Early 2012 Programming Announced for The Porch at 30th Street Station

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

For Immediate Release Contact: Lori Brennan, 215-243-0555 or [email protected]

Philadelphia’s next great public space will be home to a variety of concerts, fitness programs, a weekly farmers’ market, street performances and much more.

Last fall, University City District (UCD) unveiled University City’s new signature public space, The Porch at 30th Street Station. Once a congested parking lane and bland, barren sidewalk, The Porch is quickly becoming one of the most animated public places in Philadelphia, with amenities such as abundant and comfortable seating, sun and shade, trees and plantings, and ongoing performances, farmers’ markets, yoga classes and a variety of special events and festivities. As the name suggests, UCD sees this new space as Philadelphia’s front porch, a welcoming entryway to the city, as well as a place to linger and socialize, and a place to entertain and be entertained. The Porch serves to balance the indoor grandeur of 30th Street Station with the wonder and expanse of Philadelphia.

Adjacent to the second busiest train station in the country, between two magnificent historic buildings and within 1,200 feet of over 16,000 jobs, The Porch is part of a key gateway to the Philadelphia region. And, over the coming months and years, The Porch will be a place to showcase some of the best that Philadelphia has to offer; to preview the work of iconic cultural institutions and unfamiliar art alike, to be inspired by the two beautiful buildings that bookend it, and to soak in the people who walk through it.

UCD has decided to kickoff The Porch 2012 programming season in style with a variety of events and festivities for all throughout the months of April and May. All events are free.

SOUNDS TO TRANSPORT

UCD is pleased to present a variety of live concerts this season at The Porch. From bluegrass to jazz to opera, your visit to The Porch will be filled with unique sounds from some of Philadelphia’s most exciting artists.

West Philadelphia Orchestra

Join us every 1st Monday from 4-6pm for traditional and original Eastern European and Balkan music.

Lunchtime Serenade

Join us every Tuesday from 11am-1pm to experience the beauty of solo accordion, from Eastern European to South American, Polka to American Jazz.

Pop-up Opera

Friday, April 6, Noon
Friday, May 11, Noon

Hear beautiful music that will delight new and old opera fans alike. Performed by members of Center City Opera Theater's Young Artist Program, this interactive event will make passersby a part of the stage.

Perseverance Jazz Band

Join us every third Monday from 4-6pm for the sounds of New Orleans Dixieland Jazz and Mardi Gras Parades.

City Wide Specials

Wednesday, May 16, 10am-2pm
Wednesday, May 23, 10am-2pm

The West Philadelphia-based City Wide Specials perform traditional and original songs as well as instrumental breakdowns and waltzes on guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and upright bass.

THE PORCH FARMERS’ MARKET

Wednesdays, 11am-2pm, beginning May 16

Farm to City and UCD present a weekly farmers’ market featuring the best in local and fresh foods.

FITNESS AT THE PORCH

Put your lunch break to work for you with fitness programming from both Drexel University and Studio 34.

Forrest Yoga and Pilates with Studio 34

Join yoga and pilates instructors from West Philadelphia’s Studio 34 every Thursday from noon-1pm at The Porch. In April and May, join us for Forrest Yoga sessions which balance movement and poses to build both strength and flexibility.

Zumba with Drexel Fitness

Join us every third Wednesday from 5:30-6:30pm for Zumba class at The Porch courtesy of Drexel Fitness. Zumba fuses hypnotic international rhythms and easy to follow dance moves to create a dynamic workout that will blow you away!

CIRCUS ARTS

The Give and Take Jugglers and their Little Circus

Join us every second Thursday from 4-6pm for the Give and Take Jugglers and their Little Circus and their dazzling shows featuring juggling, comedy, vaudeville, circus arts and theater.

The Give and Take Jugglers

Wednesday, May 16, 10am-2pm
Wednesday, May 30, 10am-2pm

Marveling audiences young and old, The Give and Take Jugglers perform in conjunction with The Porch Farmers’ Market.

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