08/26/09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Rotunda celebrates TEN years with a weekend of celebrations and fund raisers!
CONTACT:
Gina Renzi
gina@TheRotunda.org
215-573-3234
The Rotunda | 4014 Walnut Street } Philadelphia, PA 19104 | http://TheRotunda.org
From John Legend and Matisyahu to Immortal Technique and the Sun Ra Arkestra, The Rotunda has presented internationally acclaimed artists as well as incredible local and new performers and art forms. We’ve also provided educational and outreach opportunities for all ages and given a voice to countless social causes, helping groups raise funds and awareness through artistic endeavors. In addition, we’ve lead two major collaborative arts projects, producing a mural and a theatrical work. All told, The Rotunda has presented over 2,000 events to at least 250,000 people. To continue our good work, we need to raise funds while taking time to celebrate.
Since 1999, The Rotunda has been providing diverse, inclusive community programming, usually at little or no cost to audiences. Established by Penn undergraduates, The Rotunda, formerly known as The Foundation Community Arts Initiative, began with rich and vibrant rosters of weekly events that eventually developed into full time programming for and by people of all backgrounds, nearly every day of the week.
On the weekend of September 25, we will celebrate The Rotunda’s TENTH birthday with four events featuring live music, film, dance, art, local food, and much more.
The weekend’s line up (subject to change without notice):
EVENT 1
Friday September 25, 7-9pm
DJing and live visuals by VJ Yakov
Dime Universal feat. Divine Essence w/ Merkaba El (neo-soul / sociopolitical / hip hop choreography)
HipHop Poeticz feat. The Mind Set (LyfizDef, Da’god Jah Born, Taajuldiin (of Khalifaa), ol’nikadu and Naomi Esler; blu-func / lyricism / visual artistry / soundscapes / synth-jazz / African folk / runaway slave songs)
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Silent Art Auction opens (ends @9pm Sunday Sept.27), featuring visual art from over 20 artists. Contact us to donate artwork!
vendors
dessert!
Admission: $5 – $7 (We’ll accept more if you have it!)
EVENT 2
Saturday September 26, 4-5pm
Al Bustan Seeds of Culture hosts a drum jam. Bring your own drum and jam with the best percussionists in the city while learning about the Arab culture programs that Al Bustan leads all year long. Many of these programs happen right here at The Rotunda!
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Silent Art Auction continues..
Admission: Free but we kindly suggest a donation of $3 – $7.
EVENT 3
Saturday September 26 @7pm
The Birthday Gala, Rotunda style
featuring:
MC Ramshackle aka Beth Nixon
Old Goats (Brazilian folk / bossa nova)
Phyllis Chapell (repertoire features songs from Brazil, Latin America, Europe, Israel, U.S. / Brazilian sambas / Flamenco rumbas / classical / folk)
Plumdragoness & the Elements (spoken word / dance / world / experimental / improv)
Lillie Ruth Bussey (singer songwriter)
Drake (hip hop / jazz / classical / rock / experimental / punk)
Archdedream for Humankind (archetypal black light dance theater)
Philly poets including: Ebony Malaika Collier, Paul “S.Frosty” Jackson, Nassunni Na’imah Abdul-Karim, Kyle ‘Taino’ Leonardo, Jorge La Llave (Geo), St. Skribbly LaCroix , Adam Naked Meora, Traycee Lynn, Wes Gil, et al
Stinking Lizaveta (rock better known as insane improvisations, relentless rhythms and volumes of groove)
The Notekillers (rock better known as destabilized rock & roll, screaming free jazz and pre-school funk)
Ale Driver (rock)
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Silent Art Auction continues..
live screen printing (B.Y.O. totes, t shirts, etc. or buy some from us and get them printed at the show)
Raffle (prizes include: $1,000 scholarship to Paul Green School of Rock, The Bridge Cinema movie passes, services from Jason’s Pet Care and Stacey’s Pet Care, salon visit from Turnaround, lesson with DJ Lisa Love, break dance lesson, bike tune ups from Trophy Bikes and Firehouse Bikes, bike lock from Trophy Bikes, Qdoba gift certs, restaurant.com certs, Dock Street bar/restaurant cert., Smokes bar $50 tab, Fresh Grocer gift card, CVS gift cards, etc.)
$10 admission (We’ll accept more if you have it!)
EVENT 4
Sunday September 27, 5-9pm
short films with a Philly slant
featuring Brendan Cooney of West Philadelphia Orchestra playing a live piano score to Buster Keaton’s “One Week” and Harold Lloyd’s “Never Weaken.” On “One Week,” Brendan will be joined by Philly legend and jazz/experimental/improv man-about-town Elliott Levin, who will play flutes and sax. Elliott will also improv to another short film later in the evening, solo.
plus fun Philly films donated by Scribe Video Center
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Silent Art Auction ends at 9pm
$5 – $7 admission (We’ll accept more if you have it!)
About The Rotunda (in case you don’t know by now):
The Rotunda is a West Philadelphia community-gathering place that is fueled by the belief that art is a catalyst for social change and that the arts can lead to the formation of meaningful partnerships between our host the University of Pennsylvania and surrounding neighborhoods. Over 300 events are offered every year, including live music, film, spoken word, theater, art, dance, education, youth programs, arts incubation, and various experimental genres. As an alcohol-free, smoke-free venue, The Rotunda provides a critical social alternative for all ages. At its core, The Rotunda is a shared space fostering learning, enrichment, and community support while empowering the public to present, produce, and promote their work.
To volunteer or vend, or to donate money, items, or services, please email information@TheRotunda.org
The Rotunda | 4014 Walnut Street } Philadelphia, PA 19104 | http://TheRotunda.org
