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NEW FREE community programs announced on @KimmelCulturalCampus (Facebook/Instagram)/@KimmelCC (Twitter), including #HappyHour, #Lunch presentations, and #Nightlife, all featuring local #Philly artists!
Press Contacts:
Lauren A. (Woodard) Hall
484-832-1963 (cell)
lhall@kimmelculturalcampus.org
KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS ANNOUNCES
NEW, FREE PROGRAMMING SERIES SHOWCASING THE TALENT AND
CREATIVITY OF PHILLY ARTISTS
Artistic partners Jesse Bermudez & AFROTAINO, REC Philly and
Jazz Philadelphia, as well as local college students, help turn the Kimmel Plaza
into ‘a place to party’
Featuring high energy performances across the day,
including lunchtime, late night, and happy hour!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, February 22, 2022) –– The Kimmel Cultural Campus announces new FREE programming showcasing local artists, bringing to life the original vision of the Kimmel Center building as a place for continuous live entertainment. The FREE programs, taking place under the Kimmel Center’s soaring 150-foot vaulted roof in the Plaza, include Happy Hour Sessions, Lunchtime Unplugged, and Nightlife. Program descriptions and calendar listings below.
“These new programs are just one more step toward realizing the original vision of the Kimmel Center. We look forward to reinvigorating the Plaza in a variety of ways, including by turning the spotlight on burgeoning, local artists,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “We welcome all Philadelphians to join us in this space to experience the arts together. And we extend our gratitude to organizations including Jazz Philadelphia, REC Philly, Jesse Bermudez and AFROTAINO, and many more, for partnering with us to showcase the rich diversity of our region’s arts scene on our Plaza stage.”
In addition to the new FREE programming announced today, the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra have partnered with local organizations on various projects throughout the season. Organizations include Taller Puertorriqueño, Mexican Consulate and Mexican Cultural Center, Theatre Philadelphia, Musicopia, Mural Arts, Jazz Philadelphia, REC Philly, Jesse Bermudez & AFROTAINO, and Project 440.
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With 4-6 programs per month, the NEW, FREE Community Engagement programming on the Kimmel Cultural Campus includes:
Happy Hour Sessions at the Kimmel (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Meet up, mix, and mingle! Enjoy free, live entertainment from an eclectic roster of top-shelf DJs, bands, and emcees. Shake off the workday and head to the Kimmel to grab drinks and catch up with friends. Make visits to the Plaza a regular occasion.
Bar concessions by Garces.
Lunchtime Unplugged at the Kimmel (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Make post-lunch slumps a thing of the past! Bring your lunch and picnic under the Plaza ceiling while listening to music that moves you. Enjoy free, live performances by emerging Philly artists, with acts in our lineup ranging from big bands to pianists.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) encouraged.
Nightlife at the Kimmel (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
Nightlife meets... something new! It’s a free, intimate concert and a party – all powered by the best local musicians highlighting the brightest entertainment talent the region has to offer. From bebop to hip-hop, neo-soul to salsa, the music doesn’t stop at the Kimmel after dark! An eclectic series of performance events in partnership with Jazz Philadelphia, REC Philly, and Jesse Bermudez alongside AFROTAINO Productions.
Bar concessions by Garces.
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NEW, FREE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (so far) IS BELOW. For the most up-to-date listings, go to our website.
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, March 4, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters, Trapeta B. Mayson, and DJ Aura (Shawanda Spivey)
Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters
Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters is a Philly jazz band fronted by two-time poet laureate Yolanda Wisher and named for her book Monk Eats An Afro. The group has performed around and beyond Philly at such venues as the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Easton Book Festival, The Rosenbach, and NPR Live Sessions at WRTI. The Afroeaters are: Sirlance Gamble (percussion), V. Shayne Frederick (keys), Paul Giess (trumpet), Mark Palacio (double bass) and Yolanda Wisher (vox). Their debut album Doublehanded Suite is due out in 2022.
Yolanda Wisher
Yolanda Wisher was named the first poet laureate of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the third Poet Laureate of Philadelphia. The author of Monk Eats an Afro, Wisher performs poetry and song with her band The Afroeaters. Wisher is a Pew and Cave Canem fellow and received the Leeway Foundation's Transformation Award. She has led programs rooted in poetry as a public art, including a neighborhood festival, literary takeovers of local museums, a series of poetry church services, a radio show and podcast, and a poetic address to the nation. She works as the Curator of Spoken Word at Philadelphia Contemporary.
