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
5/10/2025
Deeply Root Tours - Sponsored by: Harriett's Bookshop
10:30am
258 E. Girard Ave
Event Details
5/10/2025
Deeply Root Tours - Sponsored by: Harriett's Bookshop
Sounds Bowls played by Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith.
10:30am
258 E. Girard Ave
5/16/2025
Group Motion Session
8pm
-
10pm
Community Education Center 3500 Lancaster Avenue,Philadlphia 19104
Event Details
5/16/2025
Group Motion Session
The Group Motion Workshop is a guided process of dance/movement improvisation with live music that originated as a practice by Brigitta Herr...
8pm
-
10pm
Community Education Center 3500 Lancaster Avenue,Philadlphia 19104
5/17/2025
Cherry Hill African American Civic Association
2pm
-
4pm
Cherry Hill Public Library 1100 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Event Details
5/17/2025
Cherry Hill African American Civic Association
Scholarship reception, Drumming & Conversations around the drums and our legacy.
2pm
-
4pm
Cherry Hill Public Library 1100 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
5/31/2025
Tribute to George Floyd at the Nile Cafe
2pm
-
4pm
6800 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 9144
Event Details
5/31/2025
Tribute to George Floyd at the Nile Cafe
Celebration and honor of life of George Floyd. This performance will be in collaboration with the Denise King Trio.
2pm
-
4pm
6800 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 9144
06/05/2025
Hustler of Culture Open Mic Jam
8pm
-
11pm
Kanvas Event Center 3870 Lancaster Ave 19104
06/05/2025
Hustler of Culture Open Mic Jam
8pm
-
11pm
Kanvas Event Center 3870 Lancaster Ave 19104
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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