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
3/16/2025
WURD Radio Interview
6pm
https://wurdradio.com/
Event Details
3/16/2025
WURD Radio Interview
Karen joins Nashid Furaha-Ali on the Sankofa Village Unity Hour
6pm
https://wurdradio.com/
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
5/3/2025
I Beat The Devil Running
6pm
-
9pm
Vox Populi, 319 North 11th Street; 3rd Floor; Philadelphia PA 19107
Event Details
5/3/2025
I Beat The Devil Running
A play by Karen Smith.
"When clergy is honored as a God, all Hell really does break loose." This new production, "I beat the devil running.....
6pm
-
9pm
Vox Populi, 319 North 11th Street; 3rd Floor; Philadelphia PA 19107
6/7/2025
Color Them Father
TBA
TBA
Event Details
6/7/2025
Color Them Father
We invite you to this tribute to parenthood, and more!
TBA
TBA
Stay tuned for more updates!
Event Details
Stay tuned for more updates!
This website is updated regularly, so please check in frequently for newly added 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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