by EJ on 06/13/13
Wednesday nights throughout the summer are synonymous with two things at the Penn Museum: eclectic live music and laid-back fun. This year’s P.M. @ Penn Museum Summer Nights music series, Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Museum’s outdoor Stoner Courtyard, kicks off June 19 and runs through September 11.
This year’s lineup features a colorful blend of international performances—including gentle Latin folk, raucous Turkish fusion, and rhythmic Afro-Cuban jazz—as well as American-influenced music drawing from bluegrass, swing, and good, old-fashioned rock n’ roll. For the after-work crowd, PM @ Penn Museum Summer Nights offers great live performances in a relaxed outdoor locale, as well as drinks and light fare from the Pepper Mill Café’s garden bar, and the chance to explore the Penn Museum’s many galleries. Concerts move inside in the event of rain.
Museum galleries stay open to the public until 8:00 pm. General admission for guests of all ages is $5 (and includes Museum admission donation), and free for PennCard holders and Museum members.
P.M. @ Penn Museum Summer Nights artists:
Wednesdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
June 19
Animus
Bill Koutsouros’s internationally acclaimed ensemble kicks off the series, offering an exciting fusion of ancient and modern music with traditional elements of Greek, Rock, Middle Eastern, Blues, Indian, Jazz, and African music. www.animusmusic.com
June 26
Barakka
This Philadelphia-based, multi-ethnic group specializes in Turkish folk-rock with a mix of eastern and western instrumentation, including guitar, oud, drums, bass, darbuka, and keyboards. Their performance features original pieces by Baris Kaya, as well as innovative interpretations of traditional Turkish folk music. www.barakkamusic.com
July 3
Magdaliz and Her Trio Crisol
This Latin ensemble is dedicated to the interpretation of folk and traditional music from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Puerto Rican boleros, Cuban sones, Mexican mariachi music, Colombian cumbias, and Dominican merengues are some of the many styles they perform. www.triocrisol.com
July 10
Zydeco-A-Go-Go
With Creole Zydeco and Cajun 2-steps, this group combines funky New Orleans rhythm and blues and vintage Louisiana rock and roll into a spicy gumbo of irresistible dance music. www.zydecoagogo.com
July 17
The Urban Shamans
A movement of word, sound, and power, the Urban Shamans use their versatile musical abilities and high energy performances of Afro-beat, hip hop, and reggae music to effect positive change. www.reverbnation.com/theurbanshamans
July 24
Cold Blue Electric
This exciting four-piece jazz/fusion ensemble presents an eclectic repertoire of classic jazz, ‘70s and ‘80s fusion hits, stylish progressive rock, and their own unique original material. www.reverbnation/coldblueelectricfusion
July 31
Newspaper Taxis
This award-winning, Manhattan-based group celebrates the spirit of The Beatles with an energetic live show that's sure to keep the audience dancing all evening long. www.reverbnation.com/thenewspapertaxis
August 7
The Kalob Griffin Band
Better known to its devoted fans as the KGB, this Pennsylvania-bred, Philadelphia-based outfit of Americana rock n’ rollers strive to provide listeners with an energetic and unique “KGB family” experience that’s built around a variety of influences, tapping into multiple genres. www.thekalobgriffinband.com
August 14
Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble
Inspired by the early 20th-century tradition of the community mandolin concert, this group lays down original tunes and arrangements, as well as selections of jazz, swing, bluegrass, old-time, folk, and world music. www.harrisburgmandolinensemble.com
August 21
West Philadelphia Orchestra
An eclectic ensemble made up of Philly’s finest and wildest musicians, the West Philadelphia Orchestra gets the crowd moving with the poignant melodies and the frenetic, propulsive rhythms of Eastern Europe. www.westphiladelphiaorchestra.com
August 28
Mid East Ensemble Accomplished percussionist Joe Tayoun’s Mid East Ensemble features acclaimed local, regional and international musicians, performing a lively arrangement of classical and folk Arabic, Turkish, and Armenian music.
