Annual Summer Solstice Celebration Presented By Citi Sizzles with Continuous Entertainment at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center June 23rd and 24th
June 4, 2007
15 Hours of Entertainment in Every Corner of the Kimmel Center for just $10*
The Kimmel Center's annual Summer Solstice Celebration, presented by Citi, sizzles in Philadelphia with an all day, all night, "All Philly" musical extravaganza beginning at 3pm on Saturday, June 23, 2007 and ending at dawn on Sunday, June 24. Music, dance and performance art aficionados can enjoy 15 hours of live performances and events in all venues and every corner of Philadelphia's premier performing arts destination. Family friendly performances will be followed by an entertaining mix of classical, blues, gospel, R&B, jazz, folk, dance, Latin, world music genres, and more as the evening progresses. After hours will continue to spark entertainment with a drag show and late night surprises, and a drum circle at dawn that welcomes the sunrise, for which all are invited to bring their own drum. Music and events are drawn from the deep resources of the Philadelphia talent pool. In addition, the Kimmel Center will bring back its highly successful organ "Pay To Play" on the newly inaugurated Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ.
Kid's games, adult games, yoga on the rooftop and a round of speed dating are just some of the activities to also keep patrons entertained. Jugglers, chair massages, face-painting and animals from the Philadelphia Zoo, tarot card readers, and more will be stationed in Commonwealth Plaza and on the Hamilton Rooftop Garden. Food will be available through out the day and night as well as into the morning for those inclined to stay overnight or get up early.
New to this year's Summer Solstice, artisans and vendors will display their crafts and goods to sell to the public on the Spruce Street entrance of the Kimmel Center. Spruce Street will be closed to traffic from Broad to 15th Streets for the celebration until 9pm. Participating vendors, tba.
*Tickets for Summer Solstice are $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. Ticket price includes admission to all day and all night events. Tickets can be purchased 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.
Solstice patrons will be given a wristband upon entrance to the Kimmel Center and will need to wear the wristband to enter and leave the building all day and all night.
"Keeping their tough promise to bring the noise, the funk and a slew of musical diversity, the Kimmel Center makes good with the... Summer Solstice Celebration." (City Paper)
Summer Solstice Celebration
Saturday, June 23, 2007 | 3pm to dawn
All Kimmel Center Venues
Below is a list of events including a performer schedule for Summer Solstice:
FAMILY FUN
Kid's Games and Exercises
3pm | Innovation Studio | Games
Bowling, hopscotch, Tic Tac Toe and more will entertain kids of all ages into adulthood.
The Give & Take Jugglers
3pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Family
The nationally recognized PNC "Grow Up Great" initiative gives support to the Kimmel Center's early childhood program designed to promote literacy development and an appreciation for American culture. Like an old-fashioned vaudeville variety act, Give and Take Jugglers juggling routines are performed with everything from bowling balls to frying pans with an egg. Lots of comedy, and lots of audience involvement, this is a lively and wholesome show that feels fresh for all ages.
Zoo On Wheels
3pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Family
Traveling naturalists from the Philadelphia Zoo bring animals and bio-facts for an educational and exciting encounter with wildlife.
Brujo de la Mancha
4pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Family
The nationally recognized PNC "Grow Up Great" initiative gives support to the Kimmel Center's early childhood program designed to promote literacy development and an appreciation for American culture. Dressed in Aztec Indian costumes including indigenous masks, glorious feathers and painted faces, group leader Brujo de la Mancha will direct the dance group, Ollinyulitzi, through a series of performances that capture the rituals of the Aztec Indian community in Mexico.
Disney's High School Musical Karaoke
4:30pm | Innovation Studio | Family
Disney's popular High School Musical soundtrack takes on new form for those interested in testing their vocal chords in turn.
CLASSICAL AND JAZZ
Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
3pm | Verizon Hall | Classical
The only regional jazz ensemble comprised exclusively of middle school students, the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble introduces a professional-level musical experience to gifted young artists. Led by music director Steve Selfridge.
