Events calendar

Drumline Live

Merriam Theater

Friday-Saturday

The energy, rhythm, and musicality of the Historically Black College and University marching bands hit center stage at the Merriam Theater. Call (215) 893-1999 or visit kimmelcenter.org.

Center City District Restaurant Week

Various locations

Jan. 12-24

Select restaurants in the Center City District will offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person, and three-course lunches for $20 per guest. ccdrestaurantweek.com.

We Shall Overcome

Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theatre

Jan. 17

Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. King, We Shall Overcome features repertoire from across the African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders. Led by the talented Damien Sneed, this performance weaves spoken word from Dr. King’s speeches with a musical lineage of gospel, jazz, classical and Broadway to reinvigorate and inspire future generations.

Old School Dance Party

Moshulu

Jan. 17

The Freedom Party NYC, the longest-running old-school dance party in NYC, is coming to Philadelphia. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Herbert Holler spins all your favorite hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, rock, and pop hits from the 70s through today. Tickets are necessary for the event. Visit tinyurl.com/freedom117.

Snoop Dogg I Wanna Thank Me Tour

The Fillmore

Jan. 18

After bursting on the scene in 1992, Snoop was crowned the king of the West Coast and single-handedly put long beach on the map in terms of hip hop. Gritty lyrics and unmatched charisma made him a superstar. From his first album to having a show with Martha Stewart, Snoop will always be recognized and loved by all ages- from grandmothers to grandchildren and everyone in between.

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

Jan. 18

Philadelphia Clef Club of

Jazz and Performing Arts

The PNC Arts Alive “Jazz Cultural Voices” will kick off the New Year with steel pan drummer Jonathan Scales and Fourchestra. Appearing with Fourchestra will be Philadelphia’s own steel pan aggregation Trinidelphia. The concert will be from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are necessary for the event. Call (215) 893-9912.

All-Stars of Hip Hop

Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City

Jan. 19

This concert will celebrate the origin of hip-hop music through some of hip-hop’s legendary artists. Performers will include KRS One, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Eric B and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, Sugar Hill Gang and the Furious Five, Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Dana Dane, Monie Love, Kwame, Three Times Dope, Tuff Crew, Tracey Lee and Schoolly D. Visit ticketmaster.com.

Ray On My Mind: The Ray Charles Story

Keswick Theatre

Jan. 19

Portraying Ray Charles, master pianist/vocalist Kenny Brawner leads his 12 piece orchestra through this American legend most popular hits. The music is interwoven with monologues depicting how gospel, blues, jazz, and country influenced Ray’s style, while also reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home to Georgia. Call (215) 572-7650.

30 Americans

The Barnes Foundation

Now-Jan. 12

The Barnes Foundation showcases painting, sculpture and photography by important and influential African-American artists of the past three decades. Call (215) 278-7200 or visit barnesfoundation.org.

In Conversation: Visual Meditations on Black Masculinity

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Through March 1, 2020

In Conversation: Visual Meditations on Black Masculinity is a two-gallery exhibition of photography that explores the construct of Black masculinity, through the lenses of 55 women and non-binary photographers of African descent. Through an array of photographic genres including documentary, fashion, portraiture and conceptual, these image makers share interpretations, observations and their own experiences concerning the notions of Black men, masculinity, sexuality and gender identity. Call (215) 574-0380 or go to www.aampmuseum.org.

Thurgood

Walnut Street Theater

Jan. 7-Feb. 9

In the acclaimed Broadway play Thurgood, you have a seat at a fictional lecture on his life given by Marshall at his alma mater, and experience his transformation from a young and spirited dissenter to a pensive Justice full of wisdom. From his early days as the civil rights lawyer to his appointment to the highest court in the land. Call (215) 574-3550.

My General Tubman

Arden Theater

Jan. 16-March 1

A world premiere by acclaimed Philadelphia playwright Lorene Cary “My General Tubman” is a beautiful and exciting new play about the complex journey of Harriet Tubman and the impact she continues to have today. Call (215) 922-1122.