Sistah Soul Series 2026 (Women's showcase for indie Jazz and R&B artists)
Cherry Street Pier
121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia
May 1, 2026
People gathered at Cherry Street Pier on May 1 for the annual launch of the waterfront venue's "First Friday" series, which invites art lovers out the first Friday of every month for an evening of public exhibitions, vendor markets, and studio tours. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the vibrant paintings and mixed-media pieces situated along the perimeter of the venue. Various crafts and small art pieces are sold in the art market, while two food trucks offer drinks and tacos that folks can enjoy in the outdoor seating area alongside the Delaware River. A vibrant and scenic event like this would be incomplete without music, and the Sistah Soul Series in particular provided the perfect sonic accompaniment last Friday night for an evening of art, food, and community.
Hosted by vocalist and speaker Shekhinah B, the Sistah Soul Series highlights some of the city's best emerging singers, poets, and instrumentalists. Next to the small stage set up in the middle of the venue, DJ Dez Davis warmed the crowd up last Friday night with an assortment of soulful jams. Davis’ playful, collage-like set incorporated Afrobeats, soulful jams, and throwback classics like LL Cool J's “Around the Way Girl,” Amerie’s “1 Thing,” and Justin Timberlake’s Rock Your Body." The backing band, consisting of a bassist, keyboardist, and drummer, played along, riffing off of Yasin Bey’s “Umi Says” before launching into a spacey instrumental jam. By the time Shekhinah B joined the musicians, the small crowd gathered around the stage was primed and ready for a show. A dynamic and charismatic performer, Shekhinah held the crowd in the palm of her hands as the band settled into a slow, head-bopping version of The Stylistics’ 1972 R&B classic, “People Make the World Go Round."
The audience got involved in the show when Shekhinah B asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday. After confirming one birthday celebrator in the crowd, Shekhinah B and the band launched into a comedically dramatic, operatic version of the "Happy Birthday" song. In an instant, the tune was transformed into a furious gospel praise break, as Shekhinah B danced alongside a few attendees and brought a small slice of spiritual revival to the Delaware River. Throwing herself headfirst into a cover of The Temptations’ “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” Shekhinah B didn’t just sing the song; she imitated the contrasting voices of each Temptations member with a knowing wink to the audience. It was hilarious to hear her morph her voice to deliver the line “And that ain’t right” in Blue Williams’ deep baritone, then shift to Eddie Kendricks’ high falsetto. From there, Shekhinah B and the band ran through a tight, ever-shifting set of Black music classics ranging from Green Velvet’s experimental Chicago House anthem “The Percolator” to a medley of Michael Jackson tunes. Running from May to October, the Sistah Soul Series is a must-see for fans of classic soul music and the perfect complement to Cherry Street’s First Friday.
