Real talk at breakfast, PHeaSting with PHS, and celebrating Philly spirit this weekend

We did it, Philly! We saved America! If you’re still buzzing over the spirit of this past weekend, then you’re in luck. This week’s batch of weekend happenings is rich with celebration in the way that Philly does it: honoring theater, the arts, food culture, and more.

I’m honored we played a huge hand in the election, but there’s plenty of work to do. Spend this weekend recharging, getting back in touch with the arts scene, and considering deeply what our next steps are.

Be safe, wear a mask, keep your bubble as small as you can, and take care of yourself as we continue the fight for four years and beyond.

Examining the life of Malcolm X

Tamara Payne’s father, the late Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, went on a 30-year pursuit to write the most comprehensive biography of Malcolm X. He never finished it, passing away in 2018. Tamara Payne completed the work, and the National Book Award finalist joins veteran journalist and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists Sarah Glover and the Free Library of Philadelphia for a discussion on the book. Tune in on Thursday, November 12 at 7:30pm, and be sure to pick up a copy of the book, The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X.

Keeping it real with breakfast

If there’s anything I’ve learned in 2020 is that self-care is integral. Self-care can happen in a variety of ways, and it can happen in the kitchen. Philadelphia Contemporary is launching a new video series titled Talking Breakfast, highlighting artists from Philly and beyond into the kitchen for “a generous helping of real talk about nourishing both body and spirit.” This week’s edition features filmmaker and artist Rashid Zakat. The weekly episodes premiere every Thursday online (the website isn't live until the premiere of the first episode) and on Instagram.

PHeaSting on life

Let’s continue the food theme here! The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) is having its annual Harvest Party, a virtual celebration of good food, gardening, culture, and family, on Friday, November 13 at 6:30pm. Join the chef and owner of Suraya and Cafe La Maude Nathalie Richan as she prepares a menu based on her Lebanese grandmother’s traditional recipes that she learned growing up in Beirut. Proceeds support PHS’s efforts for investing in community gardens, transforming vacant land, and beautifying public spaces. Cook up a grassroots storm and RSVP online.

Let’s hear it for the poll workers

Remember that time Philly saved America on Election Week? What a time that was. To celebrate, the Philadelphia Orchestra is hosting a free online concert to honor poll workers and ballot counters on Friday, November 13 at 12pm. Tune in online and on Facebook.

An American Ghost Story

Temple Theaters is hosting an online musical theater performance, IRON JOHN: An American Ghost Story, this weekend on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14 at 7:30pm. The new musical tells the story of a love triangle that ended in an act of racial violence in Good, Alabama 100 years ago. RSVP to the free show online.

City-wide Virtual Dance Party

If you still haven’t cut enough rug yet, Dance On Philly is a virtual dance party coming up on Saturday, November 14 at 6pm through midnight. Join in for a family-friendly night of dancing with DJs, performers, and artists from the area. Proceeds will benefit Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly. Find out more online.

Party with Paper Doll

Party-time isn’t over, apparently. Paper Doll Ensemble is taking its annual yearly bash to the virtual stage on Saturday, November 14 at 7pm. Catch never-before-seen content from their summer workshop, see deleted scenes from their run of Marry, Marry, Quite Contrary, magic by Lindsey Noel, and more, all hosted by drag star Miss Elaine. It’s free to RSVP, too.

Celebrating Philly theater in 2020

The Barrymore Awards ceremony isn’t happening this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Philadelphia theater. On Monday, November 16 at 7pm, Theatre Philadelphia will present Theatre Philadelphia: A Celebration, which will replace the Barrymores this year. The hour-long event will look back at the year’s theater, announce awards to organizations and artists, and more. Local theater artists Jenna Kuerzi and Newton Buchanan will host, along with Theatre Philadelphia’s new executive director LaNeshe Miller-White introducing. Participants can hang around after the event in virtual breakout rooms and interact, too. Grab your tickets online.

Image Description: Artist Rashid Zakat sits in his kitchen with what looks like a journal on his desk by his laptop and coffee mug. He's holding an open book, reading from it. A vase of flowers sits in the foreground. He's dressed in a colorful robe and shirt. The room is brightly lit.