Schedule of Events
Events are listed in chronological order. Check back often as artists will continue to be added.
> View a printable schedule grid featuring links to artist websites!

2pm | Spruce Street (1400 block) | Visual Art
InLiquid: Art for the Cash Poor
Kicking off this year's Solstice is InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor outdoor art show and sale, featuring photographs, paintings, jewelry, clothing and handmade books, with all items priced under $200. Spruce Street will be closed from 2pm to 7pm between Broad and 15th Streets, with food and drink available for purchase.

2:30pm | Spruce Street | Variety
Yoga Sun Salutation
The 2008 Summer Solstice Celebration kicks off with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), a series of 12 postures that build strength and increase flexibility. The graceful, flowing motions calm the mind and are a great way to start the day. Everyone—yogi or not—is welcome to show off their best downward facing dog pose on Spruce Street. Open your heart and let the sun shine in!

3pm | Applause Gift Shop | Family
American Theater Arts for Youth Storytelling
Escape the crowds and enjoy some down time with the kids in Applause Gift Shop in the Plaza as members of the American Theater Arts for Youth (ATAFY) host a relaxing afternoon of storytelling.

3pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Family
Zoo On Wheels
Traveling naturalists from the Philadelphia Zoo bring animals and bio-facts for an educational and exciting encounter with wildlife.

3pm | First Tier Lounge | Games
Gamervision Wii Bowling
In the mood for something completely different? Take a break from the music and show off your bowling chops at our virtual bowling alley on the First Tier of the Kimmel, available until 11pm.

	Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble

3:15pm | Verizon Hall | Jazz
Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
This ensemble of young talented musicians, comprised primarily of middle school students, trains with accomplished jazz musicians and teachers to perform in the first regional ensemble specializing in jazz.

3:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Family
PNC Grow Up Great: Give and Take Jugglers
Lively, wholesome, and comedic, this show is fresh for all ages. Like an old-fashioned vaudeville act, Give and Take Jugglers perform juggling routines with everything from bowling balls to frying pans with an egg. The nationally recognized PNC “Grow Up Great” initiative gives support to the Kimmel Center early childhood program designed to promote literacy development and an appreciation for American culture.

3:30pm | Perelman Theater | Family
The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia's
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale
A special showing of the new Warner Brothers animated film, Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale, with soundtrack featuring select members of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, will be followed by a question and answer period with the musicians.

3:30pm | Innovation Studio | Family
Baby Loves Disco
Philly-based family dance phenomenon Baby Loves Disco brings an afternoon of the beloved 70’s and 80’s disco classics, providing a chance for toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents to move and groove together.

	Efe Baltacigil

4pm | Rendell Room | Classical
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Efe Baltacigil, cello and Arnaud Sussman, violin
“A cultural gem rooted in quality” (Philadelphia Inquirer), the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society brings two highly regarded musicians, Turkish-born Efe Baltacigil on cello and Arnaud Sussman on violin, to perform a program of Beethoven’s Duo No. 3 in B-flat Major and Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello.

4:30pm | Verizon Hall | Classical
Opera Company of Philadelphia
The Opera Company of Philadelphia will perform some of the most famous arias and duets of all time. Soloists will include soprano Evelyn Santiago, mezzo-soprano Katherine Pracht, tenor Jason Coffey, and bass-baritone DeAndre Simmons. They will be accompanied by pianist Kristin Ditlow.

5pm | Hamilton Garden | Demonstration
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Toni Ann Flanigan of Philadelphia Gardens, Inc., designs and installs gardens in the Philadelphia area. This year, Toni Ann Flanigan will be presenting a lecture on garden design. She will be bringing beautiful, interesting plants that have been working well in some tough sites for her. She'll be demonstrating how to mix these plants in the garden and which ones will thrive in various site conditions

	Elissa Lee Koljonen

5pm | Rendell Room | Classical
Elissa Lee Koljonen, violin
Elena Jivaelena, piano
One of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Elissa Koljonen has been acclaimed by the New York Concert Review for her “big, bright sound, focused pitch, and a sure sense of style.” She has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati, Baltimore, among others.

5:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | World/Dance
D/2, the apprentice company of PHILADANCO
D/3, the youth performing company of PHILADANCO
D/2 and D/3, the youth and apprentice companies to PHILADANCO, Philadelphia’s premiere modern contemporary dance company and resident company of The Kimmel Center, will put on a child-friendly performance that will be sure to please all ages.

	D/2

5:30pm | Perelman Theater | Classical
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Internet2 Project
Join in a special viewing of performances of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s I2 Project, an innovative program of live concert distribution over Internet2 to venues on university campuses. This groundbreaking program brings one of the world’s greatest orchestras to audiences around the globe.