Tonia Tecce
4pm | Rendell Room | Classical
Having performed solo recitals at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, as well as being featured with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and regional and national opera companies and orchestras, lyric soprano Tonia Tecce will lend her artistry to the Solstice Celebration with a performance of Italian and French opera arias and classic musical theatre songs from the likes of Rodgers & Hart and George and Ira Gershwin.
The Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ — "Pay-To-Play!"
4pm | Verizon Hall | Classical
Organist H.L. Smith will guide organ patrons through a two hour "Pay-To-Play" fundraiser for the Kimmel Center's Annual Fund. Organ enthusiasts may pay $25 per minute or $75 for five minutes of playing the "King of Instruments," The Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ. Sign up at first arrival. First come, first served; hailed "a versatile 6,938-pipe beast with wide tonal palette and"heft"" by the Wall Street Journal during the inaugural organ concerts in 2006.
DANCE
Rennie Harris Puremovement
4pm | Perelman Theater | Dance
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Rennie Harris Puremovement continues to stun audiences with evocative hip hop dance scenes. A group of Puremovement dancers will electrify the stage with hip hop movements interspersed with African-American dance traditions.
Miro Dance Theatre performs Hurdy Gurdy
5pm | Perelman Theater | Dance
With a title inspired by a recurring dream of composer Gustav Mahler, this show—premiered at the 2005 Live Arts Festival, and performed by Miro co-founder Amanda Miller with video by her co-founder Tobin Rothlein—submerges you in old dreams and new realities as time and perspective is turned on its head in the spaces where Mahler's story intersects with our modern day.
McDade Irish Dancers
5pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Dance
Established since 1962, the McDade School of Irish Dance will perform a sampling of Irish step and figure dancing.
CONTEMPORARY OPERA
Hip H'Opera
6:30pm | Perelman Theater | Contemporary Opera
The Opera Company of Philadelphia is proud to be joined by young artists from the Art Sanctuary's North Stars after school program for Hip H'Opera, a program that celebrates the urban experience within a classical music setting. Hip H'Opera fuses the hip-hop poems of the Art Sanctuary's North Stars with the classical music of noted area composers Jay Fluellen, Rolando Morales-Matos, and Monnette Sudler. Performers include tenor Don LeRoy Morales, mezzo-soprano LaTasha Morris, bass Frank Mitchell, soprano Evelyn Santiago-Schultz, soprano Julie-Ann Whitely, and pianist José Meléndez.
WORLD MUSIC
The Sangeet Society
6:30pm | Innovation Studio | World Music and Dance
The Sangeet Society is a non-profit cultural organization that promotes and fosters appreciation of Hindustani classical music and dance.
SINGER SONGWRITERS
Melody Gardot
6:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Singer/Songwriter
At 22, singer-songwriter Melody Gardot has a hauntingly smooth voice that can melt even the coldest of hearts. She has performed with such notable acts as Livingston Taylor, The Wood Brothers, Susan Tedeschi, James Hunter and more.
Cynthia G. Mason
7:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Singer/Songwriter
From 1996 to 2003, Cynthia G. Mason was a mainstay in the Philadelphia indie scene, and, has now reemerged with a sharper sound and new set of songs. Mason's voice, razor-sharp insight, and delicate guitar work create a mood like Philadelphia itself, a mix of melancholy and hope.
M Shanghai String Band
9:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Singer/Songwriter
The M Shanghai String Band has an adventurous take on acoustic Americana: "the banjos spit fire, the acoustics soothe the soul, and the vocals tell honest tales..." (Chris Lewis, Shut Eye Records). Like their progressive contemporaries Gillian Welch, Jolie Holland, and Be Good Tanays, Shanghai String Band's heartfelt, acoustic folk and distinctive songwriting elevates them above the constraints of genre.
NEW MUSIC
Gene Coleman and Soundfield
7pm | Rendell Room | New Music
Soundfield is a producer and presenter of new and experimental music, with a strong emphasis on international cultural exchange.
