals like Bonnaroo, Peach Fest, Wormtown Music Festival, Domefest, and Werk-Out West. Flux Capacitor’s melding of varied rock idioms with elements of electronica - in the context of fluid improvisation - and an ear for melody and song structure made them a perfect fit for headlining spots at festivals and support for others who share a musical and cultural aesthetic with Flux Capacitor and their steadily growing fan base. With four full-length albums, a live album from their famed Bonnaroo set, and three singles under their belt, Flux is a live experience you should not miss. More info

The Adventures of Matte Black

is a Factory Western, Gothic Americana, Steampunk, Folk Rock band led by Madison Gerish & Daniel Skinner, featuring a rotating line-up of their intrepid traveling friends. More info

Admission: Advance – $20.00, Day of Show $25.00 Tickets and more info at https://www.circledconcerts.com/events/flux-mb

Grab-Bag IonescoNight Hawks Theater // William Burrison

Theater, Immersive/Interactive Experience, Spoken Word & Storytelling

Find one bag (all with something pertaining to Playwright Eugene Ionesco), in the nooks, crannies, or more obvious Fringe spaces of the Rotunda. If you find a bag in time...Then you get a prize! Or actors will interpret whatever you find.

About the Artist: William Morris Burrison is a three time Pennsylvania Arts Council fellowship recipient for playwriting. Burrison has worked as a community newspaper journalist for the University City Review and its Center City "Free Press" edition. His poetry has been published in the Overbrook Poets "MORE VOICES IN THE STREAM, " Volume II. He is still working on a short story collection, unpublished, entitled "IN UNIVERSITY CITY."

Performances on Thursday September 19 at 7pm and Sunday September 22 at 7:30pmAdmission is $10. Advance tickets can be purchased HERE

 We want you all: published poets, unpublished poets, academic poets, street poets, poets who write Sonnet, Villanelle, Haiku, Ekphrastic Poems, Concrete Poems, Epitaph, Elegy, Epigram, Limerick, Ballad,  Ode, Free Verse. Join us for our 28th year of presenting 100 poets reading in alphabetical order. Admission is FREE