I am a big fan of supporting local female artists. "Black Lily: A Women in Music Series," an artist development showcase that was established in 1999 to help support female vocalists, musicians and film-producers, has set out to help one woman at a time by drawing public attention to their work. Founders Mercedes Martinez and Tracey Moore created Black Lily to help support female musicians who were being shut out of existing jam sessions around the country. Black Lily is committed to supporting women artists of all ages and backgrounds, both emerging and already established. The first series took place on a weekly basis at New York City’s Wetlands, and later migrated to Philadelphia’s Five Spot.

            Black Lily has hosted events in such international cities as London, Japan and Paris. Their unique film festival highlighted some of the most groundbreaking women filmmakers in the world. In 2009, Black Lily launched "PLANET ROCK: A HIP HOP FILM SERIES" which takes place monthly at different venues through Philadelphia. Some of the different events will include a screening directed by Jennifer Maytorena Taylor International House called New Muslim Cool. This dramatic film follows the life of Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Perez as he ends his life as a drug dealer and starts down a new path of self-redemption. It will be aired on Nov. 17 at 7p.m.

            To learn more about Black Lily and its different events, please visit www.blacklily.com.