Bowerbird presents
Morton Feldman: Patterns in a Chromatic Field (1981)
8:30pm | Rendell Room | New Classical
Presenting innovative contemporary culture, bowerbird presents composer Morton Feldman's Patterns in a Chromatic Field with cellist Charles Curtis and pianist Aleck Karis. "Feldman subsumes the cello and piano duo tradition with a fresh agenda." —The Wire, London
FASHION, DATING AND MORE
Philadelphia Horticultural Society
6pm | Hamilton Garden
Demonstrations, including flower arranging, with the producers of the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture. Toni Ann Flanigan, owner of Philadephia Garden, Inc. and winner of Best of Philly Urban Garden Designer Award (2006), is a frequent lecturer for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and at the Flower Show.
Fashion Show Demos
8pm | Cadence Restaurant | Fashion
Local vendors display the "must have" items for the next season. Sneak a peak at some of the trends, sponsored by Daffy's.
Speed Dating
10:30pm | Cadence Restaurant
Lucky in love happens here at the Kimmel Center! Join the legion of speed daters who have met "the next best thing" in their lives through this social networking tool spawning new friendships throughout Philly.
R&B
Taragirl
7:30pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
A popular Philadelphia act, taragirl describes her music as "pure, positive energy that's real and honest - that's what soul music is to me." Her debut album The 26th Hour, laced with soul, R&B, and hip hop with a "touch of girl power," was single-handedly financed and released by herself.
Carol Riddick
8:15pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
Sultry singer-songwriter Carol Riddick got her start touring with Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff and has now released her debut solo album, Moments Like This. "I'm committed to writing empowering, positive music that people can gain inspiration from," says Riddick.
Lady Alma
9:45pm | Verizon Hall | R&B
Deemed "The heart and soul of Philadelphia's soul scene," Lady Alma's accolades include Philadelphia's City Paper 2002 Best Female Vocalist Award and Temple University's 2004 Sisters Defining Sisters Award for Artistic Excellence.
JAZZ AND CABARET
Dena Underwood Trio
8pm | Innovation Studio | Jazz
Nostalgic jazz standards with local chanteuse Dena Underwood, accompanied by guitarist Greg Snyder and trumpet player Patrick Hughes.
Chance Trio
9pm | Innovation Studio | Jazz
The Chance Trio—trumpet player Bart Miltenberger, guitarist Matt Davis, and bassist Michael Taylor—has performed original compositions and eclectic covers throughout the Philadelphia area and beyond since 2001. "An unusual and striking trio" —Philadelphia Inquirer
Nicki Jaine
10pm | Innovation Studio | Jazz/Cabaret
Nicki Jaine identifies strongly with the sound of the 1930s and 40s, and has adopted a cabaret noir style that has her voice capturing audiences everywhere. Nominated "Best Female Solo Performer" for the Asbury Park Music Awards and "Best Female Entertainer" for the Philadelphia Music Awards, Jaine sings mesmerizingly.
PERELMAN DANCE CLUB
The seats are removed from our intimate Perelman Theater venue to be transformed into Philly's hippest club as it welcomes three bands that will have you on your feet yelling for more!
Joe Midiri Sextet
9pm | Perelman Theater | Club Dance
"Joe Midiri... is probably the spiritual descendent of Benny Goodman. Yes, he is that good" (Ed Wismer, Sentinel-Ledger). Joe Midiri, an instrumentalist on the clarinet, alto, baritone and soprano saxophones, will lead his sextet through a repertoire of swing tunes and jazz selections for all to dance.
Xandé Cruz
10:45pm | Perelman Theater | Club Dance
Xandé Cruz has performed with samba schools, Brazilian pop bands, African drum ensembles, dance troupes, and theatrical productions. His music is fed by a pure and constant passion for his art, his homeland, and "luz no comeco do tunnel," meaning the light at the beginning of the tunnel.
