The Rotunda, University of Pennsylvania, and University City District present the 40th Street Summer Series - a free summer concert series every fourth Saturday in June, July, August, and September
at the 40th Street Field (40th between Walnut and Locust) -which began with the world-renowned big band Sun Ra Arkestra on June 25
We are pleased to announce the expanded 2011 40th Street Summer Series. Every fourth Saturday in June through September from 6-8pm, the Summer Series will feature
FREE outdoor performances from exceptional internationally-renowned artists.
All concerts will be held on the beautiful green space just behind the Walnut Street Free Library at 40th and Walnut Streets. Complimentary (first come, first served) Rita's Water Ice will also be given out during the performances. UCD and The Rotunda are pleased to announce the artists for the second Summer Series event:
Saturday, July 23, 6pm
CYRO BAPTISTA'S BANQUET OF THE SPIRITS
+ JOSEPH BOWIE & ADAM RUDOLPH
Join us in July for the Philadelphia debut of Cyro Baptista's Banquet of the Spirits. One of the greatest Brazilian percussionists today, Cyro Baptista is best known for his ensemble Beat the Donkey and has worked closely with many of the world's most acclaimed musicians including Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Laurie Anderson and countless others. Expect to hear a delightful program of experimental Brazilian pop songs in addition to the music of John Zorn. A "pioneer in world music" (The New York Times), percussionist Adam Rudolph is joined by multi-instrumentalist Joseph Bowie for an opening duo set that is grounded in the cosmologies of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the African Diaspora.
Be sure to stick around after the event, for a daredevil fire dance and fire breathing performance from Liana Cameris and Lauren Raske!
Saturday, August 27, 6pm
VIEUX FARKA TOURE
+ KYO DAIKO
Vieux Farka Touré is a Malian singer/guitarist and son of Grammy-winning Malian musician Ali Farka Touré, one of the uncontested trailblazers of African music. Vieux's critically-acclaimed music is a generational bridge connecting American and African blues music and culture. Vieux's 2011 album "The Secret" which "slays" according to Rolling Stone Magazine features guest appearances from Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, John Scofield and the last collaboration between Vieux and his late father, Ali. Opening this evening's event will be a heart-pounding performance from Kyo Daiko, Philadelphia’s only Japanese-style drumming crew.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the last 40th Street Summer Series event on Saturday September 24 at 6pm.
More details coming very soon. For more information on these events, visit universitycity.org