Andrew’s Video Vault at the Rotunda 2015

 FREE Screenings Continuous From 8 PMon the Second THURSDAY of Every Month!

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Cinema Studies Program and The Rotunda at the University of Pennsylvania.   July 9 CHAMELEON STREET (1989 / 94 minutes) Writer/director/actor Wendell B. Harris Jr’s first and only feature tells the true story of con man Douglas Street, a bored and ingenious African American male who passes himself off to white society as a journalist, doctor and scholar. A wicked and tragic satire on being black and brilliant in America. UFOria (1985 / 93 minutes) Writer/Director John Binder’s satiric look at the Southwestern U.S. and religion follows a Waylon Jennings-loving drifter (Fred Ward) hooking up with a faith healer (Harry Dean Stanton) and a cashier who has visions of a UFO communion. Guest Host and Curator: Dan Buskirk of Phawker.com   August 13 TIE XI QU: WEST OF TRACKS: PART ONE: RUST (2003 / 240 minutes) In part one of his three-part, nine hour documentary, Wang Bing hypnotically charts post-industrial decay and its effects on impoverished workers who live in northeast China. [Tie Xi Qu: West of Tracks part two, Remnants, and part three, Rails, will screen at subsequent seasons of Andrew’s Video Vault at the Rotunda.]   September 10 TO BE ANNOUNCED Guest Host and Curator: Dan Buskirk of Phawker.com   October 8 THE INNOCENTS (1961 / 100 minutes) Perhaps the most beautifully photographed black & white horror film ever made, this suspenseful masterwork of Gothic atmosphere is an exquisite adaptation of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw featuring gripping performances by adult and child actors alike. An unforgettable tour-de-force of supernatural terror and psychological repression. THE SEVENTH VICTIM (1943 / 71 minutes) The sense of dread is palpable in this moody and nightmarish tale of urban devil worship from producer Val Lewton. Kim Hunter stars (in her debut performance) as a young woman searching for her missing sister on the menacing streets of 1940′s New York City, with plenty of striking chiaroscuro lighting. Guest Host and Curator: Mike Zaleski   November 12 MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW (1937 / 91 minutes) Heart-rending in its truth and emotional beauty, Leo McCarey’s masterpiece and most personal film was created both as a love letter to his recently deceased father and as an exposé of what can happen to elderly Americans without the support of Social Security (or their children). Orson Welles said of the film: “It would make a stone cry.” EVERYBODY’S FINE [STANNO TUTTI BENE] (1990 / 118 minutes) Marcello Mastroianni gives one of his best performances as an elderly widower who traverses Italy to visit his distant offspring, each of whom had given him an impression of their life which turns out to be very different from the actuality. A powerful and beautiful rumination on the relationship between elderly parents and their adult children. Guest Host and Curator: Mike Zaleski   December 10 PERMISSIVE (1970 / 90 min) At the end of the hippie era, a broke young woman arrives in London and is initiated into the counter-culture and the seedy sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll lifestyle of a groupie. Psychedelic soundtrack by Comus and Forever More. DUFFER (1971 / 75 minutes) Joseph Despins and William Dumaresq’s off-beat and lyrical character study of a British teenage boy shuttlecocking between a sadistic old man and motherly prostitute.

Socks-A-Millions 2nd Annual Spotlight Give Back is a charity event to help others in need by providing care packages as well as other assortments of donations. July 11th 2015 will be a night to remember! Amazing artists will come out to perform and bless the stage with their talent. There will be refreshments along with with awsome raffle prizes!!! Come out to join us for an epic night of change. Join Socks-A-Million as we create change one foot at a time!

Have questions about Socks-A-Million Spotlight Give Back 2? Contact Socks-A-Million

Socks-A-MillionSocks-A-Million is a home based non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need and promoting the awareness of the need for a social change by way of people giving back to and investing in their communities everyday through charity and kindness! We work to create change one foot at time!

Admission: Adults: $10 / Children: $5. Buy advance tickets HERE 

PLEASE NOTE! THIS EVENT IS NOT AT THE ROTUNDA! IT IS OUTDOORS, ONE BLOCK AWAY AT THE 40TH STREET FIELD, 40TH ST BETWEEN WALNUT AND LOCUST!

The 40th Street Summer Series

May 30 •  July 25 • August 29 • September 19 (rescheduled from June 27) • October 3 (rescheduled from September 26)

The 40th Street Summer Series—co-produced by University City District, Penn, and The Rotunda—will once again enliven the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street with monthly performances and free family events. This year the programming will run from May-October.

