Kimmel Center Blog

Summer Solstice Celebration, June 23, 2007

The Kimmel Center's Summer Solstice Celebration is back, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday and going strong until sunrise, early Sunday morning. View the schedule online to plan your night, links to the artists' sites are included. In addition to all the music, there's also yoga and tarot card readings, a fashion show, a barbecue, High School Musical karaoke, and a Guitar Hero competition.

Plus, starting at 4 p.m., the Kimmel Center will have a "Pay-to-Play the Organ," followed by a concert by organist H. L. Smith.

Post your thoughts here about Solstice, before, after, and during the celebration!

I had not ever been to a Solstice celebration before this one. It was a blast.

I primarily went for the Pay to Play...which turned out to be very interesting. Very few people actually attended. Of course, with so many other great things conflicting, it was bound to happen. The gentleman facilitating (along with HL) was so kind and basically re-configured the P2P on a whim. Had that period of time been blocked out for Organ-Centric Activity, or during the Organ Marathon, the turn our would have been greater im sure. But oh my goodness, did we have a small blast! And the little kids were such a delight. We need to get them more interested in the Organ.

I enjoyed getting to know people. Because Philadelphia is smaller of the two cities tha tI work in, it can be difficult to find places to meet others. I met a bunch of other 20-somethings and we all had a great time over the fantastic Hamburgers they had at Cadence. (no..NOT during that Speed Dating, which we kind of giggled at)

The other thing that was very nice was the Hip H'opera. See, I have a little job somewhere around center city. As a part of it, I get to talk with people that do or dont like things with regards to the arts. An interesting conversation I have had with many people is they often say they wished there would be more showcasing of African-American CLASSICAL musicians (Especially young ones) rather than just Jazz or Pop. They say its just a little idiosyncracy that is certainly noticed. They want to see the the Hispanic and African-American musicians from the Philadelphia community that are unique because they are Classically focused with their musicianship. The Mezzo that opened was wonderful and had a good support even in the pit of her chest voice. The collaboration of the Arts was wonderful and resulted in something that was well received.

OMG...the other highlight: The little boy on the Trumpet with the Jazz ensemble. That lil boy "put some grease" on that trumpet! He stepped up, told his story, and signed it off. Amazing!

Kudos!
it was fun. Now im ready for the Orchestra to strike the first chord of Carmina Burana.

Desiree' H. Jackson

I agree with Desiree--Solstice was a blast! The Joe Midiri sextet was terrific; Dena Underwood sounded smooth; the groups on Commonwealth Plaza stage were great. There was an amazing variety of entertainment. Anyone see the Drag Show?

Kudos to the Kimmel Center Staff, particularly Erin, for pulling it all together.
Pat Hynes

I had a terrific time!!

There were tarot card readings in the Garden. I would like to contact the guy who did my reading. Does anyone know who the readers were?

My group of six had a wonderful time at Summer Solstice, with the highlight being hearing H.L. Smith play THE Organ...
We were disappointed that times posted for events were not adhered to and the lack of food at Cadence at 6:30 (we thought dinner time)... we had to "make a reservation" for 7pm (even though the restaurant was empty) and the food, while fancy, was not wonderful and definitely not the barbecue advertised. The event itself is a great way to introduce youngsters to the center and to various types of music. Keep up the good work!

I attended the Summer Solstice Celebration and I must say i thought it was a very boring event. I truly expected more. I also thought that for the price there would be free food. I took myself and 5 kids. We did get there rather late, but, nonetheless; it was boring. We got there about 9:30 and wandered around. Just a lot of space and not enough fun. The band that was playing in the auditorium where there was dancing was about the only excitment going on. The drag show was rather distasteful, to me, that is.

I hope they have more activity should they decide to have it next year.

It seems that the Summer Solstice celebration was great. I know that these kind of celebrations are usually great.