6:30pm | Innovation Studio | World/Dance
The Sangeet Society
The Sangeet Society is a non-profit cultural organization that promotes and fosters appreciation for the rich historical genre of Hindustani (Northern Indian) classical music and dance. Local artists will perform traditional vocal, instrumental, and dance performances. Featuring musicians Gajanan Pandit, Sanjoy Biswas, Nandan Pandit, and Sudhir Pattar. Also featuring the dancers of Archana Dance Academy and Usiloquy Dance Designs choreographed by Shaily Dadiala.

6:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Classical
Peter Nero’s Philly Pops Festival Brass
Since 1979, The Philly Pops have quenched all musical tastes. Now in their 27th season, The Philly Pops has brought playfully sophisticated fun to their audiences by mixing classics with new works. A selection of brass players from The Pops will be joining us to perform in the Commonwealth Plaza.

	AAries

7pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
Walking Bear Productions Presents
AAries
Philly natives and sisters Ayana and Ayinke perform their own unique blend of hip-hop and R&B. The duo’s distinctive silky songbird vocals have appeared on tour as back up singers with Philly R&B sensation Musiq Soulchild, and have collaborated with Chris Brown, ?uestlove of the Roots, Harold Lilly and Kindred, among others. Aaries is currently working with Atlantic Records on their debut album.

7pm | Rendell Room | Variety
Ask the Arts Pros
Ever wanted to ask a question about the arts but never had the chance? Now you can. Leaders from the local arts world will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss topics of the day. Panelists include Anne Ewers, president and CEO of the Kimmel Center; Nick Stuccio, producing director of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe; Michael Scolamiero, executive director of the Pennsylvania Ballet; and Sarah Garonzik, producing artistic director of the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Jim Cotter, on-air personality from WRTI-FM radio, will moderate.

7pm | Perelman Theater | Jazz
The Justin Faulkner Trio
with Jazz Vocalist Denise King
17-year-old jazz drummer Justin Faulkner, a graduate of the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble and current member of Branford Marsalis’ band, brings his own trio to the Solstice Celebration, with Philly favorite Denise King lending her vibrant vocal artistry.

7:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | World/Dance
The Swaray African Safari Ensemble
The African Cultural Alliance of North America celebrates some of the best African musicians in the region. At Solstice, ACANA presents the musical talents of The Swaray African Safari Ensemble, under the leadership of Gebah Swaray.

	Venissa Santi

8pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
Walking Bear Productions Presents
Wes Felton
Offering a distinct blend of hip-hop, soul and jazz, multifaceted performer Wes Felton captures life and love in his songs with honesty. Felton takes audiences back to the basics of good music while adding his unique sound. He has worked with notable artists such as Raheem DeVaughn and DJ Jazzy Jeff, to name a few.

8pm | Innovation Studio | Jazz
Venissa Santi
Cuban-American singer/songwriter Venissa Santi performs Afro-Cuban jazz stylings, singing in English and Spanish. Santi is currently a driving force in the Latin music scene of Philadelphia, featured live and as a soloist on the recordings of world and jazz groups, including Alô Brasil, Choral Arts Society and Sonic Liberation Front, among others.

	JACK Quartet

8:30pm | Rendell Room | New Classical
bowerbird Presents
JACK Quartet
bowerbird brings JACK Quartet to the Kimmel Center for a performance of new, experimental music. The string quartet has been lauded for its high energy, "powerhouse playing" (Chicago Sun-Times), touring throughout Europe and North America with appearances from Carnegie Hall to the Lucerne Festival.

9pm | Perelman Theater | Jazz
Johnny Cruz Latin Jazz Ensemble
This Latin jazz ensemble features Johnny Cruz, pianist and acoustic instrumentalist, with a heavy infusion of percussion by Gregorio Mercado on the conga, timbales, bongo, guiro, maracas and cow bell. Johnny Ruiz compliments the group with his bass style fingering. This year Guzmán Miranda joins the group with his alto saxophone.

	The Brakes

9pm | Innovation Studio | Jazz
PhilOrch Jazz
Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and special guests show their wild sides in a set of straight-ahead jazz. Featuring Don Liuzzi, drums; Larry McKenna, saxophone; Tony Miceli, vibes; Adam Glaser, keyboard, and others.

9:30pm | Verizon Hall | Pop
The Brakes
The Brakes are a genuine rock and roll band at first glance. However given a closer look, elements of folk, jazz and even post-rock reveal themselves, making their sound a distinct intertwining of American music, held together by insightful lyrics and memorable songs.

9:45pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | World/Dance
Native Nations Dance Theater
The only American Indian dance company in Philadelphia, Native Nations Dance Theater (NNDT), recreates the permeating history and culture of Native American societies from across the country through the vehicle of dance, music and storytelling techniques.

