FREE Holiday Concerts At Kimmel Center

FREE Holiday Performances at the Kimmel Center, Nov. to Dec.

NOVEMBER 16, 2010

The holidays just got a little brighter, as the Kimmel Center announces a full roster of FREE performances for friends and family to enjoy throughout the months of November and December.

The 2010-11 season-long Free at the Kimmel series provides exciting opportunities for all ages to enjoy the performing arts– and at everybody’s favorite price. Free at the Kimmel events include:

• Friday LIVE: free concerts performed by regional musicians at the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza every Friday from 5:30pm to 7:15pm. Begin each weekend with a memorable musical experience.

• PNC Grow Up Great: free kid-friendly, weekend performances introduce children from 0 to 4 to the rich culture of performing arts. Events take place on the Commonwealth Plaza stage.

• Themed tours: free tours offered at the Academy of Music and “Building & Theater” and “Art & Architecture” tours at the Kimmel Center introduce visitors to the architecture behind Philadelphia’s premier performing arts venues. Tours are conducted by knowledgeable volunteer guides.

FREE concerts offered in November and December:

Friday, November 19, 2010 at 5:30pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Friday LIVE

Eleanor Dubinsky

Just voted French Culture Guide's best up-and-coming Francophone singer in New York City! Indie-songstress Eleanor Dubinsky's sultry vocals ride a groovy mix of French pop, new American soul and Latin rhythms. Her hot, organic songs express her passion for a diversity of people and cultures. Eleanor sings in English, French and Spanish, blending sincere lyrics and global grooves to tell moving stories that are personal and resonant. Eleanor's new release Sea Inside is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Friday, November 26, 2010 at 5:30pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Friday LIVE

DJ Rahnsaan spins Latin Classics

Presented in association with AfroTaino Productions

Join DJ Rahsaan as he spins some of Fania Records greatest recordings for a Friday Live dance party! New York's Fania Records has been called the Latin Motown, but the Latin Def Jam or the Latin Blue Note work just as well. As they unearth the Latin classics of the 50's through the 80's, they are remastering and re-introducing the label's discography to newer and younger audiences through a series of Tribute parties held across the country.  Fania Records' hottest stars have included: Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Tito Rodriguez, Ruben Blades, Ismael Rivera, and even the King of Timbales, Tito Puente. Fania Records is still in full swing in 2010.

Fri. December 3, 2010 at 5:30pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Friday Live

Philly Youth Poetry Movement Open Mic & Slam

The Philly Youth Poetry Movement ("PYPM" or "The Movement") is a non-profit organization committed to helping the youth of Philadelphia discover the power of their voices through spoken word, literacy, and progressive workshop facilitation. Through monthly slams, free weekly poetry workshops, national/local performance opportunities, mentoring and community service, PYPM creates a platform for the next generation to be heard through the power of poetry. Founder and poet Greg Corbin will host this showcase highlighting some of PYMP's rising stars.

A free one hour youth poetry workshop will be held in the Kimmel Center's Merk Arts Education Center starting at 4:15pm. This workshop is open to students in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas between the ages of 13-19. Advance registration is required, to guarantee a spot at the workshop go to PYMP's website and click on the Events page. http://phillyyouthpoets.org/

Saturday, December 4 at 11am

Commonwealth Plaza | PNC Grow Up Great

Tony Miceli Jazz Quintet

Designed especially for young children, The TM Jazz Quintet will perform a program of jazz classics, encouraging learning and enthusiasm in their discussion of Jazz music.  Audiences will be engaged with different instruments and styles of music from experienced musicians who love to spread love and appreciation to the next generation of Jazz aficionados. Be prepared to join in with some singing!

Fri. December 10 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Friday Live

Tuba Christmas

Toot your own horn at the eighth annual Tuba Christmas Celebration in the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza, as part of the Free at the Kimmel series. The holidays come to life as more than 100 regional tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players join together to perform holiday classics free to the public and for all ages.