In the past the Summer Series has featured internationally-acclaimed acts such as the Millennial Territory Orchestra, Man Man, and the Sun Ra Arkestra— to play free outdoor concerts that capture the soul of the neighborhood. This year, the schedule will expand to include dance, live theater, music, and a few surprises. The Summer Series brings business during the typically slow summer months by increasing patronage at nearby retailers and building upon the existing vibrancy of 40th Street, while providing entertaining, enriching and safe outlets for families, visitors and students. The complete lineup will be announced soon. 

SATURDAY, JULY 25 • 5PM - 8PM

40th Street Summer Festival

Bring the whole family for a fun & free evening of entertainment at the 40th Street Summer Festival! For one night, the green space behind the Walnut West Free Library will transform into a lively carnival atmosphere full of live music, interactive arts & crafts, and entertainment. This event is perfect for children and adults alike! The fun starts at 5PM, so get there early and make sure you don’t miss any of the excitement!

Featuring live music from (in order of appearance):

AU JUSAu Jus is a band made up of well-seasoned West Philly musicians who just can't get enough of the sounds of traditional Cajun fiddle and accordion music. Drawing their repertoire from early recordings made by the Balfa Brothers, Wade Fruge, Dennis McGee, and more, Au Jus strives for a balance of opposites: joyous celebration tinged with sadness, relaxed cadences driven by an insistent beat. Au Jus is: Chenda Cope and Liana Moskowitz on twin fiddles, Dorie Byrne on accordion, Corey Mark on triangle, Ian Sigler on guitar, and Kevin James Holland on bass fiddle.

RED CEDAR STRINGSRed Cedar Strings is a group of Philadelphian musicians who have banded together for the love of friendship and exploring music. Mixing together a potpourri of genres including folk, celtic, swing, singer/songwriter, rock, jazz, and gyspy, along with an astounding amount of stringed instruments and musical chemistry, Red Cedar Strings brews soulful and energetic musical experiences!

MIXED PEOPLEMixed People is a funky, soul fusion band with hints of rock and world music. Versatile musicianship, raw lyrics, and creative vocal harmonies create a genuine, mixed musical experience. The name Mixed People derived from colors that bloomed out the whole funk and nothing but the funk. It embraces the love of self and others regardless of our differences and celebrates the uniqueness in us all. Mixed People was founded by guitarist Paulette Branson in August 2012. Paulette Branson is mostly self-taught, but her guitar skills were groomed by legendary guitarist Mike Tyler. Other band members include: Porsha Alexander (vocals), Pierre Nix (percussion and vocals), Bird Williams (keytar and vocals), Terrence Jones (bass), and Harun NaJashi Abdur-Rasheed (drums). Since August 2012, the band is stamping its sound in Philly and is on the move. Mixed People released their EP Album, Shark Attack in April 2014. The Shark Attack EP is a guitar-driven masterpiece. The energy and emotion behind this band will get you dancing on your feet and singing along. Fans have compared Mixed People to P Funk meets N.E.R.D. or Jimi Hendrix meets Prince. Nevertheless, the name “Mixed People” speaks for itself.

Interactive Activities: Percussion workshops by Styx Latte: Styx Latté is a local West Philly Drummer and Recording Engineer.  He will be teaching 30-minute hand percussion clinics on the hour, and hosting free form percussion jam sessions throughout the festival.  Instruments provided or bring your own.

Painting & mask making with Brian Bazemore: Painter/muralist/sculptor Brian Bazemore will lead live painting and mask-making activities for all ages. We provide the canvas, paint, brushes, and mask-making materials!

Donna Oblongata: Ever wanted to pose in a paper cornfield while dressed like a Martian? Or have a conversation with a talking fruit bat? What about hiding amongst flowers bigger than you? Grab a puppet! Don a costume! snap pictures and videos of yourself in worlds you didn't even know existed!

Face Painter

Entertainment: Trapeze, juggling & tight wire with Give and Take Jugglers Dancing & hula hooping by Bujee MagooFire dancers Balloon artist

Plus: FREE Ben & Jerry’s and Philly Pretzels while supplies last!

- See more at: http://www.universitycity.org/40th-street-summer-series

Admission is FREE

A STAR IS BORN

EVENT: Spel-Bound 

Featured Artist Tatianna Sykes Singing her favorite selections from DIFFERENT generes of music

Free Will Offering

aBOUT Tatianna Sykes is a graduate of CAPA’s Class of 2015 where she was an honor student and a vocal major. Tatianna plans to continue her education at the prestigious Spelman College in Atlanta,  GA majoring in Psychology    

All proceeds go directly to Tatianna’s College Fund (Spelman College) Atlanta GA

If you're unable to attend but you would still like to make a donation, please go to Tatianna’s Go Fund Me Account: www.gofundme.com/

Spelbound Tatianna Sykes to make a secure on-line payment.

Admission is FREE-will offering.