DJ Aura
DJ Aura hails from the musically rich city of Philadelphia. She's spent the most of her life as modern nomad as an Army brat. Her transient childhood gave her the opportunity to absorb music from various areas of this country and the world. Her love of music eventually bought her to turntablism. She's provided the musical backdrop for poetry slams, various art exhibits, b-boy jams, and sneaker exhibitions and proven herself a taste maker by rocking dance floors throughout the Tri-State area, and she has been able to hold her own amongst Philly's most legendary DJs. Her style or range isn't limited to a genre; she creates a sonic experience that takes folks on a soulful, eclectic journey ranging from Classic Soul to House to Afrobeat to Top 40 Pop Music.
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, March 11, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring Kenneth Black, Drexel University freshman student and pianist, and Daniella Guigliano, Drexel University freshman student
Kenneth Blake
Kenneth Blake is a piano player from the town of Red Bank, New Jersey. Blake learned how to play the piano starting from age 5 and started taking interest in jazz piano when he was 13. Since then, he has been studying the jazz arts and its concepts of modal harmony and improvisation. He has also studied performance and studied rock n' roll genre under the Rockit! Live Academy located in New Jersey, as well as furthered his jazz studies with the Jazz Arts Project in New Jersey. While his focus has been jazz, he has played in numerous groups that have played R&B, neo-soul, funk, and jazz fusion.
Daniella Guigliano
Daniella Guigliano began singing at the age of twelve, taking lessons with her sister’s living room. She can be heard in the movie, Ben is Back, as well as the TV series Sharp Objects. She advanced to professional lessons, various choruses, and eventually formed her first jazz band, performing at many galas, concerts, and venues throughout New York City.
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, March 18, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring SNACKTIME Philly and DJ Kyon Williams
K Y O N, will be presenting sounds and music from the realm of funk, neo soul, r&b house, and hip-hop. With selections from Lou Phelps, Kaytranada, The Neptunes, Slum Village, and some originals of his own.
SNACKTIME Philly
Established in the Spring of 2020, SNACKTIME PHILLY is an unapologetically positive and resonant band born out of the current worldwide music industry-wide shut down due to COVID-19. While typically the musicians of SNACKTIME would be performing in clubs or venues, the sudden closure of entertainment halls across the city caused these performers (like many others) to choose resilience.
With a focus on safety and accessibility for both the performers and audience, SNACKTIME PHILLY performs in outdoor, socially distant locations throughout the Philadelphia region. These shows invite all ages to disconnect from the mundane and find joy through fresh, epic takes on classics.
SNACKTIME is a band committed to the mission of supporting musicians through COVID-19 and inspiring hope in their communities. Their work continues in 2021 through their pop-up shows and fundraising for community mutual aid. SNACKTIME is a direct reflection of Philadelphia: loud, high-energy, talented, and loving. Follow @Snacktimephilly for more.
DJ Kyon Williams
K Y O N, is a multifaceted artist who combines elements of instrumental music, music production, and DJing all into pieces of art that he creates. A Philadelphia native, who started off playing in the Gospel scene, he later studied Jazz Performance at Temple University, then finally took off on his own journey to DJing and Music production.
Very heavily influenced by funk, neo soul, r&b house, and hip-hop. Now, as a DJ he works alongside SNACKTIME doing multiple events around the city and performing at various venues and clubs in the city of Philadelphia. He believes that everyone's heart should be heard and felt through the form of expression. And that expression is in the form of art and music. 2022 will be the year you will be hearing him the most, with two upcoming projects to be released.
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, March 25, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring University of the Arts Director’s Ensemble, including:
- Jasyn Brazoban, Trombone
- John Polanco, Trumpet
- Ravi Seenarine, Tenor Saxophone
- Satchel Schwartz, Drums
- Lonell Johnson, Piano
- Dan McCain, Bass
Ravi Seenarine
Ravi Seenarine is a Senior at University of the Arts, majoring in Jazz Performance. Despite being a jazz saxophonist at heart, his time at University of the Arts has encouraged and nourished his passion for bounding from genre to genre and instrument to instrument. After college, he hopes to become a staple musician and educator in the Philadelphia area.
