New Artists Added to Summer Solstice Celebration Sponsored by Citibank® at the Kimmel Center, June 20
JUNE 12, 2009
Tickets Now on Sale—$10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 12 and Under
Kimmel Center announces internationally acclaimed fashion designer Márcia Ganem making her U.S. debut at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 7:30pm, as part of the Summer Solstice Celebration sponsored by Citibank®.
Ms. Ganem's couture pieces are made with her trademark recycled fabrics, and have appeared on the cover of high profile magazines, such as Vogue, Brazil. Her fashion show at the Kimmel Center will showcase her work inspired by a percussion ensemble, set to live music by Xande Cruz.
Additional entertainment, late-night fun and an eclectic musical mix have been added to the roster. A complete listing of events is available at www.kimmelcenter.org/solstice.
New Program Highlights for Summer Solstice Include:
- International Brazilian fashion designer Márcia Ganem (7:30pm) makes her U.S. debut with a couture fashion show influenced by African percussion music
- Karen Gross's Late-Night Cabaret (10:30pm) brings big songs and big laughs to Innovation Studio with friends on stage
- Animus (9:30pm) performs world fusion music and dance in the Plaza
- Rising R&B star Bradd Marquis (6pm) performs his buzz single "Radio" among other works in Perelman Theater
- Forte's Late-Night Lounge (10pm) creates an escape from the crowds on the rooftop garden, hosted by Forte, the Kimmel Center's young professionals group
- Philadelphia author Michael Schaffer (5:30pm) signs his newly released book One Nation Under Dog during Yappy Hour on Broad Street
- Oud Blues (10:15pm) performs Middle Eastern-Balkan blues in Rendell Room
- Violist Brett Deubner and pianist Luba Slepoi (5pm) perform music from the Soviet Era in Rendell Room
- Hoppin' John Orchestra (3pm and 4pm) performs New Orleans brass band standards outdoors on Broad Street and later in Cadence Restaurant
- DePue Bros and Philly Grass (4pm) play a mix of genres from classical to rock, folk, blues, bluegrass and swing in the Rendell Room
- Kala JoJo (4:15pm) shares traditional folktales and poetry embellished with drums, harp, kalimba and bylophone
- Kids comedian The Great Holtzie (4pm) cracks kids up in Innovation Studio
- Duffy String Band (5:30pm) members entertain audiences with their magical mummery in the Commonwealth Plaza
- Violinist Paul Arnold (6pm), long-time member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, performs a recital in the Rendell Room with pianist Sonya Ovrutsky
Details on newly confirmed artists below:
Hoppin' John Orchestra
3pm | Broad Street | Jazz
4pm | Cadence Restaurant
Ten-piece ensemble Hoppin' John Orchestra performs New Orleans brass
band style music, jazz and rhythm and blues. From organic wind
instrument timbre to complex and sophisticated jazz harmonies, their
special brand of New Orleans-flavored jazz and R&B can be heard on
their self-titled 2008 album.
Hip Hop Acrobat Tylon
3pm | Spruce Street | Dance
Hip-hop dancer Tylon of Rennie Harris Puremovement will impress passersby with his acrobatic street dancing on Spruce Street.
J-Hoop, Marisa Grasso & the Junior Hoop Troupe Hooptoxic
3:30pm | Spruce Street | Variety
It's
all in the wiggle! It's the latest craze to hit the streets! Hoop Dance
performer and instructor Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and her hoop
troupe will dazzle and amaze as they perform, instruct and demonstrate
how to move hoops. Over the back, doing tosses and flips, jumping
through the hoop, and more! If you can imagine it, you can dance it
with a hoop. Hoop Troupe accompanied by the drum sounds of Michael
Romeo.
The Great Holtzie
4pm | Innovation Studio | Family Fun
Children's comedian The Great Holtzie was named "Best of Philly 2008: Comedian for Kids" by Philadelphia Magazine
for his zany brand of high-energy interactive humor. From the absurd to
classic slapstick, The Great Holtzie's jokes captivate everyone, from
preschoolers to parents. Whether he is arguing with a See n' Say or
taking a bite out of a "worm burger," his hysterical routine keeps even
the most active children glued to their seats.
Cumberland County 4-H Double Dutch Team
4pm | Spruce Street | Variety
The Cumberland County Double Dutch Team Az One
is a 4-H program, a dynamic, non-formal, educational program for young
people in first grade through one year out of high school. 4-H, based
out of Rutgers University, is one of the largest youth organizations in
the United States with more than 7 million participants from diverse
ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds who live in rural,
suburban and urban communities.
