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."
About Karen
About the Artist
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.”
The Movement
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!
Cultural Events
Karen Smith curates artistic projects, hosts private drumming lessons, provides musical backgrounds, plays at festivals, and especially loves collaborations!
Video
Here's a segment of Karen's interview with Teyanna Stone of Imagine Stone Productions, on being a multi-faceted artist. See full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvdL0xYSCkY
Philly Daydreams: Stories In Transit - Karen Smith
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.
Gallery
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E V E N T S
4/3/2025
National Poetry Month Kick Off
5pm
-
7pm
3805 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Event Details
4/3/2025
National Poetry Month Kick Off
Featuring Nzadi Keita and Friends at Kelly Writers House on Penn's Campus
5pm
-
7pm
3805 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104
4/5/2025
Equinox Celebration
11am
-
4pm
Bartram Gardens, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Event Details
4/5/2025
Equinox Celebration
We invite you to join our Spring Equinox celebration, a joyous event marking the arrival of spring when we gather to honor the balance of da...
11am
-
4pm
Bartram Gardens, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
4/6/2025
Center City District Jazz Appreciation Month Kick Off
12:30pm
-
2:30pm
1623 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Event Details
4/6/2025
Center City District Jazz Appreciation Month Kick Off
The Karen Smith Experience duo featuring Jacob Kelberman. Join us outside in front of Alma de Cuba restaurant
12:30pm
-
2:30pm
1623 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
4/7/2025
Staged reading Shakespeare Ant & Cleo
7pm
20 North American Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Event Details
4/7/2025
Staged reading Shakespeare Ant & Cleo
Staged reading Shakespeare Ant & Cleo presentation by Shakespeare in the Clark Park, Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre, will be provi...
7pm
20 North American Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
4/11/2025
Dream Here Now!!
7:30pm
229 South 45 Street, Philadelphia, PA
Event Details
4/11/2025
Dream Here Now!!
Abyssinia Upstairs with the Karen Smith Experience, Jason Killinger, Marshall James Kavanaugh and Ma Ja Ka.
7:30pm
229 South 45 Street, Philadelphia, PA
More Events
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Contact Us
for inquiries about Karen Smith and her rhythmic energy, drumming performances, and more!
We will get back to you soon!
Karen Smith Drums and More...
PO Box 29734 Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
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