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
2/1/25
Dan Blacksberg
TBA
The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA,
Event Details
2/1/25
Dan Blacksberg
Record release party.
TBA
The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA,
2/9/25
Monthly Drumming Circle
4pm
-
5pm
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Event Details
2/9/25
Monthly Drumming Circle
Join us every 2nd Sunday!
Come and explore the art of drumming within a circle of women. Connect to your heart and learn how to rhythmically ...
4pm
-
5pm
Violets in Bloom, 7906 High School Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
2/22/25
Black History Month Performance
2pm
-
3:30pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Event Details
2/22/25
Black History Month Performance
Performance and drumming circle
2pm
-
3:30pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
3/2/25
Sunday Service
10:30am
Glenside United Church of Christ, 2160 Wharton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038
Event Details
3/2/25
Sunday Service
If you are looking for a place to connect, worship, belong, where everyone is welcome and celebrated,
join us at Glenside UCC. This is a pla...
10:30am
Glenside United Church of Christ, 2160 Wharton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038
3/8/2025
Drumming Circle Every 2nd Saturday
2pm
-
3:30pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Event Details
3/8/2025
Drumming Circle Every 2nd Saturday
The Free Library's Music Department presents another season of percussion and drum workshops every second Saturday from March through May! T...
2pm
-
3:30pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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
Copyright © 2025 Karen Smith Drums and More... - All Rights Reserved.
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