10pm | Innovation Studio | Games

	Native Nations Dance Theater

QUIZZO Tournament
With Johnny Goodtimes
Think you’re a trivia master? Stop shouting at the TV during Jeopardy and come test your knowledge at the Kimmel Center’s QUIZZO tournament for a grand prize of American Airlines vouchers, hosted by Philly’s own QUIZZO king Johnny Goodtimes.

10pm | Rendell Room | Variety
First Person Arts Story Slam
First Person Arts brings its Story Slam to the Kimmel Center—the Story Slam’s first engagement outside of its monthly residence at L'Etage. For those brave enough to approach the mic, the theme is "Summertime." Hosted by Victor Fiorillo from Philly Magazine.

10:30pm | Perelman Theater | Variety
Bob & Barbara's Drag Show
The notorious Bob & Barbara’s Drag Night joins us again for a night of amazing drag queen performances. “One of the longest running drag spectacles in the city…Brassy, a little gritty and real in a way that would make any Philadelphian, gay or straight, proud.” —AOL Cityguide Philadelphia

	Guitar Hero

10:45pm | Hamilton Garden | World/Dance
Shofuso Taiko
Rhythms and stomps of an ancient art form come to life with this Taiko drumming group, affiliated with the Japanese House in Fairmount Park.

11pm | Verizon Hall | Games
Gamervision Guitar Hero III Tournament
Unleash your inner rockstar on Verizon Hall stage at the second annual Guitar Hero Competition! Warm up in the first hour for free play, or join in the competition at midnight. A spot in the tournament costs $3.

11:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Variety
The Color Purple Cast Cabaret
Members of the cast of Cadillac Broadway Series’ The Color Purple perform standard selections cabaret-style in Commonwealth Plaza.

	DJ Spinderella

11:45pm | Rendell Room | New Classical
My Box Presents
Popsicle’s Departure, 1989
For mature audiences only, this one-woman play by Philadelphia-based playwright, actor, director and teacher Madi Distefano follows two kids on a collision course in the streets of hardcore Boston circa 1989. The tall tale is a counter-culture rock and roll fantasy that Philadelphia Weekly calls "raw edge." PD 89 won a Scotsman Fringe First and The Stage Magazine Award for Best Solo Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This performance may contain explicit language.

12am | Perelman Theater | DJ
DJ Spinderella
Spinderella's not a fella—but a girl DJ! Spinderella of Salt N Pepa fame spins soul, R&B, hip hop and pop tunes for a late-night dance party that takes you back to days when the Grammy® winning trio dominated the airwaves. Grab a drink and shoop-a-doop on the open dance floor.

	West Philadelphia Orchestra

12:30pm | Innovation Studio | Pop
World Café Live Presents
The Sea Trio
The Sea Trio is a 4-piece electronic/guitar outfit that combines a textured jazz sound with elements of dub, funk, electronica and experimental rock. With engaging films and visuals playing in the background, the band creates a mesmerizing onstage multimedia experience.

1am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage| World/Dance
West Philadelphia Orchestra Slavic Soul
The West Philadelphia Orchestra (WPO) will showcase the unique genre of Romani, exploring the traditional music of Romania, Hungary, Serbia and Macedonia as well as original compositions inspired by the modes and rhythms of Eastern European folk music.

1:45am | Innovation Studio | World/Dance
World Café Live Presents
BILLLL$
Listeners can expect authentic, post-hybrid bodyrock, headnod music.

	Ramzy Suleiman

2am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Variety
The Hydrogen Jukebox Circus Sideshow
For those who don’t mind thinking outside the box, multifaceted The Hydrogen Jukebox Circus Sideshow ensemble began as a small a rock band but has grown to incorporate dancers, poets, puppets, live painting, comedy, fire art and more in an elaborate and interactive variety show on stage.

3am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | World/Dance
DJ Rahsaan & the Afrotaino Soundsystem
Afrotaino Productions brings the explosive fusion of Urban and Caribbean music and dance entertainment to the Summer Solstice.

4:30am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | World/Dance
Ramzy Suleiman
21-year-old piano player and singer Ramzy Suleiman is quietly making a name for himself in DC, his home, and in Boston where he is finishing his stint at the Berkelee School of Music.

	Drum Circle

5am | Commonwealth Plaza | Drum Circle
Sunrise Drum Circle
B.Y.O.D (bring your own drum) for the Solstice Sunrise! Arabic Rhythms by Joseph Tayoun with Al-Bustan and the Seeds of Culture will lead the audience in Commonwealth Plaza to dawn the new day.

> View a printable schedule grid featuring links to artist websites!

Please check back for updates! All artists subject to change.

The Kimmel Center Box Office is open daily from 10am - 6pm. The Call Center is open daily from 9am - 8pm. Call 215-893-1999 for single tickets. TTY callers only, the number is 215-875-7633.

Also See:

• View photos from Summer Solstice 2007 on flickr.com
• See more photos from past Summer Solstice Celebrations on flickr.com