TAKE OFF YOUR COOL: POETRY, FOOD, AND FELLOWSHIP (IN PHILLY ON THE 4TH)

This event is brought to you by Before They Were Ancestors, Christopher K.P. Brown, and the creators of Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party. We invite all lovers of the arts to this Philadelphia based performance event on TUESDAY, July 4th, 2023. The first half will be dedicated to performances (poetry and music). The second half will be dedicated to food, fellowship, breathing, and enjoying nature.

In the first hour we will feature performances by Lindo Yes!, Saskia Kercy, and Karen Smith. Our spotlight poet will be Mary Mance. Your host for TAKE OFF YOUR COOL will be Christopher "KP" Brown.

All performances will take place indoors. Outdoors area (Nature Trail) will be available to walk throughout the event.

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What: Take Off Your Cool: Poetry, Food, and Fellowship

When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, 2-4PM

Where: The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA

Who: Lovers of poetry, music, nature, and Philly.

Why: Because you and your family deserve sun and positive vibes.

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

*Three Poetry Performances (Lindo Yes!, Saskia Kercy, Mary Mance)

*One Music Performance (Karen Smith & Friends with Master Jammin' Michael Blount)

*Custom Typed Poems (Dream Poet For Hire)

*Breathing Exercises & Chair Massage (Eyota Catori)

*Delicious Food For Purchase (Bao & Bun Studio) - Vegetarian Options Available

*Nature Trail & Ropes Course (The Discovery Center)

*Funky & Family Friendly Music (Playlist by N. Keys)

*Community Fellowship In Safe Space (Emotionally Safe, Physically Safe)

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TICKET PRICES:

$15 - General Public

$7.50 - Local Poets/Musicians/Artists

Free - Children & Teens. No Ticket Needed. Must be accompanied by an adult.

All Tickets Available at: www.takeoffyourcool.eventbrite.com

*ONLY 100 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD*

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INVITATION:

We want to invite the Philadelphia poetry/music/arts community out on Tuesday, July 4th for a chance to fellowship with artists, enjoy live performances, and breathe in some fresh air at this indoor/outdoor, family friendly, nature-based event taking place in the heart of Philadelphia. This event is open to the general public. TAKE OFF YOUR COOL will take place 2-4PM SHARP so that all attendees can attend cookouts and other July 4th celebrations elsewhere as well. This event takes place in Fairmount Park so there's plenty of space for attendees to fellowship even after our event has concluded at 4PM. There is no dress code. We invite you to come as you are.

GENERAL PUBLIC:

For five years prior to the lockdown, over in West Philadelphia, there was an open mic poetry night called Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party. It was a two hour event that took place every Tuesday. It was a home for poets. It was home for those who loved poetry. It was a home for those who just enjoyed being around cool people and good vibes. With July 4th being on a Tuesday this year, the Breedlove team figured it was only right to bring back that particular vibe one time for the summer. We invite you to come out to hear some good poetry, eat some good food, listen (and dance) to some good music, walk the nature trail, tackle the ropes course, get a custom made poem, do some breathing exercises, or sit still and simply enjoy being by the water. There's a little bit of something for everybody so if you're looking for a relaxed, chill atmosphere for the fourth, come on out to TAKE OFF YOUR COOL. www.takeoffyourcool.eventbrite.com

POETS, MUSICIANS, ARTISTS, & FELLOWSHIP (OUR INTENTIONS):

Because of the pandemic, many of the amazing artists in Philadelphia went years without a clear opportunity to fellowship together. We intend for TAKE OFF YOUR COOL to be a moment when all artists (poets, singers, instrumentalists, visual artists) from the city can come together to fellowship over food, music, nature, and a few live performances. All local poets, musicians, and artists get in at half price. Artists tickets are listed just below general public tickets on the eventbrite tickets page. www.takeoffyourcool.eventbrite.com

TEENAGER, KIDS, & FAMILY:

All teenagers and children get in for free. No ticket is needed for teens and kids. They must be accompanied by an adult to enter event. We encourage you to bring the family as all performers have been encouraged to keep their sets clean.

PARKING:

There's Free Parking available on site at The Discovery Center which is located within Fairmount Park at 3401 Reservoir Drive.

Visit IG @BreedloveTuesdays to get a sense of the vibe.

See the FAQ section for more information and contact info.

Host or Publisher Before They Were Ancestors