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
06/17/2025
First Up Anti-Bias Education Family Workshop
5pm
-
7pm
The Lovett Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue near Sedgwick Ave in Mt. Airy.
Event Details
06/17/2025
First Up Anti-Bias Education Family Workshop
First Up Anti-Bias Education Family Workshop, featured Guest: Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith leading drumming workshop.
5pm
-
7pm
The Lovett Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue near Sedgwick Ave in Mt. Airy.
06/18/2025
WURD Radio 900 AM, Reality Talk Program
10:45am -10:55am
LIVE RADIO
06/18/2025
WURD Radio 900 AM, Reality Talk Program
10:45am -10:55am
LIVE RADIO
06/19/2025
Juneteenth Block Party
12
-
2pm
6144 Germantown Avenue 19144 with the Karen Smith Experience
Event Details
06/19/2025
Juneteenth Block Party
Juneteenth Block Party for the Poinciana Montessori School
12
-
2pm
6144 Germantown Avenue 19144 with the Karen Smith Experience
06/19/2025
Black Music City Juneteenth Celebration & Grantees Presentations
5pm
-
9pm
World Cafe Live 3025 Walnut Street Philadelphia (Time to be announced))
06/19/2025
Black Music City Juneteenth Celebration & Grantees Presentations
5pm
-
9pm
World Cafe Live 3025 Walnut Street Philadelphia (Time to be announced))
06/20/2025
The Karen Smith Experience
6pm
-
8pm
Cedar Park Friday Night Jazz 50th and Baltimore Ave
06/20/2025
The Karen Smith Experience
6pm
-
8pm
Cedar Park Friday Night Jazz 50th and Baltimore Ave
More Events
Share your experience with Karen Smith!
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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