Pepper Pot

Initially conceived by the late interdisciplinary artist Homer Jackson in collaboration with Chef Valerie Erwin and illustrator Eric Battle, Pepperpot will be presented and developed under the guidance of jazz artist V. Shayne Frederick in close conversation with Jackson’s widow and creative partner, Lynn Washington, and culture worker/teaching artist Asake Denise Jones. At its heart is the story of pepper pot soup, a traditional dish with a multi-faceted and far reaching heritage. The project harkens back to the America of 250 years ago, anchoring the existence of African-American women and culture within Philadelphia’s historic marketplaces. This multimedia intergenerational event centers live musical and poetic performance presented by a team of Philadelphia-area musicians and poets, consisting of new music inspired by American Folk, Blues, and Afro-Caribbean musics, alongside poetry/prose inspired by the songs of historic urban street merchants who used their music to gain customers. Pepperpot will feature a collection of imaginary "portraits" of these historic, unsung chefs executed by Eric Battle. Integral to the experience is an authentic and delicious pepper pot food service organized and facilitated by Chef Valerie Erwin and presented in tandem with the performance.