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
7/10/2025-7/13/2025
July Conference Criminal Justice Reform Interfaith Retreat
Pendle Hill in Wallingford PA
Event Details
7/10/2025-7/13/2025
July Conference Criminal Justice Reform Interfaith Retreat
The Karen Smith Drums, July 10-12th, at Pendle Hill in Wallingford PA
Pendle Hill in Wallingford PA
7/18/2025
Mandela Fellowships
4:30PM
Olive Street Playground 39th & Olive Street
Event Details
7/18/2025
Mandela Fellowships
Karen Smith Drums welcomes the Mandela Fellowships to Philadelphia
4:30PM
Olive Street Playground 39th & Olive Street
7/30/2025
Tamara Anderson Trio at the Imperfect Gallery
7pm
-
9pm
Germantown,PA
7/30/2025
Tamara Anderson Trio at the Imperfect Gallery
7pm
-
9pm
Germantown,PA
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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