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 "Magic Fingaz" Smith, Percussionist, Playwright, Director, Poet, Producer, Teaching Artist, Curator
A New York Native and Philadelphia Transplant, Karen has been one of the most sought after artists in the area! Smith has performed and collaborated with many individual artists and art organizations providing rhythms, sounds and high energetic percussion to many platforms, in and outside the areas. She has received a number of grants including: Leeway Foundation, Illuminate the Arts, The Pew Fellowship and The 2025 Black Music City Grant for her film project dedicated to Sista Sonia Sanchez's 2004 CD, Full Moon of Sonia. Founder of her own two groups: The Karen Smith Drums Ensemble and the Karen Smith Experience!!
"I create spaces where other artists can join in, feeling 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!
What's something exciting your business offers? Say it here.
Sign up to hear from us about upcoming shows and events.
Scribe Radio 88.1 FM and online
with Hosts Karen and Renee and Special guest interview with Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith
Scribe Radio 88.1 FM and online
Outside Ultra SIlk Gallery 39th and Lancaster Ave
Featuring Karen Smith Drums Duo
Outside Ultra SIlk Gallery 39th and Lancaster Ave
The Church of Annunciation 325 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia, Pa 19119
with Special Guest, Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith providing rhythms
The Church of Annunciation 325 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia, Pa 19119
Ultra Silk Gallery 3859 Lancaster Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sneak Preview for the Fullest Moon of Sonia and reception
Ultra Silk Gallery 3859 Lancaster Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104
1400 Block of North 13th St Philadephia
Featuring Karen Smith Drums Ensemble Performance Time 1pm
1400 Block of North 13th St Philadephia
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
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.