NXNW Salsa
12:30am | Perelman Theater | Club Dance
Voted "Best Music Venue" by Philadelphia magazine (2003) and "Best Places for Live Music in Philadelphia" by AOL City Guide (2004), Mt. Airy-based North by Northwest bar and nightclub presents salsa music at the Kimmel Center.
LATE NIGHT FUN
Bob and Barbara's Drag Time!
11:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza | Drag Show
The notorious Bob & Barbara's Drag Night comes to the Kimmel Center for one 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 Demo
11:30pm | Innovation Studio | Demo
Kimmel Center staff and the folks from Gamervision will demonstrate the intricacies behind operating one of the hottest musical video games on the market that allow video gamers the chance to showcase their talent as rock stars using the guitar.
Guitar Hero Competition
12:30am | Innovation Studio | Competition
There will be three Xbox 360s up and running. At 12:30 sharp, the gloves come off and it gets competitive! Gamers will compete in one of two skill levels: beginner and advanced. A spot in the tournament costs $3, and you play until you lose. By 2:30am, two new Guitar Hero Rock Stars will be crowned. Prizes will be awarded.
INDIE ROCK
Relay
11pm | Verizon Hall | Indie Rock
Named Spin.com's Band of the Day, Relay consists of Gerard Angelini, Mikele Edwards, Ian Fraser, and Jeff Ziegler. "Relay's appeal is primarily in their aseptic, blusterous guitars and stacks of airy keys set against vocals that stretch the tracks like a patient etherized upon a table" (CMJ).
Spinto Band
11:45pm | Verizon Hall | Indie Rock
The Spinto Band finds roots in indie-pop, and creates music reminiscent of the Flaming Lips and Pavement. The group is comprised of Jon Eaton, Thomas Hughes, Nick Krill, Joe Hobson, Sam Hughes, and Jeff Hobson.
Enon
12:45am | Verizon Hall | Indie Rock
Enon, an indie pop-rock group comprised of John Schmersal (guitar, bass, synths, vocals), Toko Yasuda (bass, synths, vocals), and Matt Schulz (drums) is based out of Philadelphia with some roots in Brooklyn as well. Enon's music is tinged with quirky tension that can meld together trippy disco-tinged dance textures to then segue into Japanese koto music.
Beretta 76
2am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage | Indie Rock
Beretta 76 has shared stages with Shonen Knife, The Muffs, Downbeat 5, and The Fleshtones. Their raw-rocking attitude seeps through the pores of guitarist/composer Pete Rydberg, bassist Peter Santa Maria, drummer Rob Giglio, and singer/guitarist Camille Escobedo.
DJ's SPIN
DJ Shawn Ryan of Hurrah
10:45pm Verizon Hall Indie Rock
Philly DJ Shawn Ryan spins infectious rhythms between acts until 1:30am in Verizon Hall.
DJ Shawn Ryan of Hurrah
DJ Mile Trombly of Paradise
3am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
DJs Shawn Ryan of Hurrah and Mike Trombly of Paradise guide us through the overnight hours, spinning tunes from various genres.
RISE AND SHINE
Sunrise Drum Circle
5am | Commonwealth Plaza
B.Y.O.D (bring your own drum) for the Solstice Sunrise! Arabic Rhythms by Joseph Tayoun and Bill Koutsouros with Al-Bustan Percussion Ensemble will lead the audience in Commonwealth Plaza to dawn the new day.
Note: Check the Kimmel Center website at www.kimmelcenter.org/solstice for performer and schedule updates as new artists continue to be added.
Summer Solstice 2007 sponsors include Citi, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems, Daffy's, Philadelphia Weekly, City Paper, Flying V, FYE, Gamervision, High Two Records, NBC10, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Gay News, Philadelphia Zoo, PNC Growing Up Great, Walking Bear, WJJZ, WRTI, and WURD.
Solstice patrons will be given a wristband upon entrance to the Kimmel Center and will need to wear the wristband to enter and leave the building all day and all night.
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