Dan McCain
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dan McCain is an acoustic and electric bassist, composer/arranger and band leader. McCain got his start studying classical music, leading him to study with bassists such as Joseph Conyers and Mary Javian. His true passion, however, was found in jazz, leading him to learn under greats such as Steve Beskrone, Katie Thiroux, John Clayton, and many others. McCain is “making waves in the city these days” according to All About Jazz, and his playing has led him and his band to venues across Philadelphia. Currently in his fourth year at the University of the Arts, McCain plays with the Philly POPS orchestra and big band, as well as leading his own ensemble, which performs around the city. He has shared the stage with musicians such as Christian McBride, Terell Stafford, Lee Smith, Dick Oats, and others. He also wears hats in education and administration, working as a teaching artist in schools across Philadelphia for the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philly POPS, where he also works in production and community engagement.
More artist information to come.
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, April 1, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring Temple University Senior Ensemble, this event kicks off Jazz Appreciation Month on the Kimmel Cultural Campus.
- Banks Sapnar, trumpet
- Evan Kappelman, saxophone
- Stanley Ruvinov, bass
- Ben Reinwart, guitar
- Dave Auerbach, drums
- Micah Graves, piano
Evan Kappelman
Evan Kappelman is a saxophonist and composer originating from the historically important jazz community of Kansas City. Evan has performed with bandleader Christian McBride as a member of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Jazz Academy, as well as at Carnegie Hall followed by a tour across Asia with bandleader Sean Jones and guest artist Kurt Elling as a member of the NYO Jazz program. He has also received honors with selections to the 2019 NAfME All-National Jazz Ensemble, the 2018 Jazz Band of America, a YoungArts Merit Winner in Jazz Performance and Composition, as well as the Dave Brubeck Institute Summer Jazz Colony. Evan is musically rooted in the jazz tradition and incorporates more modern approaches in his playing and compositions. Evan currently resides in Philadelphia where he attends Temple University under the tutelage of Dick Oatts, Tim Warfield, and Terell Stafford.
Ben Reinwart
Modern jazz guitarist and composer Ben Reinwart grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended an elite high school jazz program there named “Jazz St. Louis” under Adaron Jackson. Reinwart is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance at Temple University and is looking toward different graduate school programs in New York City and Philadelphia. His time in Philadelphia has been a crucial part in his growth as a jazz guitarist. Reinwart has studied with Antonio Hart, Jeremy Pelt, Mike Moreno, Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, and David Wong to name a few. Over the span of his career Reinwart has been able to work with Bob Deboo, Ingrid Jensen, Ben Wolfe, Antonio Hart, Dick Oatts, Scott Wednholt, Chris Cheek, and Lucas Brown.
Dave Auerbach
Dave Auerbach is a senior Jazz performance Major at Temple university. At 22 years old, he has been studying drums for seven years. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, Dave took advantage of the abundance of high-quality music and since the age of 15, he decided to pursue music as a career. He comes from a family of independent and commercial painters and illustrators and though my passion is not for those art forms, the appreciation and admiration they passed along for dedicating oneself to any form of art stuck with him.
Micah Graves
Fueled by a 6-month stint in Amsterdam as an exchange student, pianist Micah Graves returned home passionate about composing music. The Philadelphia native, who turns 24 in January has also implemented an aggressive schedule for recording music that has resulted in three impressive releases in less than a year and includes his sublime, genre bending CD Pawns.
Micah’s musical foundation has roots in several of the same programs that assisted in the early development of Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco, Justin Faulkner, Immanuel Wilkins, and many more. He’s an all-state talent that has benefited from Summers at Berklee’s jazz camps and graduating from the jazz program at Temple University.
While contemplating grad school, planning a tour, and playing the role of educator himself, his CD release count is on schedule to double in 2022. The new litter will include two projects featuring more of his original compositions and a release that pays homage to jazz standards.
More artist information to come.
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Monday, April 11, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
A partnered presentation with Jazz Philadelphia’s Gerald Veasley, this event is in observance of Jazz Appreciation Month – with Joshua Lee on saxophone, The Extended Family, and Philly Lindy Throwdown, led by Nick Cruickshank.
This event will be the debut performance of Josh Lee and the Extended Family. Featuring the brightest young Philadelphia musicians, this 15-piece ensemble plays the music of Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford and Flethcer Henderson: an era that is often neglected. The Extended Family will be accompanied by the talented dancers of The Philly Lindy Throwdown led by Nick Cruickshank. Dancers from all around the city are invited to join in and social dance to this great music.
