Kimmel Center Summer Solstice Celebration Sponsored by Citibank® Heats Up in Philly with Annual All-Day, All-Night Musical Extravaganza on Saturday,
May 30, 2008
Summer Solstice Celebration Extends Outdoors with Spruce Street Between Broad and 15th Closed Down for an Even Bigger Party!
Tickets Now on Sale
Kimmel Center Summer Solstice Celebration sponsored by Citibank® heats up in Philly with its annual all-day, all-night musical extravaganza at the Kimmel Center from 3pm on Saturday, June 21, 2008 until dawn on Sunday, June 22, 2008. Audiences of all ages may enjoy up to 15 hours of live music, dance and entertainment in every nook and cranny of the center’s spaces. An eclectic mix of singer-songwriter, classical, blues, gospel, R&B, jazz, folk, dance, Latin, world music and more fill the air as the evening progresses.
New to this year’s Summer 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. Food and drink options will be available throughout the day and night on the street and inside the Kimmel Center.
Afternoon entertainment kicks off with family dance phenomenon Baby Loves Disco, among other family-friendly performances and participatory events. Jugglers, chair massages, Wii bowling, tarot card readers, face-painters, henna tattoo artists and more will be stationed in Commonwealth Plaza and on the Hamilton Rooftop Garden. Many of the Kimmel Center’s world-renowned resident companies will participate in Solstice, including Peter Nero’s Philly Pops Festival Brass, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presenting violinist Arnaud Sussman and cellist Efe Baltacigil, and both The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia offering multi-media presentations.
Late night line-up includes an interactive Guitar Hero III competition on Verizon Hall stage, a raucous Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show, a QUIZZO tournament hosted by Johnny Goodtimes with prizes for the winners, a Summer Solstice Story Slam and other late-night surprises. Insomniacs are encouraged to BYOD (bring your own drum) for the annual drum circle at dawn as the sun rises over the Kimmel Center’s glass roof.
Tickets for Summer Solstice Celebration are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Ticket price includes admission to all day and all night events, and serve as the only ticket needed regardless of how many exits and entrances patrons choose to make. Tickets are available online at www.kimmelcenter.org/solstice, by calling 215-893-1999, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings.
Below is a list of confirmed artists performing at the Summer Solstice Celebration:
Summer Solstice Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2008 | 3pm to dawn
All Kimmel Center Venues
FAMILY FUN
Storytelling Provided by the American Theater Arts for Youth
3pm | Applause Gift Shop
Escape the crowds and enjoy some down time with the kids in Applause Gift Shop as members of the American Theater Arts for Youth (ATAFY) host an afternoon of storytelling.
Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
3:15pm | Verizon Hall
This ensemble of young talented musicians, comprised of area middle school students, trains with accomplished jazz musicians and teachers throughout the year, led by Music Director Marc Johnson. Hear their final concert of the season and see the future of Philly jazz.
PNC Grow Up Great: Give and Take Jugglers
3:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza
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, presented as part of the PNC "Grow Up Great" early childhood education initiative.
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale with Soundtrack Featuring the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
3:30pm | Perelman Theater
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.
Baby Loves Disco
3:30pm | Innovation Studio
Philly-based family dance phenomenon Baby Loves Disco brings together toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents to move and groove to beloved 70’s and 80’s disco classics. Grab a juicebox and "do the hustle."
PNC Grow Up Great: Fuego Nuevo Aztec Dance
4:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza
Fuego Nuevo Ensemble performs a family-friendly program of native Aztec dances and rituals in authentic garb, presented as part of the PNC "Grow Up Great" early childhood education initiative.
CLASSICAL
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society Presents
Efe Baltacigil (cello) and Arnaud Sussman (violin)
4pm | Rendell Room
"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.
Opera Company of Philadelphia
4:30pm | Verizon Hall
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.
Elissa Lee Koljonen (violin)
5pm | Rendell Room
One of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Elissa Lee 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 and the Royal Philharmonic, among others. Her program will include Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro; Ysaye’s Solo Sonata No. 2, Op.27, "Obsession"; Chopin/Milstein’s Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor; Elgar’s Salut d'amour, Op. 12; Engel/Zimbalist’s Sea-Shell; Debussy/Heifetz’s Beau Soir; Brahms/Heifetz’s Contemplation; and Ravel’s Tzigane. Pianist TBA.