September 4
Leana Song This Philadelphia-based drum & music ensemble specializing in Afro-Cuban and West African drumming combines traditional call-and-response patterned Yoruba songs with modern folk and jazz instruments and harmony. www.leanasong.com
September 11
The Boyler Boys This Irish pub band originated during an informal session, and has been playing together for more than 15 years. The Boys play a mix of traditional and quasi-traditional tunes, jigs, reels, hornpipe, and polkas, as well as a few songs about celebrating life.
Discount parking ($11) is available in Garage 7, adjacent to the Museum, after 5:00 pm. See public transportation options below.
by EJ on 06/13/13
Display of the document made possible by landmark agreement between Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The New York Public Library
As part of a landmark, 100-year agreement between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The New York Public Library, the National Constitution Center will display one of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights starting in fall of 2014. The museum of “We the People” will be the first institution in the Pennsylvania to exhibit this historic document to the general public.
After being approved by Congress, this rare original copy of the Bill of Rights was signed by Vice President John Adams (president of the Senate) and dispatched by President George Washington to consider for ratification in 1789. The New York Public Library acquired the document in 1896, when John S. Kennedy – a trustee of The New York Public Library – donated it along with other items he purchased from Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet, a noted surgeon and collector of Americana. The Emmet Collection has been accessible to researchers ever since, currently in the Manuscripts and Archives Division. The Library last displayed the document several decades ago, and has never displayed it for an extended period of time for preservation reasons. As part of the historic agreement, the Center announced today it will display the document to the general public for three years starting in the fall of 2014.
“This is a win for Pennsylvania, New York and the citizens of the United States,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. “For the first time in decades, this historic document will be seen by ‘We the People,’ the people who were granted these inalienable rights and privileges that we are still guided by today.”
“This landmark agreement makes public one of the most important documents in the nation’s history, an over 200-year-old, original copy of the Bill of Rights,” said New York Public Library President Tony Marx. “The document has been expertly preserved at the Library for over a century, leaving it in prime condition and ready to inspire and educate the public now and in the future.”
Many of the rights and liberties Americans cherish —such as speech, religion, and the right to fair trial—were not enumerated in the original Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 but were included in the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, which were ratified in 1791. By displaying this American treasure, the Center will provide visitors of all ages with a better understanding of the Constitution, the essential American freedoms it protects, and its enduring relevance in our daily lives. The document will complement the Center’s current exhibits and artifacts—including the popularSigners’ Hall and its first public printing of the Constitution—and strengthen the museum’s ability to tell the story of America’s founding in an engaging way.
“This is a milestone moment for the Center as we look towards the next decade as the museum of ‘We the People,’” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “We are thrilled to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to experience one of America’s founding documents up close. In addition to exploring the historic value of this priceless document, our exhibition will provide a national forum for three years of discussion, education, and constitutional debate about contemporary issues related to the Bill of Rights.”
“The Center is working proactively to display and interpret America’s most significant historic documents,” said National Constitution Center Chairman of the Executive Committee Doug DeVos. “Today marks a shining example of civic-minded cooperation between institutions for the benefit of all citizens, and should serve as a model for future partnerships.”
About the Document
One of the fundamental achievements of America’s founding era, Congress commissioned 14 official copies of the Bill of Rights—one for the federal government
and one for each of the original 13 states, which President George Washington dispatched to the states to consider for ratification. Four states are missing their copies —Georgia, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. Two unidentified copies are known to have survived; one is in the Library of Congress, and the other is in the collection of The New York Public Library, which is the copy that will be displayed at the Center. The Center is currently working closely with The New York Public Library, who has contracted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to build an encasement similar to those built for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives, to properly display the document.
About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 91 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.
About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is an interactive hands-on museum, national town hall, and civic education headquarters celebrating the United States Constitution and the story of “We the People.” Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films, and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical performanceFreedom Rising; and the iconic Signers' Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. As America's town hall, the Center engages diverse, distinguished leaders of government, public policy, journalism and scholarship in timely public discussions and debates. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online. Join us at the museum of “We the People” as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2013. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visitconstitutioncenter.org.
by EJ on 06/13/13
The National Constitution Center’sHomeschool Week program returns in time for Independence Day to give students and their families a unique opportunity to learn more about our country’s founding documents through exclusive programs and workshops. Homeschoolers and their families also will enjoy all the museum of “We the People” has to offer, including Signers’ Hall and the award-winning theatrical performanceFreedom Rising. The programs are designed for students ages 6 to 14.
