The festivities begin at 3:30 PM on Friday with a New Orleans-style second-line procession across the Penn campus, led by the New Breed Brass Band. Featured on Trombone Shorty's 2022 album, Lifted, and winners of New Orleans’ “Best Emerging Artist” award, this young upstart band will bring serious NOLA cred to their first-ever Philadelphia appearances. Penn Band Slam follows at 4:00 PM on the Annenberg Center Outdoor Plaza, showcasing some of Penn’s hottest student performers. New Breed Brass Band pulls out all the stops in a full performance in the Annenberg Center’s Prince Theatre to close the evening.
On Saturday, families can take the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour through the Annenberg Center with Safari, a unique and interactive journey led by the much-loved performers of Pilobolus. Award-winning master storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston will captivate audiences of all ages with stories and songs from the African and African American oral traditions.National Dance Day will also be celebrated with all invited to participate in the official National Dance Day routine led by hip hop dancer, Virgil "Lil O" Gadson.
The afternoon also includes ticket specials, free snacks, a chance to check out the seats in the Zellerbach Theatre and hear Christopher Gruits, PLA’s Executive & Artistic Director, talk about the upcoming season. Visit PennLiveArts.org/OpenHouse for complete open house information.
Saturday evening, the new season officially begins as the five-time Grammy® Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama take the Zellerbach Theatre stage for their Penn Live Arts debut. With a career that spans 70 years, Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. They’ve appeared on the “Tonight Show,” “60 Minutes,” and NPR’s “Tiny Desk.” They’ve performed at the White House for three presidents and in their home state of Alabama at the closing ceremonies of the 2022 World Games.
About the 2022-23 Season Penn Live Arts continues the 50th anniversary celebration throughout the 2022-23 season. Delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this major milestone will be commemorated in a year of world and Philadelphia premieres, local debuts, commissioned works and celebrated artists from around the globe. Penn Live Arts is known for its renowned dance series, and the 2022-23 season stays true to tradition with 10 of the world’s great dance companies and most talented choreographers. Rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin serves as the Artistic Advisor for Alice & John: A Coltrane Festival (October 14-23), exploring the tremendous impact this iconic duo had on American music. PLA furthers its longstanding commitment to elevating Black storytelling in two significant residencies: the legendary Negro Ensemble Company, featuring a one-act play festival and a world premiere theatrical work, and Philadelphia’s renowned hip hop choreographer, Rennie Harris. And, a new series, entitled ListenHear, profiles important contemporary musical voices.
Subscriptions and single tickets, beginning at $29, are available now. Visit PennLiveArts.org for details.
