Penn Museum’s 23rd Annual Celebration of African Cultures

African music and dance, storytelling, art and artifacts, crafts, games, and cuisine take center stage as the Penn Museum presents the 23rd annual Celebration of African Cultures. The event features a mix of acclaimed local artists including storyteller Sarai Abdul-Malik, master percussionist Paul (Abba) Lucas, dance instructor Cachet Ivey, drum and dance teachers from ODUNDE 365, and percussionists of the Women’s Sekere Ensemble. 

The afternoon is free with Museum admission donation.

Sarai Abdul-Malik weaves together traditional and original folk tales with universal truths rooted in African American history during 1:15 and 3:00 pm performances. Ms. Abdul-Malik’s blend of storytelling transports guests from Philadelphia to West Africa, to the George Sea Islands, and back again.

African drumming is a big part of the day as guests can learn basic techniques in two separate workshops. At 1:45 pm Paul (Abba) Lucas performs a traditional drumming demonstration entitled “Come Experience the Rhythm Within,” then invites the audience to take part in a workshop. ODUNDE 365 dance and drum instructors offer a drumming workshop sampling Nigerian and Ghanaian drumming techniques at 2:15 pm. Attendees can learn some dance steps too! Drums are provided in both workshops and participants are also free to bring their own drums.

At 3:30 pm, Mr. Lucas and instructor Cachet Ivey lead a dance workshop called “Dance to the Beat—You’ve Got to Move Your Feet” and spin African tales (and participants) to the beat of a drum. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

• 1:00 pm -- Women’s Sekere Ensemble
• 1:15 pm -- Storytelling with Sarai Abdul-Malik
• 1:45 pm -- Come Experience the Rhythm Within Drumming Demo and Workshop
• 2:15 pm -- ODUNDE 365 Drumming Workshop
• 3:00 pm -- Storytelling with Sarai Abdul-Malik
• 2:30 pm -- Women’s Sekere Ensemble
• 3:30 pm -- Dance to the Beat—You’ve Got to Move Your Feet Dance Workshop

ADMISSION

• Adults -- $12
• Seniors [65+] and military personnel -- $10
• Full-time students [with ID] and children [6-17] -- $8
• Museum members, children under 6 and PennCard holders -- Free