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!
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broadcast on PhillyCAM Channel 1
PhillyCam Presents: The Fullest Moon of Sonia Film Project curated by Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith Every Friday in September
broadcast on PhillyCAM Channel 1
Philadelphia International Airport
As part of PHL's commitment to host the Airports Council International-North America's Annual Conference
Philadelphia International Airport
Andre Thornton Park 55 N. Main Street Phoenixville, Pa
with Special Guest Speaker, Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith on "Black August"
Andre Thornton Park 55 N. Main Street Phoenixville, Pa
Violets in Bloom 7906 High School Road Elkins Parks Pa 19027
Drumming Circle lead by Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith
Violets in Bloom 7906 High School Road Elkins Parks Pa 19027
Germantown Mennonite Church 21 W Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Featuring Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith at 6 pm.
Germantown Mennonite Church 21 W Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
for inquiries about Karen Smith and her rhythmic energy, drumming performances, and more!
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PO Box 29734 Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
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