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#FREE “Party on the Plaza” returns to the #KimmelCenter on Sat., June 29 from 11AM-7PM, presented by @philorch, and @EnsembleArtsPhilly (Facebook/Instagram)/@EnsembleArtsPHL (Twitter/X). Celebration is part of annual @WawaWelcomeAmerica (Facebook)/@July4thPhilly (Instagram/Twitter/X), @AvenueoftheArtsInc (Facebook)/@AvenueoftheArts (Instagram/Twitter/X) Block Party. More info at www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
Press Contacts:
Lauren A. (Woodard) Hall
484-832-1963 (cell)
lhall@ensembleartsphilly.org
Stephanie Williams
610-952-6836 (cell)
swilliams@philorch.org
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA AND ENSEMBLE ARTS ANNOUNCES THE FREE PARTY ON THE PLAZA, JUNE 29, 2024, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Held in association with Wawa Welcome America and the annual Avenue of the Arts Block Party
The festivities kick off with a FREE Patriotic Concert inside the Kimmel Center’s newly dedicated Marian Anderson Hall followed by free performances on the Plaza stage, including music by Omar’s Hat and soulful line dancing with DJ Chris Blues & The W.D.O.H Parkside Experience
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts also proudly announces its supporting partnership of Kidchella at Smith Playground on June 21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, May 14, 2024) –– The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts presents FREE Party on the Plaza, a day of festival-style performances and engaging activities featuring a patriotic concert by the GRAMMY® Award-winning Philadelphia Orchestra inside Marian Anderson Hall. Held in association with Wawa Welcome America and the Avenue of the Arts, the celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM extends the outdoor Avenue of the Arts Block Party inside the air-conditioned Plaza with Broadway cast appearances and celebrated local artists.
Kicking off the day at 12:00 PM, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform a patriotic concert in Marian Anderson Hall. Guests can take a break from the heat of the annual Avenue of the Arts Block Party to hear conductor Jeff Tyzik lead the Orchestra in Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Liberty Bell” marches, selections from John Williams’s scores for The Patriot and Lincoln, and more works honoring our nation and service members. The performance will include the world premiere of Tyzik’s Lift Off, which was commissioned by Bravo! Vail in honor of Tyzik’s 30th year at the Festival. In addition, Fox 29 reporter Hank Flynn, an Army veteran, will narrate a performance of Gardens of Stone by James Beckel, Jr. The concert will also have special guests in attendance—Seeing Eye® puppies from The Seeing Eye. The experience will help to acclimate the puppies in navigating public spaces and special events. The concert is free, but tickets are required and will be available at www.philorch.org/party-on-the-plaza/ beginning on Tuesday, May 14, at 10:00 AM for members and Friday, May 17, at 10:00 AM for the general public. Seating is general admission and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Indoor performances and activities include a Hamiltunes sing-along; a Q&A and meet-and-greet with “The Grinch” from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; family-friendly games; and more. Plus, guests get a chance to win free tickets, merchandise, and exclusive giveaways!
The lineup on the Kimmel Center’s Plaza stage includes:
- Omar's Hat – Omar's Hat started on the corner of 45th and Locust Streets when a group of musicians gathered in a place called Meskerem to spark a jam that’s never stopped since
- Soulful line dance demonstration with DJ Chris Blues & The W.D.O.H Parkside Experience
- A performance from The Wiz
- A performance of “On My Own” from Les Misérables cast member Emily Bautista
- Hamiltunes, the official Hamilton sing-along
“Participating in Philadelphia’s free Independence Day celebrations has grown into a holiday tradition for us, with exciting family-friendly activities and performances that showcase the talent and creativity in our city,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO. “This year, we are thrilled to add another soul-stirring musical experience to the free lineup: a performance from The Philadelphia Orchestra inside the newly dedicated Marian Anderson Hall.”
“What better time and place to celebrate the freedom of creativity and artistic expression than during Independence Day festivities in the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael DelBene, president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc. “Beyond the excitement happening along the Avenue of the Arts on Saturday, June 29, the entire Wawa Welcome America festival brings the community together to celebrate all our city is and all it can be.”
More about the Avenue of the Arts Block Party, presented by PNC and in partnership with Ensemble Arts Philly —The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Omar Wilson, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Elsworth, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more! Snap a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair, take a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley, showcasing local artisans, or peruse 'Philly Fresh Market,' where locally sourced delights await at our farmers market. Kids and kids-at-heart can immerse themselves in 'Avenue of Amusement,' filled with nostalgic carnival games and thrilling entertainment for all ages. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or immerse yourself in the art of fashion with a free show from Philly Fashion Week. Our furry friends can also join in the fun. Avenue of the Barks, hosted by Emancipet nonprofit veterinary, will feature dog-friendly games, dog wading pools to cool off in, vendors and more. There is sure to be something for everyone at this unforgettable block party experience! Avenue of the Arts Block Party takes place on South Broad Street between Walnut and Pine Streets.
For the most up-to-date information about this FREE event, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org. For more info about the Avenue of the Arts Block Party and all other events associated with Wawa Welcome America, visit www.welcomeamerica.com.
Additional participation in Wawa Welcome America festivities:
On Friday, June 21, from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts will participate in Wawa Welcome America’s Kidchella at Smith Memorial Playground with an instrument petting zoo and baton-making station.
Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival, celebrating Smith Memorial’s 125th Anniversary, featuring Emmy® Award winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots, and the Soundspace Performing Arts dance troupe. Prior to the main concert at 5:00 PM, the World Cafe Live Up Next Stage will showcase talented local youth performers curated by World Cafe Live. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy dynamic performances, art stations, mouthwatering treats, exciting giveaways, and more! Kidchella offers something special for everyone to enjoy. This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith Memorial’s spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience and convenient parking. It’s not just a concert; it’s a community celebration.
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THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA AND ENSEMBLE ARTS PRESENTS FREE PARTY ON THE PLAZA FEATURING A PATRIOTIC CONCERT BY THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 S. Broad Street
Saturday, June 29, 2024, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
FREE
Tickets
The FREE Party on the Plaza and the Avenue of the Arts Block Party are FREE events. Tickets are not required to attend the festivities along the Avenue of the Arts and inside the Kimmel Center building’s Plaza space and Tiers.
Tickets ARE required for the 12:00 PM Philadelphia Orchestra performance and will be available at www.philorch.org/party-on-the-plaza/ beginning on Tuesday, May 14, at 10:00 AM for members and Friday, May 17, at 10:00 AM for the general public. Seating is general admission and on a first-come, first-served basis. All other performances 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM are unticketed. Come and go as you please!
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ABOUT WELCOME AMERICA, INC.
Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America, Inc.’s goal is to promote American history, education, and the City of Philadelphia as a global tourist destination. Each year, Welcome America, Inc. produces Wawa Welcome America, a multi-day festival featuring art, culture, community engagement, and entertainment - it is the nation's premier Independence Day celebration! Welcome America was founded in 1993, and celebrates its 31st festival in 2023. Visit july4thphilly.com to learn more, and join the conversation at:
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About Ensemble Arts Philly
About The Philadelphia Orchestra
Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies (IDEAS)
For a PDF version of this press release, click here.