Joshua Lee
Saxophonist, bandleader, and Managing and Co-Artistic Director of Jazz Lives Philadelphia, Joshua Lee is fully dedicated to the advancement of the Philadelphia jazz community. Joshua graduated from Temple University in 2016 and 2019 with both a Bachelor’s and Master's degree in Jazz Performance. He has had the fortune of mentorship from musicians like Dick Oatts, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, and Gary Smulyan on both the Philadelphia and New York scenes.
As a result, Joshua joined the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra in June of 2018 and performs with them around the world while also serving as a regular substitute with groups like the Vanguard Jazz orchestra, Delfeayo Marsalis’ Upton Jazz Orchestra, and Terell Stafford’s Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Joshua joined the Jazz Faculty at Temple University in the fall of 2019, was awarded as one of Temple University’s 30 Under 30 in 2020, and joined the WRTI team in early 2021.
Philly Lindy Throwdown
In jazz and jazz dance, innovation is the tradition. Lindy Hop, jazz dance, and jazz music have been around for over a hundred years, but the goal has never been to recreate the past, rather, it is to let the influences of the past combined with the vernacular of the present guide each step and shape.
The dancers of Philly Lindy Throwdown aim to embody this feeling in their fast swingouts, their high-flying air steps, and their playful improvography, all done in tandem with and in response to live jazz music. Swing may sometimes feel like a journey through time, but the destination is always today.
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, April 15, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring Young lion of Philly Jazz, Nasir Dickerson’s Life Light Empower Band, with original compositions and a fresh spin on popular Philly favs. This event is in observance of Jazz Appreciation Month. With DJ Junior.
Nasir Dickerson
Born in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Camden, NJ, Nasir is a graduate of University of the Arts, with a bachelor's degree in Saxophone Performance (2006) and a Master’s Degree in Music Education (2007). Nasir is a teacher of music at Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy in Camden, NJ. He received the Teacher of the Year award in 2010, followed by an Emmy Award in 2011, as part of a music teaching team who used a “Vertical Articulation” teaching method.
Nasir is the leader of the jazz sextet, “Nasir Dickerson & The Renaissance Messengers,” and has produced two albums “Journey to Father Land” & “The Revealer.” He is also, an artistic/music director for “The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.” In 2011, Nasir performed in the movie “WARRIOR” by LIONSGATE starring Nick Nolte. He has performed with artists such as rappers The Roots Crew, Vocalist Bilal, Vocalist Maysa, Rappers Beanie Sigel, State Property, Stalley, and The legendary Stylistics. He has opened for legendary jazz greats, such as Dr. Donald Byrd, Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Heath, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Duane Eubanks, Jymie Merritt, Mickey Roker, Stanley Wilson and Sid Simmons. Nasir is also a World Champion 6th Degree Master Black Belt in the Martial Arts and has been inducted into two Martial Arts Hall of Fames.
DJ Junior
Some do it for the fame. Some do it for the money. But the very best selectors play music for the love of it. Take DJ Junior, one of Philadelphia’s premiere purveyors of indie hip-hop, house, rare grooves, broken beat and afrobeat.
Each Friday from 6 to 9 PM EST, Junior shares this passion for independent artistry on Eavesdrop Radio, the radio show he created and now co-hosts with Lil’ Dave. The show, which is broadcast by Drexel University’s WKDU 91.7FM and archived on Junior’s web site, www.recordbreakin.com, features music and interviews from hundreds of signed and unsigned musicians. By providing a platform for those outside of the commercial loop, Eavesdrop has attracted a worldwide following.
In 2007 Junior started Record Breakin' Music (RBM), a Philadelphia-based, boutique record label with a straightforward approach to releasing quality new music with a soulful foundation. To date the label has released over 80 releases. "Our focus has and always will be to present quality music to a culture that embraces it."
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
Event information to be announced.
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, April 22, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring Micah Graves, pianist and composer
Danielle Dougherty, vocalist
Jd Esters, Settlement Music School piano student
Micah Graves
Fueled by a 6-month stint in Amsterdam as an exchange student, pianist Micah Graves returned home passionate about composing music. The Philadelphia native, who turns 24 in January has also implemented an aggressive schedule for recording music that has resulted in three impressive releases in less than a year and includes his sublime, genre bending CD Pawns.
Micah’s musical foundation has roots in several of the same programs that assisted in the early development of Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco, Justin Faulkner, Immanuel Wilkins, and many more. He’s an all-state talent that has benefited from Summers at Berklee’s jazz camps and graduating from the jazz program at Temple University.
While contemplating grad school, planning a tour, and playing the role of educator himself, his CD release count is on schedule to double in 2022. The new litter will include two projects featuring more of his original compositions and a release that pays homage to jazz standards.
