Citibank SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION Comes To Kimmel Center 6/18-19

Kimmel Center's Citibank Summer Solstice Celebration kicks off the summer season in high gear with musical entertainment and festivities, Saturday, June 18-19, noon- 2am. The annual community celebration showcases Philly-based talent, rising stars and more for a 14-hour stretch of live entertainment in every corner of the center for only $10 ($5 for children 12 and under).

New this year: Solstice begins at an earlier time with noontime drum circle, led by Shawn Hennessey and Philly-based percussion ensemble Leanna Song in The Commonwealth Plaza. Audiences are invited to B.Y.O.D (bring your own drum) and join in on the family fun activities, and then experience an eclectic mix of classical, blues, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, dance, Latin, world music rhythms and DJs spinning music into the night with additional late-night surprises. Center for Emerging Visual Artists will present a gallery of visual art available for purchase on Tiers 1 and 2.

The Summer Solstice Celebration also opens up an evening time slot at the coveted Commonwealth Plaza stage for YouTube Summer Solstice Contest Winner to perform - a truly unique opportunity to experience local talent, specially selected on Facebook by Kimmel Center fans. Winner to be announced June 10th!

"Keeping their tough promise to bring the noise, the funk and a slew of musical diversity, the Kimmel Center makes good with the...Summer Solstice Celebration."-Philadelphia City Paper

Afternoon entertainment begins with family-friendly activities including traveling exhibits from the Please Touch Museum and Philadelphia Zoo, The Plants and Ernie & Neal combine storytelling with performance for concerts kids and their parents will enjoy, Threeds Oboe Trio, and Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble, Rennie Harris RHAW hip hop performance entertain audiences of all ages.

The evening heats up with SA VA Boutique Fashion Show presenting eco-conscious summer line; a First Person Arts Story Slam; guitar virtuoso and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Miloš Karadagliæ; Singer- songwriter Phil Roy performs with celebrated Philly Chef Marc Vetri; Brazilian band Minas Troupe brings a 10 piece carnival to Commonwealth, and singer- songwriter Nicole Reynolds.

Kicking off late night revelry, audience favorite Bob & Barbara's Drag Show takes center stage in the Plaza, followed by DJ Ultra Violet and Ethel Cee, and Reef The Lost Cauze featuring DJ Caliph-Now and DJ David Blakk. Perelman Theater transforms into a late night dance party with irish favorites Blackthorn and ArcheDream for Humankind; Innovation Studio includes Urban Celebrity Magazine's Showcase of young Philly talent featuring Young Savage, Chill Moody and R6 Cypher, and AfroTaino Productions presents MAMBO3000, an experimental dance party with DJ Rahsaan and special guests including El Malito, Rap Soup and more.

Henna tattoo artists, chair massages, tarot card readers, face-painters and more will be stationed in Commonwealth Plaza at various times throughout the celebration. Wolfgang Puck Catering will provide food and drink options throughout the day and night at Peco Café and The Lounge by Wolfgang Puck.

Note: Check www.kimmelcenter.org/solstice for a complete, up-to-date list of performers and the day's schedule, as new artists will continue to be added.

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