Homeschool Week will take place fromMonday, June 17 to Friday, June 21, 2013. Admission prices for homeschool families are $10 for students, $5.50 for parents and chaperones, $4.50 for students with museum member parent or chaperone, and free for museum members. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to register, please call 215.409.6800 or emailgroupsales@constitutioncenter.org. Morning and afternoon programs are available. Homeschool families can also enjoy 20 percent off the regular price of National Constitution Center family memberships all week.
Parents are encouraged to visitconstitutioncenter.org/education for a wide variety of standards-based teaching materials, including interactive games and lessons and the National Constitution Center’s popular web series,Constitution Hall Pass.
During Homeschool Week, students will follow a unique schedule that will include a wide variety of age appropriate programs and workshops including:
The Independence Day Show
From parades to protests, cannons to flag waving, explosive words to fiery demonstrations, this show takes an in-depth look at this exciting celebration of freedom from the early days of American independence to the present day. Recommended for students ages 6 to14.
History Detectives Workshop: Artifacts from the 1800s & 1900s
Explore amazing objects from the past and learn about what life was like in America during the 1800s and 1900s. Students use objects and documents as primary sources to explore the past and become history detectives. Recommended for students ages 6 to 10.
Mission: The Oval Office iPod Tour
Students are guided by an avatar with the voice of WXPN’s popularKids’ Corner radio show host, Kathy O’Connell. Using their iPods as a secret agent’s gadget, they use the Center’s theatrical performances, text panels, artifacts, and interactive displays to discover interesting facts about the presidency. The tour combines the fun and adventure of a scavenger hunt with a rich educational experience. Recommended for students ages 8 to 10.
Decoding the Document Workshop
Take a closer look at our country’s founding documents and embark on a journey to uncover the secret meetings and plans for American independence. Students get a closer look at the museum’s rare first public printing of the U.S. Constitution and other historic documents. Recommended for students ages 11 to14.
Colonial Demonstrations
Experience what life was like before modern technology with hands-on, Colonial-era demonstrations, including paper-making, candle-making, butter churning, and quill pen letter-writing. Students can also participate in a historical period costume “runway show” and make Colonial era toys. Recommended for students ages 6 to7.
The National Constitution Center is an interactive museum, national town hall, and civic education headquarters celebrating the United States Constitution and the story of “We the People.” Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films, and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical performanceFreedom Rising; and the iconic Signers' Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. As America's town hall, the Center engages diverse, distinguished leaders of government, public policy, journalism and scholarship in timely public discussions and debates. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online. Join us at the museum of “We the People” as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2013. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visitconstitutioncenter.org.
by EJ on 06/13/13
Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's premier veterinary schools and the only school in Pennsylvania graduating veterinarians. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine™. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from companion animals to horses to farm animals, at its two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn's campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, research laboratories and the School's administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, PA, includes the George D. Widener Veterinary Hospital for large animals, diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry and research facilities to determine new treatment and diagnostic measures for large-animal diseases.
For more information about any of these events, please call 215.898.1475 or visit www.vet.upenn.edu.
ONGOING EVENTS
Event: Fit To Work (Or Play) Classes
Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m.
Event Admission: $100 for 4 classes or $28 per class
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: https://capable-canine.com/classes/fit-to-work-or-play/
Fit to Work is a specially designed program that brings together the building blocks of total fitness, stretching, core strength, proprioception (body awareness), balance, and endurance. Each dog is evaluated for its baseline fitness, body condition, and expected needs based on its lifestyle. Basic exercises are taught and a plan to build the total fitness for each dog is developed.
Event: First Aid Classes
Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Event Admission: $100 for 4 classes or $28 per class
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: https://capable-canine.com/classes/first-aid/
Basic First Aid is an essential skill for all pet owners and working dog handlers. This class will combine lectures and hands-on practice in evaluating normal parameters in your dog and learning to recognize when emergency veterinary care is needed.
Event: Tricks Class
Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.
Event Admission: $100 for 4 classes or $28 per class
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: https://capable-canine.com/classes/tricks/
Teaching a dog tricks can be useful and fun. Many tricks can be incorporated into a fitness program or just for the sheer joy of working with your dog. This class will introduce the basic foundations necessary to build more complex tricks. All teaching is based on positive reinforcement and having fun with your dog.
