At Magee, we like to mix things up. That’s why on Monday, November 25, we skipped the movie night and held our first (but certainly not last!) open mic night for patients and their families.
Angel Ocana and Tiffany Foster
This free admission event was opened to patients, visitors, staff and volunteers and included a talented line up of various artists, including Rachel Milligan, who is a Teaching-Writing Fellow in Poetry at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop and spoken word superstar Brielle “Bree” McCaden. American singer, songwriter and founder of Paper Hearts music Angel Ocana also performed alongside singer/songwriter Tiffany Foster — both members of Team Magee!
There was also a captivating praise dance performance by the group Who Shall Ascend: The Patterson Kids. The group’s dancers included Alexis T. Billups, Altima D. Patterson, Chyina A. Billups, Diamond M. Billups and Mercedes D. Patterson. Choreography for this dance troop was done by Priscilla N. Patterson, Sharita Collins and Andreya Wiley. The crowd also enjoyed the wonderful sounds of Tajha Beatty, who sings on the New Life Spirit Choir and the Voices of Praise Team in Philadelphia.
Also, guests were treated to hearty laughs provided by the comedic entertainment of McKelle “Kellz” Barksdale. The evening was topped off with the finger snapping sounds of DJ E Dot, who also served as Emcee, and the terrific tropical sugar-free mocktail menu. The crowd’s favorite seemed to be the Roy Rogers and Strawberry Kiwi Cooler.
Many patients raved about the sights of the transformed space, which was decorated with a red brick wall, red curtains, mic stand and microphone and spotlights. While there were a number of folks in the audience, we were also very excited to be joined by Board member Jerry Segal and executive staff member Patricia Underwood.
The next event will take place in February/March 2014. If you have an art that you would like to share with our patients, please email Patient Resource Center Manager, Venus Bradley at vbradley@mageerehab.org or call her at 215 587 3146 for more information or any questions.