Balloon Twisting by Black Cat Balloon Company
4pm | Commonwealth Plaza & Spruce Street | Variety
Get
to know Black Cat Balloon Company! Philadelphia-area balloon artist
Susanne Ritchie has been entertaining children and adults for more than
10 years with fun animals, characters and wearable balloon art. Watch,
be amazed and take one home!
DePue Bros and Philly Grass
4pm | Rendell Room | Bluegrass
DePue Bros and Philly Grass play a mix of genres from classical to
rock, folk, blues, bluegrass and swing. Including members of the
Philadelphia Orchestra, DePue Brothers and Philly Grass will perform a
set of originals and standards. Some of the finest violin playing in
the world will be heard from the DePue Brothers, whose artistry in
classical, rock, country and bluegrass circles is internationally
acclaimed.
Kala JoJo
4:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Family
With his towering height, deep voice and gentle humor, this nationally
acclaimed vocalist, musician and African Jeli (storyteller) offers
living lessons to children and adults alike through traditional
folktales and poetry embellished with drums, harp, kalimba and
bylophone.
Brett Deubner, viola and Luba Slepoi, piano
5pm | Rendell Room | Classical
Violist
Brett Deubner and pianist Luba Slepoi perform music from the Soviet Era
by Revol Bunian, Arutinian, Kachaturian and Kolodub. International
soloist Brett Deubner, one of this generation's leading violists, has
thrilled audiences with his technical mastery and soulful playing. A
native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Luba Slepoi studied at St. Petersburg
State Conservatory, and has since performed throughout the Metropolitan
New York area in venues such as Trinity Church, Mannes and Manhattan
Schools of Music and Atlantic Highlands Chamber Music Series, among
others.
"There is a burning intensity to Deubner's playing, and a refreshing variation in the color of his viola tone."—New Jersey Star-Ledger
Yappy Hour
5:30pm | Broad Street | Variety
Bring your dog and enjoy Yappy Hour together with other animal lovers
on Broad Street in front of the Kimmel while supporting Pennsylvania
SPCA's Dog Park Project. A portion of drink proceeds will directly
benefit building a 14,000 square foot dog park for sheltered pups to
play! The dog park is currently under construction in the lot next to
Philadelphia's shelter. Canine lovers can also pick up Waggies, all
natural peanut butter dog treats by Maggie & Friends.
*Also appearing at Yappy Hour, author and Philadelphia native, Michael Schaffer will provide a book signing of his recently released One Nation Under Dog from 5:30 until 7:30pm.
Duffy String Band
5:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Mummers
Members
of the 64-piece Duffy String Band will entertain audiences with a mixed
group of members consisting of men and women, young and old. The band
enjoys a long-standing and well-deserved reputation as a band that is
willing to take on beginners and introduce them to the tradition of
Mummery. Formed in 1945, Duffy String Band celebrated its 60th
anniversary in 2005, with the recording of their anniversary CD, 60
Years of Music and Mummery.
Bradd Marquis
In partnership with SPEAKtoMe Presents
6pm | Perelman Theater | R&B
Up
and coming R&B phenomenon, Bradd Marquis is already building an
impressive fan base from his televised performances on Showtime at the
Apollo and BET's "Wild Out Wednesdays," for which he won the 2007 Soul
Singer of the year award. Marquis' first, buzz single "Radio" is
already receiving air play on New York's Hot 97. This summer, Marquis
will be representing the "future of soul" at the Soul Summer Series
featuring Grammy® Award-winning soul artist India.Arie and Grammy®
Award nominee Tamia.
Philadelphia Songwriters Project
6pm | Innovation Studio | Singer-Songwriter
The
Philadelphia Songwriters Project presents the winners of their 2009
songwriting competition: Dante Bucci, Andrea Carlson, Angella Irwin,
Kelly & the Ruths, Adam Swink and Dawn Iulg. These talented
singer-songwriters have emerged from submissions of more than 200
nationwide entries. The Philadelphia Songwriters Project is a
non-profit arts organization with the mission to support local and
regional songwriters.
