Karen Smith
Illuminate The Arts Grantee & Pew Fellow "Possible is possible!"
“My drum is a spiritual connection to the African ancestors and to the world around me."
“My drum is a spiritual connection to the African ancestors and to the world around me."
Karen Smith is the proud recipient of the 2023 Pew Fellowship grant. https://www.pewcenterarts.org/2023grants
A New York Native/Philadelphia Transplant, Karen is a percussionist, playwright, director, producer, and poet. She is also the founder and leader of two musical collectives: The Karen Smith Experience, and Sistahs Laying Down Hands (SLDH).
"I create spaces where other artists can join in a spirit of trust and improvisation.”
For more than 10 years Karen Smith has been taking her drums on the road with her movement, Have Drums Will Travel Immediately. She has provided rhythms for projects in the Delaware Valley Tri-state area, and also in Alabama, Houston, Atlanta, and Jamaica, West Indies. She also performed at the United States Human Rights Network Conference. Karen captures "the rhythm of a place and the cadences of people.” The beat continues wherever the movement may take her!
Karen Smith curates artistic projects, hosts private drumming lessons, provides musical backgrounds, plays at festivals, and especially loves collaborations!
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Please be advised, in case of inclement weather, this will be rescheduled.
Chestnut Hill Library 8711 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Special appearance, The Karen Smith Experience.
Chestnut Hill Library 8711 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Between Broad and 19th Sts on the Westside of Walnut St.
Special appearance, The Karen Smith Experience duo
Between Broad and 19th Sts on the Westside of Walnut St.
Fallser Club in East Falls 3721 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Fallser Club in East Falls 3721 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Road in Elkins Park PA
Special appearance, The Karen Smith Experience.
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Road in Elkins Park PA
Young American Hard Cider Tasting Room in Germantown, 6350 Germantown Avenue, Phila 19144.
Featuring Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith performing poetry and drumming,
Young American Hard Cider Tasting Room in Germantown, 6350 Germantown Avenue, Phila 19144.
for inquiries about Karen Smith and her rhythmic energy, drumming performances, and more!
We will get back to you soon!
PO Box 29734 Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
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