All concerts will be held at the 40th Street Field, the beautiful green space adjacent to the Walnut West Free Library at 40th and Walnut Streets. All shows begin at 6pm. THESE SHOWS ARE NOT AT THE ROTUNDA.
EXPANDED 40TH STREET SUMMER SERIES
University of Pennsylvania, University City District (UCD), and The Rotunda are pleased to announce the 2013 (and newly-expanded!) concert calendar for the annual 40th Street Summer Series, the free outdoor performance series in University City.
Scheduled for the last Saturdays in May to September, the 40th Street Summer Series will transform the 40th Street Field into a family-friendly center of global sounds and good vibrations.
These free outdoor performances will feature internationally-renowned ensembles including Brooklyn Qawwali Party (performing/reworking the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan), the whimsicalPhiladelphia Ukulele Orchestra, the Millennial Territory Orchestra (performing the music of Sly and The Family Stone), Spaceship Aloha(featuring Man Man's Chris Powell), and more to be announced.
All concerts will be held at the 40th Street Field, the beautiful green space adjacent to the Walnut West Free Library at 40th and Walnut Streets. All shows begin at 6pm.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/155368037956719/
Complimentary (first come, first served) Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and pretzels will also be given out during the performances.
The 40th Street Summer Series is sponsored by AroundPhilly, BenFM, Ben & Jerry's, Campus Philly, Philadelphia City Paper, Daily Pennsylvanian, Grid Magazine, Homewood Suites, Philly Pretzel Factory, Metro, Philadelphia Weekly, Philly Fun Guide, UC Review, UCNet, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Saturday June 29
PHILADELPHIA UKULELE ORCHESTRA + Emily Bate
PHILADELPHIA UKULELE ORCHESTRA, a twelve piece ensemble comprised of bohemians, libertines and ukulele enthusiasts, are on a crusade to promote Truth and Beauty through that most democratic of musical instruments. Interpreting the music of the 20s and 30s, this rare appearance from the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra is not to be missed!
EMILY BATE opens the evening, performing music that borrows from the canon of 20th century American popular music. She writes not-quite-right songs, bending ears with her dissonant approach to pop harmony.
Saturday, July 27 | The Heavens Atheist Gospel Trombone Choir
Just one day before their Lincoln Center debut, this dynamic brass band led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jacob Garchik (a frequent arranger for Kronos Quartet) will visit Philadelphia for the first time to perform with the critically acclaimed and jubilant The Heavens. Celebrating reason, the laws of science, and the glory of infinity!
Saturday, August 31 | Spaceship Aloha
Spaceship Aloha is the vibrant new sonic move from Man Man drummer/producer Christopher Sean Powell. Spaceship Aloha’s performances present a kaleidoscope of lush melodies and joyous electronic rhythms inspired by Hawaii’s musical landscape. Intended for non-stop dancing, the live show is bursting with elements of vivid beats, refreshing sounds, and adventurous improvisation - all performed on an ecosystem of synthesizers, sequencers, electronic drums, and live percussion. This new project continues the wild energy of Powell’s explosive performances in Need New Body & Man Man, with a “future tropical” twist. Philadelphia’s Inspyre will open the evening with breathtaking hoop dancing and fire dancers.
Saturday, September 28 | Millennial Territory Orchestra performs the music of Sly & The Family Stone
Grammy nominated trumpet-composer Steven Bernstein (Sex Mob) leads his 12-piece ensemble featuring a top-flight roster of talent through the monumental songbook of Sly & The Family Stone to deliver unforgettable fun for all. By filtering the music of Sly and The Family Stone through its own “downtown NYC” aesthetic, MTO illuminates the melodic and harmonic sophistication of this immortal body of work, while upholding the Day-Glo soul and psychedelic funk that’s the backbone for classics like M’Lady, Everyday People, and Family Affair.
Visit the official website for the 2013 40th Street Summer Series: http://universitycity.org/40th-street-summer-series