Paul Arnold, violin with Sonya Ovrutsky, piano
6pm | Rendell Room | Classical
Violinist
Paul Arnold has been a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra for 23
years, and has appeared as recitalist and chamber musician with such
diverse personalities as Yefim Bronfman, Christoph Eschenbach, Tan Dun,
Keith Jarrett, the New Arts Trio and the Emerson Quartet. Arnold has
appeared numerous times in the Saratoga Chamber Series directed by
Chantal Juillet where he has worked beside Gil Shaham, Truls Mork and
Sarah Chang. He has also been featured over 20 times in the
Philadelphia Orchestra's Chamber Music series performing widely
contrasting repertoire.
Márcia Ganem Fashion Show
Presented in partnership with Conexoe Consulting
7:30pm | Perelman Theater | Fashion Show
Internationally
acclaimed fashion designer Márcia Ganem makes her debut in the United
States at the Kimmel Center! Her creations represent a strong link
between fashion, art and jewelry using innovative techniques and
materials such as her trademark use of recycled fibers. Ganem has been
in the business for over 10 years, and participates annually in Rio de
Janeiro's Fashion Week – Fashion Rio. Immediately following the show,
textile and fashion experts will host a panel discussion about Marcia's
work. Afterward, don't miss the chance meet the renowned designer in
the Plaza.
Animus
9:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza | World Fusion Music and Dance
Eastern
Mediterranean world fusion music and dance ensemble Animus' unorthodox
instrumentation and original compositions excite the mind, body and
soul with an endless variety of grooves and tribal rhythms. Recent
albums include ...world fusion music (2002), Mediterranean Dreams (2005) and The Movements (2007). Animus has been nominated for best Roots/World Music Performer 2000 - 2002 and Best Local Band 2006 by the Philadelphia City Paper Choice Awards. At the Kimmel Center, Animus will be joined onstage by special guest bassist Dave Palan.
Forte's Late-Night Lounge
10pm | Hamilton Garden | Young Professionals Lounge
Forte, the Kimmel Center's Young Professionals group, hosts a
Late-Night Lounge on the rooftop garden. Guests can lounge under the
stars and enjoy old-school films and cartoons such as Gumby, Betty Boop
and The Three Stooges projected on an inflatable 25-foot screen,
vintage board and card games, tarot card readers and cocktails from the
bar.
Oud Blues
10:15pm | Rendell Room | Middle Eastern-Balkan-Blues
Oud Blues is comprised of upright bass, saxophone, trumpet, percussion,
drumset and oud, performing a fusion of Middle Eastern Balkan Blues
with influences as far reaching as the Gypsy mountains of Romania to
the Saharan and Middle Eastern deserts. Led by Philadelphia native,
Brian Nadav, Oud Blues doesn't want to break with tradition but add to
it. At the Kimmel Center, Oud Blues celebrates the release of a brand
new CD!
Karen Gross Presents Late-Night Cabaret
10:30pm | Innovation Studio | Cabaret
Sassy,
sexy cabaret performer/songwriter Karen Gross ("Sex & the Single
Singer") hosts an intimate, irreverent and fabulous evening of music
and comedy. Joining her are some of the area's acclaimed cabaret
performers (Aimee Robidoux, Melissa Kolczynski), singer-songwriters
(Gillian Grassie, Dan Creskoff) and comedians (Dave Terruso and Matt
Lally, a.k.a. Animosity Pierre).
Below is a complete list of confirmed artists performing at the Summer Solstice Celebration:
BRING THE KIDS
Zoo on Wheels
3pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Variety
Traveling
naturalists from the Philadelphia Zoo bring animals and bio-facts for
an educational and exciting encounter with wildlife.
Miss Amy's Kids Fitness Rock & Roll
3pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Family
Singer-songwriter and family entertainer Amy Otey, known as Miss Amy,
is an accredited fitness instructor who inspires kids to be active and
healthy with her high-energy musical act. Miss Amy will have kids ages
2-8 and parents hopping, roaring and jumping for joy.
Please Touch Museum "Play Patrol"
3pm | Spruce Street | Outdoor Family Fun
Kids of all ages can participate in exciting outdoor activities
including games, crafts and giveaways, hosted by Please Touch Museum's
"Play Patrol."
Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
3pm | Perelman Theater | Jazz
This
ensemble of talented young musicians, comprised primarily of middle
school students, trains with accomplished jazz musicians and teachers
to perform in the first regional ensemble specializing in jazz.
Directed by Marc D. Johnson, the ensemble will perform works by Cole
Porter, Dizzy Gillespie and Palestinian instrumentalist Simon Shaheen,
among others.
