SUMMER SERIES CONTINUES ON JUNE 29 WITH THE PHILADELPHIA UKULELE ORCHESTRA

UCD, The Rotunda and Penn add The Heavens to already-announced acts Spaceship Aloha (featuring Man Man’s Chris Powell) and Millennial Territory Orchestra (performing the music of Sly & The Family Stone)

(Philadelphia, PA) – University of Pennsylvania, University City District (UCD), and The Rotunda are pleased to announce the addition of The Heavens Atheist Gospel Trombone Choir to the 2013 40th Street Summer Series, the free outdoor performance series in University City. Scheduled for the last Saturdays in June to September, the Summer Series - as it did with series openers Brooklyn Qawwali Party - transforms the 40th Street Field into a family-friendly center of global sounds and good vibrations. These free outdoor performances will feature internationally-renowned ensembles including the whimsical Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra, the Millennial Territory Orchestra (performing the music of Sly and The Family Stone), Spaceship Aloha (featuring Man Man’s Chris Powell), and The Heavens. All concerts will be held on the beautiful green space just behind the Walnut Street Free Library at 40th and Walnut Streets beginning at 6pm. Complimentary (first come, first served) Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and pretzels will also be given out during the performances.

Saturday, June 29 | Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra

Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra - a twelve piece ensemble comprised of bohemians, libertines and ukulele enthusiasts - are on a crusade to promote Truth and Beauty through that most democratic of musical instruments: the ukulele. Interpreting the music of the 20s and 30s, this rare appearance from the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra is not to be missed! Emily Bate opens the evening, performing music that borrows from the canon of 20th century American popular music. She writes not-quite-right songs, bending ears with her dissonant approach to pop harmony.

Saturday, July 27 | The Heavens Atheist Gospel Trombone Choir

Just one day before their Lincoln Center debut, this dynamic brass band led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jacob Garchik (a frequent arranger for Kronos Quartet) will visit Philadelphia for the first time to perform with the critically acclaimed and jubilant The Heavens. Celebrating reason, the laws of science, and the glory of infinity!

Saturday, August 31 | Spaceship Aloha

Spaceship Aloha is the vibrant new sonic move from Man Man drummer/producer Christopher Sean Powell. Spaceship Aloha’s performances present a kaleidoscope of lush melodies and joyous electronic rhythms inspired by Hawaii’s musical landscape. Intended for non-stop dancing, the live show is bursting with elements of vivid beats, refreshing sounds, and adventurous improvisation - all performed on an ecosystem of synthesizers, sequencers, electronic drums, and live percussion. This new project continues the wild energy of Powell’s explosive performances in Need New Body & Man Man, with a “future tropical” twist. Philadelphia’s Inspyre will open the evening with breathtaking hoop dancing and fire dancers.

Saturday, September 28 | Millennial Territory Orchestra performs the music of Sly & The Family Stone

Grammy nominated trumpet-composer Steven Bernstein (Sex Mob) leads his 12-piece ensemble featuring a top-flight roster of talent through the monumental songbook of Sly & The Family Stone to deliver unforgettable fun for all. By filtering the music of Sly and The Family Stone through its own “downtown NYC” aesthetic, MTO illuminates the melodic and harmonic sophistication of this immortal body of work, while upholding the Day-Glo soul and psychedelic funk that’s the backbone for classics like M’Lady, Everyday People, and Family Affair.

The 40th Street Summer Series is sponsored by AroundPhilly, BenFM, Ben & Jerry’s, Campus Philly, Philadelphia City Paper, Daily Pennsylvanian, Grid Magazine, Homewood Suites, Lansdowne Friends School, Philly Pretzel Factory, Metro, Philadelphia Weekly, Philly Fun Guide, UC Review, UCNet, and the University of Pennsylvania. Visit the official website for the 2013 40th Street Summer Series: http://universitycity.org/40th-street-summer-series