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, May 6, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring DJ Chris Blues and The Parkside Experience
Chris Blues
Chris Blues has been part of the Line Dance community since 2010. Founder of ‘WE DANCIN OVER HERE/PARKSIDE EXPERIENCE” out of Philadelphia, Chris has been able to become one of the most sought-after choreographers, instructors, hosts & DJs for numerous events across the country. Being a lover of music & dance from an early age has allowed Chris to create as he would say “His Own Lane” within line dance. His signature style of dance & DJing has garnered numerous opportunities for recognition: 2011 Tri-State Dance of the Year “Itz Eazy Tho”, 2016 East Coast Dance of the Year “Let’s Talk About It” & the 2016 DB (Dave Bush) Award from IAKJP to name a few. In his own words, “I love watching people have a good time. Whether it's dancing their favorite dance, or just singing along to good music. That type of energy is infectious”. And it’s what drives his weekly after-work party, seasonal line dance brunches & annual “Parkside Weekend Experience” that has folks wanting to join in on the fun from across the country. So, if you don’t catch him on the floor, you’ll catch him in the DJ booth doing what he LOVES!!!
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
A partnered presentation with Jazz Philadelphia’s Gerald Veasley, this evening features Luke Carlos O’Reilly and the Philly Jazz Divas.
Pianist and Music Director showcases a multi-generational roster of favorite Philadelphia jazz vocalists, including:
- Sherry Wilson Butler, Vocalist
- Hailey Brinnel, Vocalist and Trombonist
- Lee Mo, Vocalist
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, May 20, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring DJ Junior and Mozaic Flow (Jermaine Bryson)
About DJ Junior
Some do it for the fame. Some do it for the money. But the very best selectors play music for the love of it. Take DJ Junior, one of Philadelphia’s premiere purveyors of indie hip-hop, house, rare grooves, broken beat and afrobeat.
Each Friday from 6 to 9 PM EST, Junior shares this passion for independent artistry on Eavesdrop Radio, the radio show he created and now co-hosts with Lil’ Dave. The show, which is broadcast by Drexel University’s WKDU 91.7FM and archived on Junior’s web site, www.recordbreakin.com, features music and interviews from hundreds of signed and unsigned musicians. By providing a platform for those outside of the commercial loop, Eavesdrop has attracted a worldwide following.
In 2007 Junior started Record Breakin' Music (RBM), a Philadelphia-based, boutique record label with a straightforward approach to releasing quality new music with a soulful foundation. To date the label has released over 80 releases. "Our focus has and always will be to present quality music to a culture that embraces it."
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, May 27, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring Mike Raymond Quartet
- Peter Rushing, Piano
- Christian Harrison, Drums
- Dan McCain, Bass
- Mike Raymond, Guitar
Mike Raymond
Mike Raymond is a past participant of the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Creative Music Program (CMP) during the 2017-2018 school year and attended the 2018 CJI camp.
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Monday, May 30, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
A partnered presentation with Jesse Bermudez and AFROTAINO, this evening features Flaco Navaja & the Razor Blades.
Flaco Navaja
Flaco Navaja is a singer, poet, and actor who was born and raised in the Bronx. He sings in both Spanish and English and has toured with various groups across the globe.
If Héctor Lavoe Boxed Rubén Blades and KRS-1 was the referee you’d get Flaco. A Nostalgic old sound with brand new Spoken Word.
Navaja’s original style of poetry combines singing, beat-boxing, and spoken word. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase “All That! Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz” at the famous Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe. He has performed at national and international venues and events. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons’ DEF POETRY JAM, and he has appeared on four episodes of the HBO series.
Navaja is a member of Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in several films & television shows, including PRIDE & GLORY, FIGHTING, GUN HILL ROAD, LAW & ORDER, CSI NY, and new web series EAST WILLYB.
HAPPY HOUR SESSIONS AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, June 3, 2022 I (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Featuring DJ Sara Sherr’s Sing Your Life Karaoke
Sing Your Life Karaoke
Sing Your Life Karaoke is a former music critic and promoter Sara Sherr. She became a KJ in 2006, when she followed in the footsteps of her father, Ron Sherr, of full entertainment company Bridge Musico.
With a catalog of thousands of songs in every genre and era, Sing Your Life Karaoke has something for everyone to sing. It was named Best Karaoke in Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly of 2010: At the time, they wrote, "Escape frat-boy 'Freebird' karaoke hell with this friendly, pixie-haired gal, who does actually have 'Freebird' in her vast songbook, but also lots of B-sides, rare cuts and other music-nerd tracks."