Event: Penn Vet Puppy Socialization Classes
Mondays from 7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Event Admission: $120 for 6 classes
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: 215-898-3347 or behaviorclinic@vet.upenn.edu
*Initial DHPP vaccine required*
This science-based socialization and training program addresses puppy socialization to other dogs and people, introduction and exposure to novel stimuli (sounds, surfaces, and objects), low stress handling, practical reward-based training, and discussion of topics including housebreaking, crate training, feeding, limiting unwanted behaviors (chewing, mouthing, and jumping behaviors), and recognizing dog body language. This class is designed for puppies ages 8-16 weeks.
JUNE EVENTS
Event: Animal Lovers Lecture: Commonly Encountered Dental and Oral Diseases in Cats and Dogs
Saturday, June 15, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Event Admission: FREE
Location: Penn Vet, Hill Pavilion, 380 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: 215-746-7460 or johnrc@vet.upenn.edu
Dr. Alex Reiter, associate professor and chief of dentistry and oral surgery, will discuss some of the common tooth and mouth diseases in cats and dogs, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. He also will speak about the importance of good oral hygiene in detecting oral diseases at an early, treatable stage. In addition, Dr. Reiter will share information about home oral hygiene, cleaning pets’ teeth, and using the right cleaning products, treats and toys.
During the Animal Lovers Lecture Series, faculty and clinicians at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital share current information on topics of interest and relevance to dog and cat owners throughout the region.
Event: Canine Handler Academy
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Event Admission: $650 for all five days
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: Apply at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/caninehandler
This week-long summer program is for 7th and 8th graders who want to learn more about dogs, dog training, and the jobs that dogs do. The curriculum includes hands-on experience and classroom discussions of how dogs learn, clicker training, medical care, and more.
JULY EVENTS
Event: Canine Handler Academy
Monday, July 8 – Friday, July 12, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Event Admission: $650 for all five days
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Reservations Required: Apply at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/caninehandler
This week-long summer program is for 7th and 8th graders who want to learn more about dogs, dog training, and the jobs that dogs do. The curriculum includes hands-on experience and classroom discussions of how dogs learn, clicker training, medical care, and more.
by EJ on 06/13/13
Free Prenatal Yoga Classes!
WHERE:
NEST, 1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
WHEN:
Friday, June 21st at 12:30PM
Friday, July 12th, July 26th at 12:30PM
Friday, August 2nd, August 16th and August 30th at 12:30PM
WHY:
A safe and gentle class for women to attend during pregnancy. You will learn specific yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques designed to relieve the physical and emotional discomforts during pregnancy. Suitable for all stages of pregnancy.
HOW:
Register at kids@nestphilly.com.
ABOUT NEST:
Nest is the brainchild of six close friends who grew up together in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Joining the growing influx of young professionals moving into Center City, the idea for Nest hatched once life with kids in tow added new perspective to city living. Finding themselves dragging weary kids all over the city through a decentralized maze of birthday parties, playdates, and music classes, the group decided that they needed one destination where parents and kids can do it all, and Nest was born.
Refreshingly far away from the chaos of traditional playrooms, Nest creates an inviting childhood-meets-neighborhood oasis inside over 12,000 sq. ft. on three levels. Focused on nurturing creative stimulation, Nest provides plenty of space for kids, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, to play and learn while parents lounge, shop, and dine with them in a comfortable, modern setting.
Nest’s top level serves as a top-notch activity hub for developmentally rich educational programming where kids can take classes designed by local leaders in occupational therapy, early childhood development, and the arts.
Nest boasts a bustling class roster. Children can participate in innovative courses in early enrichment, movement, music, dance, arts and crafts, language, cooking, and more. Prenatal yoga, “Mommy & Me” classes, and parent-child book clubs give parents a place right alongside the little ones in the activities loop.
Annual memberships offer unlimited access to Nest’s exclusive playspace. Non-members can access the indoor playground for a fee of $20 per visit with a maximum of four visits per year. www.nestphilly.com.
by EJ on 06/13/13
A message from Abington Art Center...