The Philadelphia Orchestra Internet2 Project
5:30pm | Perelman Theater
A special viewing of performances from The Philadelphia Orchestra’s I2 Project, an innovative program of live concert distribution over Internet2 to venues on university campuses around the world. This groundbreaking program brings one of the world’s greatest orchestras to new audiences of the 21st century. The program will include Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony and Johann Strauss’ The Blue Danube, recorded live in Verizon Hall this spring.
The Curtis Percussion Group
6pm | Rendell Room
Experience these exceptionally gifted young musicians up close and loud! Trained at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world’s leading conservatories, by Philadelphia Orchestra principle timpanist Don Liuzzi. Members of the group include Gabe Globus-Hoenich, Patty Francheschy, Ben Folk and Mari Taminaga. Their program includes "Threads" by Paul Lansky, and an arrangement for percussion of "Even Later" by Bobby Hutcherson.
Peter Nero’s Philly Pops Festival Brass
6:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza
A selection of brass players from Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will perform a sampling of music, eliciting the playfully sophisticated sound authentic to the Pops, now in its 27th season.
JAZZ and WORLD MUSIC
The Sangeet Society
6:30pm | Innovation Studio
Local Indian classical music artists take audiences on a delightful musical tour from Indian classical, semi-classical, folk and film songs. 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.
The Swaray African Safari Ensemble
7:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza
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 | Innovation Studio
Cuban-American singer/songwriter Venissa Santi performs Afro-Cuban jazz in her Kimmel Center debut. Santi is currently a driving force in the Latin music scene of Philadelphia, featured live and as a soloist on the recordings of world music and jazz groups, including Alô Brasil, Choral Arts Society and Sonic Liberation Front, among others.
Brazil Festival with Xande Cruz
8:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza
Brazilian band Xande Cruz performs traditional Brazilian carnival music, incorporating the percussive rhythms of the samba and other genres indigenous to Brazil. Costumed carnival dancers will join the band on stage.
PhilOrch Jazz
9pm | Innovation Studio
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.
Johnny Cruz Latin Jazz Ensemble
9pm | Perelman Theater
In a taste of this summer’s Global Grooves series, the Perelman Theater opens up its dance floor with the sounds of conga, timbales, bongo, guiro, maracas and cow bell. This Latin jazz ensemble features Johnny Cruz, pianist and acoustic instrumentalist, with a heavy infusion of percussion by Gregorio Mercado, Johnny Ruiz on bass and Guzmán Miranda on alto saxophone. Presented in partnership with Racies Culturales Latinoamericanos.
Shofuso Taiko
10:45pm | Hamilton Garden
Rhythms and stomps of an ancient art form come to life with this Taiko drumming group, affiliated with the Japanese House in Fairmount Park.
West Philadelphia Orchestra
1am | Commonwealth Plaza
The West Philadelphia Orchestra (WPO) ratchets up the party with a unique blend of the traditional music of Romania, Hungary, Serbia and Macedonia and the gypsy music of Eastern Europe. "Balkan music can rival the Sex Pistols in energy, Mavado in groove, and Mingus and Liszt in terms of spontaneity, sophistication and expressivity."—percussionist/bandleader Gregg Mervine in Philadelphia City Paper
DANCE
D/2, the apprentice company of PHILADANCO
D/3, the youth performing company of PHILADANCO
5:15pm | Commonwealth Plaza
Bold, cutting-edge dance interpretations take center stage in Commonwealth Plaza with 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. This child-friendly performance can be enjoyed by all ages.
Native Nations Dance Theater
9:45pm | Commonwealth Plaza
The only American Indian dance company in Philadelphia, Native Nations Dance Theater (NNDT), recreates the history and culture of Native American tribes from across the country through dance, music and storytelling.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gardening Demonstrations
4pm | Hamilton Garden
Gardening demonstrations, including flower arranging, will take place with the producers of the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS motivates people to improve their quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture by providing great events, activities and publications for novice gardeners, experienced horticulturists and flower lovers of all ages.
