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Soulful Sounds, Grief, coming OUT, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, October 9-15
Kyle V. Hiller
This week, Plays & Players takes a trip to the past and revisits the Harlem Renaissance with a performance by duo Acute Inflections. Then, Al-Bustan opens a new exhibition supporting relief in Palestine, and the Sisterly Love Collective brings the cookbooks and conversations to many tables throughout the next month. New Hope becomes a hotspot for LGBTQ+ History Month, and Inis Nua Theatre Company makes an arse of itself with the first entry of its 2025-26 Pop Up Play in a Pub series.
Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England
October 8-26
Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom Street
Inis Nua Theatre Company kicks off its 2025-26 Pop Up Play in a Pub series with Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England. The play follows diehard fan Billy who goes viral for an unforgettable stunt while celebrating England’s victory in the Euro Cup semifinals: he sticks a flare up his arse. What starts as a wild night of fandom spirals into questions of loyalty, masculinity, and belonging, as Billy falls in with a rowdier crowd with his mate Adam. Each ticket includes a savory pie and a pint of beer or glass of wine.
Anatomy of Grief
Thursday, October 9, 6-9pm
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery, 310 West Master Street
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture presents Anatomy of Grief: An Exhibition Fundraiser for Relief in Palestine by acclaimed Philly artist Tremain Smith. The opening reception is Thursday, and is a chance for collectors and community members to purchase her art work in direct support of relief efforts in Palestine.
Soulful Sounds in Philly
Sunday, October 12
Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street
NYC-based R&B duo Acute Inflections are coming to Philly to turn Plays & Players into a Harlem Renaissance revival with a contemporary twist. Bridging the gap between eras, from Billie Holiday to Erykah Badu, this Roaring 20s party also supports the Renaissance Youth Center, which provides music education to inner-city youth in the South Bronx.
Sisterly Love Collective’s Third Annual Cookbooks & Convos Series
October 12-November 10
Various locations
Sisterly Love Collective, an alliance of women restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs, will present the third annual Cookbooks & Convos series—which comes with 18 events with cookbook authors and food and drink personalities. Collaborative dinners, meet-and-greets, happy hours, and more will feature nationally acclaimed cookbook authors and personalities from Philly’s women-owned restaurants, bars, and businesses. The first event is Sunday, October 12 with Molly Yeh, star of Girl Meets Farm, as she celebrates her newest cookbook Sweet Farm!
OUT October in New Hope and Lambertville
Various dates and locations
New Hope Celebrates is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with several events happening throughout October. This week includes a kick off happy hour on October 9, a screening of Paris Is Burning, and a dance party. Other events in the month include Rocky Horror Picture Show, a drag cabaret, and a high heel drag race.
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