Karen Smith
2024 Illuminate The Arts Grantee & 2023 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 a 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!
As part of Anula Shetty’s Philly Daydreams: Stories In Transit, percussionist, Karen Smith shares the world she imagines in her Philly Daydream while riding the Broad Street Subway, against the background of the soothing, meditative sounds of her tongue drum.
Sign up to hear from us about upcoming shows and events.
Please be advised, in case of inclement weather, this will be rescheduled.
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Rd Elkins Park, Pa;
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Rd Elkins Park, Pa;
Strawberry Mansion Learning Center- 2946 W. Dauphin St
Strawberry Mansion Learning Center- 2946 W. Dauphin St
Cecil B Moore Library 2320 Cecil B Moore Avenue
With Karen Smith Drum Ensemble
Cecil B Moore Library 2320 Cecil B Moore Avenue
Lucien Blackwell Rec Center 761 N 47th St Phila PA
Karen Smith Drum Ensemble performance time: 3-4pm
Lucien Blackwell Rec Center 761 N 47th St Phila PA
4027 Ridge Avenue Phila Pa
Performance time: 5pm-6pm
4027 Ridge Avenue Phila Pa
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.