Participation in Tuba Christmas is limited to the first 100 performers. Tuba, euphonium, and sousaphone players interested in playing must RSVP via email to Jay Krush at krushtuba@gmail.com. After 100 responses, players will be placed on a waiting list. There is a $5.00 registration fee for performers. Music is available for purchase at the event for performers who may need it. The concert is free and open to the public. www.tubachristmas.com

The schedule for performers is as follows:

• 2pm - 3:15pm: Registration in Innovation Studio
• 3:15pm - 5pm: Rehearsal in Innovation Studio
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Tuba Christmas Performance in the Commonwealth Plaza

Sat. December 11, 2010, 1pm - 2pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Free at the Kimmel

Tuba Christmas

Toot your own horn at the eighth annual Tuba Christmas Celebration in the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza, as part of the Free at the Kimmel series. The holidays come to life as more than 100 regional tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players join together to perform holiday classics free to the public and for all ages.

Participation in Tuba Christmas is limited to the first 100 performers. Tuba, euphonium, and sousaphone players interested in playing must RSVP via email to Jay Krush at krushtuba@gmail.com. After 100 responses, players will be placed on a waiting list. There is a $5.00 registration fee for performers. Music is available for purchase at the event for performers who may need it. The concert is free and open to the public.  www.tubachristmas.com

The schedule for performers is as follows:

• 9:30am - 10:45am: Registration in Innovation Studio
• 10:45am - 12:30pm: Rehearsal in Innovation Studio
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm: Tuba Christmas Performance in the Commonwealth Plaza

Fri. December 17, 2010 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Friday Live

Temple University Horns and Trombones
Led by Philadelphia Orchestra members Jeffrey Lang and Matthew Vaughn, the Temple University Horn and Trombone ensembles will fill the Plaza with holiday cheer during their free performance. Both ensembles will perform holiday selections, from choral transcriptions to jazz arrangements.

Sat. December 18, 2010 at 12pm - 1pm

Commonwealth Plaza | Free at the Kimmel

Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble
The Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble is part of the Kimmel Center's Creative Music Program. Under the direction of Anthony Tidd, this ensemble introduces a professional-level musical experience to young artists providing them the opportunity to train with accomplished jazz musicians and teachers and perform in the Kimmel Center and in the community. Join us for the Ensemble's first Commonwealth Plaza performance of the 2010-2011 season.

Fri. December 24 & 31 - There will be no Friday Live performances on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

FREE themed tours offered in November and December:

Academy of Music

Select dates | 11:30 am
Visit this historic grand opera house, decorated in baroque style, for a tour that includes the Grand Lobby, Stage Door Canteen , the recently renovated Ballroom and the main auditorium with its dazzling chandelier. Due to the Academy’s busy performance calendar, tours are available on select dates, by reservation only. Call 215-790-5886 for information and reservations. This tour is approximately one hour in duration.

Building & Theater Tours

Tuesdays through Sundays | 1pm

Commonwealth Plaza Information Desk
Join us for a tour including a history of the Kimmel Center; architectural and construction highlights; and visits to Commonwealth Plaza, Perelman Theater, Verizon Hall, Merck Arts Education Center and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden. This tour is approximately one hour in duration.

Art & Architecture Tours

Saturdays | 10:30am

Commonwealth Plaza Information Desk
Join us for a tour including an in-depth look at the Kimmel Center's architecture, a walk along the Avenue of the Arts to view the Center in the context of the cityscape, and a tour of artworks on display throughout the Kimmel Center, including the Moore Galleries and the recently installed Percent for Art collection. This tour is approximately 90 minutes in duration.

Please note: Tours will not be offered on November 25, December 25 or 31.  Updates and complete schedules are available at www.kimmelcenter.org/free. All artists and programs are subject to change.

 Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center.  Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, and the University of the Arts’ Merriam Theater. Our mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. The 2010/2011 season is sponsored by Citi, and the Broadway 2010/2011 season is sponsored by Verizon, and American Airlines.  For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.