Each year, community residents enjoy summer concerts outdoor at Alverthrope Manor at Abington Art Center. These concerts are a chance for everyone to enjoy the evening outdoors together under the evening sky. Abington Art Center encourages everyone to grab a blanket and bring your family and friends to enjoy summer evenings filled with great music on the Sculpture Park’s Susquehanna Bank Stage.
The 2013 concert series is co-presented with Abington Township Parks & Recreation and sponsored by PECO.This year is sure to be a hit with dancing, kids activities, fresh popcorn, cool drinks, and concessions from Trolley Car Diner. The Thursday evening concerts are rain or shine and a $5 donation is requested unless otherwise noted.
Concerts at the Manor is made possible through support from PECO, Susquehanna Bank, Trolley Car Diner, Glanzman Subaru, Visiting Angels, Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters
2013 Summer Concerts at the Manor Lineup:
*Please note: there will not be a concert on Thursday, July 4th.
June 20 – Deb Callahan Band (7-9pm)
Soul drenched vocals deliver Blues and Roots influenced original music. Sponsored by Trolley Car Diner.
June 27 – Cafe Con Pan (7-9pm)
An all-star band loaded with some of the most talented Latin jazz and salsa musicians from the area.
July 11 – The Jersey Corn Pickers (7-9pm)
Original and traditional, high energy bluegrass and Americana music. Sponsored by Glanzman Subaru.
July 18- Commonwealth Classic Theatre(7-9pm)
Presents: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged
July 25- The band August (7-9pm)
Blend of early rock and roll, blues, top forty hits and even reggae! Sponsored by Visiting Angels.
August 1 – KidFest (5:30-9pm)
Featuring KJ – interactive music, dance and stories, KJ shares her incredible upbeat attitude and positive energy. Sponsored by Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters. $10 donation per family requested.
by EJ on 06/13/13
The Penn Museum’s annual
Summer Wonder series returns this season with a diverse lineup of performances and demonstrations that are geared toward the whole family. This weekly program offers an opportunity to enjoy international music, learn traditional Native American dance, hear stories about ancient Greek mythology, and much more.
Summer Wonder 2013 programs run Wednesday mornings, July 3 through August 21, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. All programs are free with Museum admission donation. For more information or to pre-register groups of 10 or more (no pre-registration necessary for individuals and families), contact the Community Engagement department at 215.746.6774 or
education@pennmuseum.org.
The 2013 schedule:
July 3Native Nations Dance TheaterNative Nations Dance Theater invites audiences to “keep the Native Spirit alive” and celebrate Native American culture through song, dance, storytelling, and traditional regalia. Visitors can witness the Round Dance, Snake Dance, and more, as well as help drum out some rhythms at their seat, or join presenters on stage to try some dance moves.
July 10
Tom Lee presents Marduk and the Creation
Some of the world's oldest stories—possibly the very first ever to be written down—come from cuneiform tablets that were buried in the deserts of the Middle East for thousands of years. Guests can listen to Tom Lee’s adaptation of the ancient Mesopotamian tale, Marduk and the Creation, as they are transported through immense reaches of time to a world where gods and heroes walk side by side.
July 17Mock Turtle Marionette Theater with Gamelan Mekar Sari presents Shadow StoriesTurn out the lights! And slip down underground into the World of Shadows! Mock Turtle Marionette Theater sets aside its strings and wooden puppets to take the audience on a journey with shadow puppets. The performance features a glowing set of magical stories from places as diverse as China, Africa, Ireland, and Bali, set to live Balinese music performed by Gamelan Mekar Sari.
July 24Family Stages presents Finding King TutGuests can journey with Howard Carter to the Valley of the Kings in the year 1922, when Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen—an effort that was six years in the making. Family Stages’
Finding King Tut combines humor and history to give audiences a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and the work of archaeologist Howard Carter.
July 31Charlotte Blake Alston presents Stories and Songs in the Oral TraditionWhether accompanying her stories with a thumb piano, djembe, or a 21-string kora, Charlotte Blake Alston uses her melodic and mesmerizing voice to breathe life into contemporary and ancient tales alike. All of her programs draw upon the rich source of stories, songs, games, and music that are the hallmarks of the African and African American oral traditions.
