Black Heritage Festival

Philadelphia Weekly
May 23, 2007

A-List

Souled out

Philadelphia Black Heritage Festival

Thurs., May 24–Sun., May 27, various times and prices. Clark Park, 43rd St. and Baltimore Ave.; Enterprise Center, 46th and Market sts. www.soul-patrol.com

The Philadelphia Black Heritage Festival presents a musical melange of funk, soul, jazz and neo-soul to attract young and old.

Philadelphia’s ambassadors of soul the Delfonics perform alongside legendary acts the Chi-Lites and the Persuaders in Clark Park. Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun fame promises to get down, and former Miles Davis bassist Michael Henderson mans the low end of the charts.

Bangin’ music aside, this weekend-long event is all about education and organization. Friday night the Enterprise Center hosts a film festival, and panel discussions dominate Sunday’s schedule, featuring nationally recognized pundits, authors and a roundtable session hosted by staff members of Stax Records.

Come for the music; stay for the knowledge. Bring the kids too—especially if they can rock the double dutch or are sidewalk-chalk Picassos. (Joshua Valocchi)