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Monday, June 6, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
Event information to be announced.
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
A partnered presentation with Jesse Bermudez and AFROTAINO, this evening features Yasser Tejeda & Palotré.
Yasser Tejeda & Palotré
The fusion group Yasser Tejeda & Palotré is making a name for themselves by blending Dominican roots sounds like salve, palo and sarandunga with jazz and rock. They recently released the album Kijombo which pays homage to these folkloric sounds.
In the Dominican Republic, there is a rich and diverse array of folkloric and roots music that spreads across different parts of the country. These rhythms reign in rural areas and are often tied to cultural or spiritual practices. And while globally, the genres that have come to define the country are merengue and bachata, Afro-Dominican roots music is part of the nation’s soul.
Yasser Tejeda & Palotré are hoping to bring visibility to these local sounds and reimagine what it means to be Dominican, through electrifying fusions and heartfelt lyrics. One of the songs in the album titled “Amor Arrayano,” featuring Grammy-winning artist Vicente García, takes on the Dominican-Haitian border through a love story.
LUNCHTIME UNPLUGGED AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Friday, June 24, 2022 I (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Featuring The Evan Kappelman Quintet
- Evan Kappelman, Saxophone
- Banks Sapnar, Trumpet
- Anthony Aldissi, Piano
- Stanley Ruvinov, Bass
NIGHTLIFE AT THE KIMMEL
Kimmel Plaza
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 I (8:00 PM – 10:30 PM)
A partnered presentation with Jesse Bermudez and AFROTAINO, this evening features Pablo Batisa.
Pablo Batista
Master percussionist Pablo Batista has performed, recorded and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin, pop and gospel. These have included artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq. A drummer of unusually diverse talents, he is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen and integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship. He holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R&B and gospel, but he has also been a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.
Pablo Batista brings the funk en clave to Philly’s deep musical playbook with virtuosity and versatility, no matter the size or style of the performance.
Pablo’s Latin Jazz Ensemble thrills audiences with irresistible, original interpretations of classics from Dizzy, Trane, Lee Morgan, Stanley Clarke, mentor Grover Washington, Jr. and contemporary out-of-town jazzers like Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Michel Camilo and more.
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Safe & Clean Commitment
The Kimmel Cultural Campus is proudly certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council – the gold standard for cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention programs.
We will always put the safety of our guests, artists, and staff first, and we have worked closely with partners, producers, artists, guests and other performing arts centers around the nation to develop the most comprehensive plan to safely reopen our doors. We are committing to a healthy and clean environment with increased disinfection, enhanced ventilation, and will enforce recommended health authority guidelines, including masks and proof of vaccination.
Masks are required to be worn at all times when on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, except when actively consuming food or beverage in designated locations. Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted.
All attendees for public events must show proof of full vaccination at the time of entry, with valid photo ID and copy of vaccination card (physical or photo). Proof of negative COVID-19 tests will not be accepted, with the exception of children under the age of 5, effective January 17; children under 5 will be required to show a negative PCR test or negative rapid result. While rapid tests (taken within 48 hours of event) are accepted, and PCR tests are preferred (taken within 72 hours of event). Our position on vaccine mandates for children under the age of 5 may change as the larger population gets vaccinated.
This policy is subject to change based upon guidance from the CDC and local health authorities. For more information on our Safe & Clean Commitment and the most up-to-date information about our policies, please visit kimmelculturalcampus.org.
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KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, our mission is to engage the region's diverse communities with art through performance and education. Our Cultural Campus serves more than 1-million guests per year and includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, and SEI Innovation Studio), the Academy of Music, and the Merriam Theater – representing more than 160 years of rich history for the performing arts along Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. We are home to eight esteemed Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, we are the region's most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. Our Cultural Campus serves as a preeminent and inclusive place to enjoy exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of our region by cultivating a creative and socially responsible environment where our community shares experiences that are delivered with pride, integrity, and respect. As a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, we collaborate on, present, and produce a broad range of relevant and meaningful events, we serve as an active gathering space for social and community events, we educate the region's young people through access to quality arts experiences, and we provide support to artists in the creation of new work. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the proud Kimmel Cultural Campus Season Sponsor. Read Kimmel Cultural Campus' vision statement, world view, and mission statement here. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it encompasses our mission, co-workers, and programs here.
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