August 7A Day with Ancient Greece presents Heroes and Heroines of the Mythic AgeAudiences travel back in time with Penn Museum docent Joe Balmos to a time when ancient Greek gods and goddesses competed with men and women to see who was the cleverest and bravest. Mr. Balmos tells how Heracles, the greatest Greek hero, overcame the fierce Nemean Lion, whose golden fur was tougher than any mortal weapon; and how beautiful Atalanta defeated every man who challenged her, until the goddess Aphrodite sent a man who knew that apples were the only way into her heart. Participants will swing Heracles’s huge olive wood club at the Nemean Lion and search for Atalanta’s golden apples in an interactive presentation filled with surprises and fun.
August 14Mary Knysh presents A Medieval FeastMary Knysh invites guests for an exploration of medieval music and instruments and their continuing influence today. A rich collection of chants, ballads, recorder melodies, troubadour songs, and stories—experienced through Mary’s vivid interpretations—give modern audiences a glimpse into everyday life in the Middle Ages. Presented in association with Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania.
August 21
Linda Humes presents A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.
August 28th marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Storyteller Linda Humes celebrates the legacy and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., accompanied by master percussionist, Sanga of the Valley. Filled with stories about Rosa Parks, Marion Anderson singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and civil rights songs of the day, Linda pays tribute to this giant in American history and his powerful message of peace and justice for all. Presented in association with Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania.
Before or after each Summer Wonder presentation, children and their families are invited to explore the Penn Museum’s three floors of galleries featuring artifacts from Egypt, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Near East, North and Central America, and Africa. Throughout the summer, guests can experience In the Artifact Lab: Conserving Egyptian Mummies, a part exhibition, part working laboratory that brings visitors right into a conservator’s world.
Both Museum Shops are participating in the Summer Wonder 2013 program. In addition to the Museum Shop’s regular hours, the Pyramid Shop for children opens on customer demand throughout the summer. The Shop features games, toys, books, crafts, and jewelry geared to young visitors.
by EJ on 06/13/13
Looking for something light, fun and cheap to read this summer? The Wilmington branch of American Association of University Women is conducting a mini sale June 28-29 at Concord Mall. The sale includes hardback and paperback books, CDs and DVDs, all donated and all priced to sell. There will be strong selections of fiction, perfect for taking to the beach, and children’s books, plus selected nonfiction works.
The sale, which benefits the branch, runs 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday in the mall’s center court, near Macy’s. The mall is at 4737 Concord Pike, Brandywine Hundred. For more information, visit www.aauwwilmington.org/booksale.htmlcall (302) 428-0939 or e-mail aauwwilm@gmail.com.
by EJ on 06/13/13
The NEST Band will take over the Market & Shops at Comcast Center, playing kid-friendly rock songs for children of all ages. Guests will enjoy cupcake decorating, make and take crafts, a Sony interactive gaming station, as well as a pop-up boutique by NEST.
WHERE:
The Market & Shops at Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard
WHEN:
Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00AM to 1:00PM
WHY:
This event is free and open to the public.
Nest is the brainchild of six close friends who grew up together in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Joining the growing influx of young professionals moving into Center City, the idea for Nest hatched once life with kids in tow added new perspective to city living. Finding themselves dragging weary kids all over the city through a decentralized maze of birthday parties, playdates, and music classes, the group decided that they needed one destination where parents and kids can do it all, and Nest was born.
Refreshingly far away from the chaos of traditional playrooms, Nest creates an inviting childhood-meets-neighborhood oasis inside over 12,000 sq. ft. on three levels. Focused on nurturing creative stimulation, Nest provides plenty of space for kids, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, to play and learn while parents lounge, shop, and dine with them in a comfortable, modern setting.
Nest’s top level serves as a top-notch activity hub for developmentally rich educational programming where kids can take classes designed by local leaders in occupational therapy, early childhood development, and the arts.
Nest boasts a bustling class roster. Children can participate in innovative courses in early enrichment, movement, music, dance, arts and crafts, language, cooking, and more. Prenatal yoga, “Mommy & Me” classes, and parent-child book clubs give parents a place right alongside the little ones in the activities loop.
