Pepperpot

Event Details

Head to Cherry Street Pier on Saturday, June 13 for this FREE multimedia experience — there will be live music, poetry, visual art, and a sample of Pepper Pot soup from Chef Valerie Erwin.

Pepper Pot  is more than just a dish. At the dawn of the nation, African-American women sold this local delicacy in Philadelphia’s bustling marketplaces., using songs to draw in customers. That rich history is being mined for this interdisciplinary, intergenerational event.

‍RSVP required.

Concessions at Cherry Street Pier (beverage bar, ice cream and tacos) will be available for purchase.

Project Description

Initially conceived by the late interdisciplinary artist Homer Jackson envisioning a 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 composed by pianist and bandleader Dr. Kendrah Butler-Waters, performed 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.

Image illustrated by Eric Battle.