R&B and INDIE ROCK
Walking Bear Productions Presents
Aaries
7pm | Verizon Hall
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.
Walking Bear Productions Presents
Wes Felton
8pm | Verizon Hall
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.
World Café Live Presents
The Sea Trio
12:30am | Innovation Studio
The Sea Trio is a four-piece electronic/guitar outfit that combines a textured jazz sound with elements of dub, funk, electronica and experimental rock.
World Café Live Presents
BILLLL$
1:30am | Innovation Studio
Bronx and Brooklyn based BILLLL$ performs authentic post-hybrid electronic indie bodyrock sound. The group recently debuted at the Apollo Theater in New York, and includes the multi-instrumental collective talents of solo artists Guillermo E. Brown (aka Arturo Klauft), Will Johnson (aka Gordon Voidwell) and Johnny Arrow.
Ramzy Suleiman
4:30am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
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.
NEW MUSIC
bowerbird Presents
JACK Quartet
8:30pm | Rendell Room
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. Quartet members include violinists Christopher Otto and Ari Streisfeld, violist John Pickford Richards, and cellist Kevin McFarland. Their program will include the first two string quartets by Yannis Xenakis: "ST/4" and "TETRAS," as well as John Zorn’s "Cat O’ Nine Tales."
LATE NIGHT FUN
First Person Arts Story Slam
10pm | Rendell Room
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."
QUIZZO Tournament with Johnny Goodtimes
10pm | Innovation Studio
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, hosted by Philly’s own QUIZZO King Johnny Goodtimes. Prizes will be awarded.
Bob and Barbara’s Drag Show
10:30pm | Perelman Theater
Following their triumphant appearance at last year’s Solstice, the notorious Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show returns for a night of raucous drag queen performances not to be missed. "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
Gamervision’s Guitar Hero III Gaming and Competition
11pm | Verizon Hall | Free play, anyone can participate
12am | Verizon Hall | Official competition, requires sign-up and $3 charge
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. Prizes will be awarded. Free play and competition will be streamed live on www.gamervision.com/kimmel_center_live_feed and www.ustream.tv.
The Color Purple Cast Cabaret
11:30pm | Commonwealth Plaza
Members of the cast of Cadillac Broadway Series’ The Color Purple run down the street following their show at the Academy of Music to sing their hearts out, showcasing their talents with a broad spectrum of musical selections.
The Hydrogen Jukebox Circus Sideshow
2am | Commonwealth Plaza
The Hydrogen Jukebox Circus Sideshow ensemble began as a small a rock band but has grown to incorporate dancers, poets, puppets, sword-swallowers, bed of nails daredevils, comedy, fire art and more in an elaborate and interactive variety show on stage. Don’t be squeamish!
DJ Spins
Afrotaino
3am | Commonwealth Plaza Stage
Latin DJ crew Afrotaino guides us through the overnight hours, spinning tunes from across Latin America.
RISE AND SHINE
Drum Circle, led by Joseph Tayoun with Al-Bustan and the Seeds of Culture
5am | Commonwealth Plaza
BYOD (bring your own drum) for the Solstice Sunrise! Joseph Tayoun with Al-Bustan and the Seeds of Culture will lead the sunrise drum circle in Commonwealth Plaza to dawn the new day.
For up to the minute performer and schedule updates, visit www.kimmelcenter.org/solstice. New artists added every day!
Summer Solstice 2008 sponsors include Citibank, American Airlines, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems, PNC, William Penn Foundation, Vitamin Water, Ted’s Montana Grill, Inliquid, Gamervision, Bowerbird, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, World Café Live, WRTI, WXPN, WURD, WJJZ, Philadelphia Weekly, City Paper, Philadelphia Gay News, Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Weekly Press/University City Review, Walking Bear Productions, The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, Pennsylvania Ballet, PHILADANCO and American Theater Arts for Youth.
> index of news releases
> For more information, and to request high resolution images for press use, please
send us a message online.