Chester County Concert Band
3:30pm | Verizon Hall | Concert Band
The
85+ member Chester County Concert Band, directed by David Reif, has
been performing traditional and contemporary symphonic and military
band compositions, show tunes, swing music, marches and patriotic
favorites for over 25 years. Discover why Chester County and
surrounding tri-state area audiences deem CCCB a local favorite.
Kulu Mele
4:30pm | Perelman Theater | African Dance & Drum
Philadelphia's
oldest dance-and-drum ensemble, Kulu Mele has built a repertoire that
showcases an exciting blend of West African ancestral tradition and
African American creativity. Performances include music and dance of
Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Brazil, Haiti, Cuba and the Americas.
A force behind a vital African cultural renaissance in Philadelphia,
the ensemble teaches and performs both new and traditional works.
"Kulu Mele's 10 expert drummers and singers, plus a baker's dozen of hyper-energetic dancers, brought down the house with their joyful, polyrhythmic unison work, plus virtuosic solos." —Philadelphia Inquirer
PARTY EXTRA: Face-Painting
3pm-6pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Family
Free face-painting by Creative Face.
HAPPY HOUR HAPPENINGS
Gina Sicilia
5:30pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
Rising star blues singer-songwriter Gina Sicilia began singing in
Philadelphia area clubs as a teen, performing on the blues circuit at
local venues such as WarmDaddy's and World Café Live, and has since
showcased her "alluringly husky alto" (Philadelphia Inquirer) on tour nationwide and in Canada. Her debut album, Allow Me To Confess, earned her a nomination for best-new-artist debut at 2008's national Blues Music Awards. Her sophomore album, Hey Sugar, was released in October 2008.
Gina Sicilia is "a fast-rising talent in the world of blues, one who shows the potential to transcend that world…Both albums reveal a multifaceted singer and songwriter who blends emotional maturity with youthful dynamism." —Philadelphia Inquirer
Schuylkill River Outlaws
6:45pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Bluegrass
Philadelphia-based bluegrass quintet Schuylkill River Outlaws brings
American-roots and country music to the spotlight. The group draws its
influences from performers like the Stanley Brothers, John Hartford,
the Memphis Jug Band and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Pasión y Arte
7pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Flamenco
Pasión y Arte, a Philadelphia-based flamenco company, will perform
provocative, innovative and original works of flamenco. The all-female
dance company's work is deeply steeped in rigorous study of the Old
World culture of flamenco baile (dance), cante (deep song) and toque (guitar), while simultaneously including New World jazz dance, ballet and feminism.
"Pasión y Arte took the stage like burning embers…" —Philadelphia Inquirer
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir
7pm | Verizon Hall | Choral
Established in 1876, Enon is the oldest African-American Baptist Church
in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. This majestic 80-100 member
choir will perform uplifting spirituals, and traditional and
contemporary choral music.
PARTY EXTRA: Chair Massage Therapy
7pm-1am | Commonwealth Plaza | Variety
$1/minute professional chair massages.
SUN DOWN, HEAT UP
Swinging Foxes
7:30pm | Rendell Room | Jazz
Jazz/swing/bossa nova ensemble the Swinging Foxes features Skip Moyer
on upright bass, Andy Buraz on guitar, Ellen Houle on drums and vocals,
and the lovely vocal sensation Amber Rae.
PhillyBloco
8:30pm | Verizon Hall | Brazilian
PhillyBloco sings, dances, shouts and celebrates Brazilian music that shakes the body and stirs the soul. Modeled after the blocos—or
carnival street bands—of Rio de Janeiro, PhillyBloco is comprised of 13
drummers, guitar, bass, singer, accordion, a brass section and two
Brazilian dancers.
First Person Arts StorySlam
Hosted by Philadelphia Magazine Arts & Entertainment Editor Victor Fiorillo
8:30pm | Innovation Studio | Variety
First Person Arts StorySlams are real-life storytelling competitions
with a monthly residency at L'Etage Cabaret. For those brave enough to
approach the mic and share a story, this year's theme is "The Great
Outdoors." Sign-ups will take place outside of Innovation Studio prior
to performance time.
3 Blind Mice
8:45pm | Rendell Room | Jazz
Philadelphia's
premier organ trio, 3 Blind Mice, is led by saxophonist Victor North.
The group calls upon Philly's great history of organ groups for their
explorations into contemporary jazz. Whether executing the traditional
repertoire, exploring their own original music or even creating new
standards, the Mice always bring that same dynamic sound—one deeply
routed in swing and infectious interplay. Joined by organist Lucas
Brown and drummer Wayne Smith Jr., the ensembles long tenure together
is immediately evident by their musical sharing and coaction.
