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
4/22/2025
Solo Performance at Swarthmore College
7pm-9pm
500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081
Event Details
4/22/2025
Solo Performance at Swarthmore College
Hosted by the Black Cultural Cente
7pm-9pm
500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081
4/23/2025
Inspiration Station
5:30pm
The Rotunda 4014 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104
Event Details
4/23/2025
Inspiration Station
In collaboration with the Philadelphia Peace Initiative featuring a drumming circle by Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith.
5:30pm
The Rotunda 4014 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104
4/25/2025
Afro Jazz Collective
6pm
4300 Silverwood Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
4/25/2025
Afro Jazz Collective
6pm
4300 Silverwood Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
4/26/2025
A Tribute to Mama Sonia Sanchez
12pm
51 West Maplewood Mall Philadelphia, PA 19144
Event Details
4/26/2025
A Tribute to Mama Sonia Sanchez
"The Fullest Moon of Sonia" is a celebration of life tribute of the work of cultural icon Sonia Sanchez. Join us at ”D'Griot Philly Cafe. T...
12pm
51 West Maplewood Mall Philadelphia, PA 19144
4/26/2025
Afro Jazz Quartet
5:00pm
-
8:00pm
Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Event Details
4/26/2025
Afro Jazz Quartet
Springtime and music is in the air! Join us for an evening of community, music, and fun!
5:00pm
-
8:00pm
Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
More Events
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Contact Us
for inquiries about Karen Smith and her rhythmic energy, drumming performances, and more!
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Karen Smith Drums and More...
PO Box 29734 Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
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