The 40th Street Summer Series—co-produced by Penn, University City District, and The Rotunda—will once again enliven the green area behind the Walnut Street Library (40th Street between Walnut and Locust) with free monthly concerts. This year the programming will run from June through September, with performances on four Saturdays throughout the summer, falling on June 18th, July 23rd, August 20th, and September 17th. These events will only be cancelled is there is really bad weather. A sprinkle won't cancel our fun!
In the past, the Summer Series has featured internationally-acclaimed acts such as the Millennial Territory Orchestra, Man Man, and the Sun Ra Arkestra— to play free outdoor concerts that capture the soul of the neighborhood. This year, the series will run from June through September. The Summer Series brings business during the typically slow summer months by increasing patronage at nearby retailers and building upon the existing vibrancy of 40th Street, while providing entertaining, enriching and safe outlets for families, visitors and students.
2016 Schedule
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 • 6PM
The Young Philadelphians
The Young Philadelphians blend mind-blowing harmolodic punk-funk and the sweet, optimistic pulse of 1970s Philly soul. Marc Ribot enlists Prime Time alumni and Philadelphia natives, bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma, drummer G. Calvin Weston and guitarist Bern Nix, along with a lush 3-piece string section to form the hardest working musicians in punk/funk/soul/ and noise. Keep an eye out for their Live in Tokyo album to be released in July!
Click here for more info on The Young Philadelphians.
with Monica McIntyre
Monica 'Spirit' McIntyre (pronouns: Spirit/They/Them) -- A Gender Non-Conforming Cellist, Vocalist, Lyricist, Wellness Advocate, Sound Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Mover and Visual Artist -- who promotes empowerment and healing by any medium necessary.
Click here for more info on Monica McIntyre.
SATURDAY, JULY 23 • 6PM
Dendê & Band
Dendê & Band have cultivated a unique sound where Afro-Brazilian traditions like samba de roda and candomble have been seamlessly melded with world rhythms like rumba, afrobeat and mbalax. Dendê is a percussionist, singer, composer, bandleader, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist.
Click here for more information on Dende & Band.
with PaPa Ed Stokes and Kunu Bi
PaPa Ed is a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist who plays more than a dozen instruments, a highly-accomplished instrument maker (often from recycled materials), and a lifelong student of ethnic and African music, and the blues.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 • 6PM
The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change
The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change brings the power of Liberian traditional song to the forefront of efforts to make communities safe and strong. Composed of renowned singers, dancers and musicians from Liberia, these award-winning performers create music intended to encourage women to make their voices heard, and to take positive steps forward.
Click here for more information on The Liberian Women's Chorus for Change.
with Modero Dance Company
Modero Dance Company was founded to combine traditional and modern Indonesian dance disciplines. This fusion brings the best of both worlds in energetic & intricate choreography.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 6PM
Rennie Harris RHAW
Dr. Rennie Harris’ RHAW is a dance group for youths training for Rennie Harris Puremovement. The group performs Campbell Locking, Popping & Boogaloo, B-boy/girl, House, and Hip hop social dance. RHAW forges new paths for young hip hop hopefuls, and will present Hip hop in its "RHAW-est" forms.
Click here for more information on Rennie Harris RHAW.
with Kalamandir Dance Company
Kalamandir Dance Company is a contemporary ensemble that uses the vocabulary of classical Indian dance to explore new spaces of artistic expression. Their movement vocabulary is a collective effort that aims to create a reachable area for all people to participate and communicate.
Click here for more information on Kalamandir Dance Company.
Admission to all shows in this series is FREE