Attitudes Bollywood Dance Company
9:30pm | Perelman Theater | World & Dance
Balle, Balle (Dance, Dance)! Learn the exotic, rhythmic,
heart-pounding music of India through Bhangra dance with these talented
instructors Rosalyn Reidt, Shazad Akram, Bidisha Dasgupta, Smita Mangla
and Megha Sood. Bollywood Dance Company has been featured on AVS,
Sahara One TV, TV Asia, Bollypop by Saavan and in Bibi Magazine, and India Times.
They have won numerous awards for outstanding numbers in solo and group
categories and have performed throughout the Philadelphia region. Stick
around after the lesson for a Bhangra dance party with DJ Rahsaan.
PARTY EXTRA: Henna Tattoo Designs
7pm-12am | Commonwealth Plaza | Variety
LATE NIGHT DATE NIGHT
Iron
10pm | Verizon Hall | Reggae
The six-piece Philadelphia-based band deftly melds the rhythms of the
Caribbean with a soul punch and the edgy energy of punk rock. For
people seeking just the right blend of Kingston, London and Philly,
Iron will satisfy the desire!
DJ Rahsaan
10:30pm | Perelman Theater | World & Dance
DJ Rahsaan has ignited dance floors from New York City to Puerto Rico
with his innovative fusion of funky global beats. His company,
Afrotaino Productions, has collaborated with numerous international
artists including Calle 13 (Puerto Rico), Mala Rodriguez (Spain),
Cordero (Puerto Rico/Brooklyn) and Monareta (Colombia). DJ Rahsaan
brings Bhangra beats and anthems, accompanied by Bollywood dance
styling with instructor Rosalyn Reidt from Attitudes Bollywood Dance
Company.
Bob & Barbara's Drag Show
11pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Drag Show
The
notorious Bob & Barbara's Drag Show joins us again with 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).
Splintered Sunlight
11:30pm | Verizon Hall | Jam Band
Since 1992, Philadelphia's Splintered Sunlight has entertained fans
with their own interpretation of The Grateful Dead's music. Splintered
Sunlight has a play-list of more than 200 songs, in the true spirit of
The Grateful Dead musical experience, and has performed with the Dead's
Bob Weir.
PARTY EXTRA: Tarot Card Readers
10pm-2am | Hamilton Garden | Variety
INSOMNIACS PARADISE
Christian Rich
12am | Perelman Theater | Hip-Hop
Hip-hop
duo Christian Rich, the multi-tasking production and artist team best
known for their single "Famous Girl," has been creating hit records
since early 2000. The New York-based duo excites audiences at home and
abroad with a six-piece band accompanied by string quartet playing
electro/hip-hop infused songs.
Ruder Than You
1:30am | Commonwealth Plaza | Reggae & Ska
Long known as Philly's top ska band, Ruder Than You's identity has
never fit too neatly into any of the generic categorizations. While ska
and reggae stylings have always provided the common musical thread,
over the past 20 years they've been mixing dancehall reggae, hip-hop,
rocksteady, funk, jazz and punk to create their own unique sound. The
band's consistent energy and enthusiasm inevitably pulls people onto
the dance floor.
Dr. Ketchup
3:30am | Commonwealth Plaza | Funk
Dr.
Ketchup is a five piece instrumental project from Philadelphia
consisting of Rhodes piano and organ, tenor sax, trumpet, bass, and
drums. Dr. Ketchup's style is a balance between jazz structure and a
funkified groove, as well as Boogaloo beats from the late '60s.
Sunrise Drum Circle with the Al-Bustan Percussion Ensemble
5am | Commonwealth Plaza | Drum Circle
BYOD (bring your own drum) and join with members of the Al-Bustan
Percussion Ensemble for the annual drum circle to ring in the dawn as
the sun rises over the glass roof.
Tickets for Summer Solstice Celebration are $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Ticket price includes all-day admission regardless of the number of exits and entrances patrons choose to make. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.kimmelcenter.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings.
Summer Solstice Celebration Sponsors
Summer Solstice Celebration 2009 is sponsored by Citibank®. Additional support is provided by the William Penn Foundation, the Avenue of the Arts Garage and ABM Mid-Atlantic, Inc. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents.
Summer Solstice Celebration 2009 Media Partners are Philadelphia City Paper, Philadelphia Weekly, Weekly Press, University City Review, WRTI, WXPN, WURD and WNWR.
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