Excitement starts here!
Be a part of the center of excitement.
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Welcome to Annenberg Center Live! Every season is a journey – this year, we travel to a futuristic Los Angeles via soaring gospel and jazz, to 17th century Europe in a rock and roll Shakespeare comedy, to Harlem en pointe, and to the island of Cuba through a multitude of Latin rhythms. We invite you to join us on this journey. Look for our INSIGHTS events, which give you something extra to enhance your performance experiences. INSIGHTS accompany selected performances and are noted throughout this brochure. Plus, we are proud to launch our exciting new programming series, African Roots, American Voices. (Flip the page for details!)
Mark Garvin
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Annenberg Center Live embarks on a multi-year journey that celebrates the African diaspora’s unique contributions to American culture. Each year focuses on a different musical genre, exploring its roots and cultural impact. The 15/16 season will focus on jazz, a wholly-original American art form. Jazz is unpredictable, it’s bold, it’s a conversation. As Louis Armstrong said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” Discover African Roots, American Voices through a diverse selection of performances, each designated throughout this brochure. Dive deeper into the themes presented on stage through our INSIGHTS program.
Join us on a musical expedition through American culture!
Mark Garvin
Celebrated names, vibrant sounds
Unique visions, exceptional moves
Traditional sounds from across the globe
Cutting-edge dramatic works
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15/16 Season Calendar OCTOBER
OCT 1-3
Parable of the Sower: The Concert Version
pg 22
OCT 10
Chitravina Ravikiran
pg 18
OCT 11
The Gloaming
pg 18
OCT 16
Everybody’s Protest Music
pg 12
OCT 17
Jon Batiste & Stay Human
pg 6
OCT 22-24
Urban Bush Women
pg 14
NOV 7
Motown Meets Jazz
pg 12
NOV 15
Dianne Reeves
pg 7
River North Dance Chicago
pg 14
DEC 5
Papo Vázquez & Sofia Rei
pg 8
DEC 12
Sweet Honey in the Rock
pg 19
JANUARY
JAN 31
Mack Avenue Super Band
pg 8
FEBRUARY
FEB 5-6
Ballet Hispanico
pg 15
FEB 9-13
Twelfth Night
pg 22
FEB 19
Cyrille Aimée
pg 9
FEB 20
Daddy Mack Blues Band
pg 11
MAR 3-5
Dance Theatre of Harlem
pg 15
Celebrate the Great Women of Blues & Jazz
pg 9
Hiromi
pg 10
Meredith Rainey Dance
pg 15
APR 2
Cherish the Ladies & Friends
pg 19
APR 3
The Johnny Clegg Band
pg 20
APR 9
Dr. Lonnie Smith
pg 10
APR 23
Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton
pg 11
APR 30
Saayujya (The Merging)
pg 20
NOVEMBER
NOV 20-21
DECEMBER
MARCH
MAR 12
APRIL
APR 1 APR 1-2
MAY
MAY 7
Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars
pg 20
JUNE
JUN 2-4
Philadelphia International Children’s Festival
pg 23
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Rhythmic. Funky. Soulful. Jazz @ Annenberg Center Live showcases artists at the top of their game. Powerful vocalists and incomparable instrumentalists grace our stage. Attend one or all, but don’t miss these one-night-only performances!
Ariane Rousselier
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Betsy Newman
Jon Batiste & Stay Human SAT OCT 17 @ 8 PM
Direct from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the HBO series Treme, Jon Batiste boasts a soulful voice, virtuosic piano chops and a dapper sense of style. Born in New Orleans and trained at Julliard, Batiste has absorbed a musical language that revives the roots of jazz, blues and other American music while playing it in a way that is fresh and engaging. Batiste is a true entertainer who creates a social and interactive music performance.
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Dianne Reeves
One of the pre-eminent jazz vocalists in the world today, this four-time GrammyŽ Award winner boasts a magical, timeless voice, rhythmic virtuosity and a captivating personality. Adored by audiences and critics alike, Reeves’ unique jazz and R&B stylings makes each performance unique and not-to-be-missed. SUN NOV 15 @ 7 PM
Jerris Madison
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Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours & Sofia Rei Sextet
Courtesy Sofia Rei
Courtesy Papo Vázquez
Latin jazz trombonist and Philly native Papo Vázquez teams up with Argentinian-born folk jazz vocalist Sofia Rei in this special double bill. A 2011 NEA Master and 2009 Grammy® Award nominee, Vázquez brings his Mighty Pirates Troubadours for a colorful jazz, Latin and Afro-Caribbean musical attack. Whether singing in Spanish, Portuguese or English, Sofia Rei is known for her powerful voice and inventive mix of South American folklore, jazz, global and electronic sounds. SAT DEC 5 @ 8 PM
Mack Avenue Super Band Jimmy Katz
Keith Major
Raj Naik
Anna Webber
The Mack Avenue Super Band brings together an impressive ensemble of jazz greats for an unforgettable concert experience. This stellar group includes seven-time Grammy® Award-winning vibraphonist Gary Burton; R&B saxophonist Tia Fuller; Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trumpeter Sean Jones; and four-time Grammy® Award-winning bassist Christian McBride backed by pianist Christian Sands and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. SUN JAN 31 @ 7 PM
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Cyrille Aimée Fall in love with the joyful spirit and charming voice of French-born jazz singer Cyrille Aimée. Winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival’s Vocal Competition and the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Aimée delights with her fresh, creative vocal approach that honors jazz tradition while blazing in intoxicating, new directions.
Celebrate the Great Women of Blues & Jazz
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A musical tribute to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and other female pioneers of jazz. This collective of New York’s best singers and musicians honors their musical mothers in an evening of beloved jazz standards and blues hits. Directed by Toshi Reagon and Allison Miller, celebrate the women whose immense talent and unbreakable spirit shaped the future of jazz and blues.
Takako Harkness Photography
SAT MAR 12 @ 8 PM
Anna Webber
FRI FEB 19 @ 8 PM
Hiromi
The Trio Project Pianist/composer Hiromi has a creative energy that expands the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop, electrifying audiences and critics across the globe. Performing alongside contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips, Hiromi captivates audiences with works from her latest album, Voice, an expression of a range of human emotions without the aid of a single lyric. FRI APR 1 @ 8 PM
Muga Miyahara
Dr. Lonnie Smith Master of the Hammond B-3 organ for more than five decades, Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled figure in the soul-jazz movement. His unpredictable, avid musical taste led him to record everything from covers of the Beatles and the Eurythmics to tribute albums of Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and Beck. Performing with his octet, the doctor gives a generous dose of funky soul and deep jazz sounds. SAT APR 9 @ 8 PM Lourdes Delgado
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton By any measure of talent and success, Lisa Fischer is a superstar. She’s spent the last 20 years as a backup singer for the Rolling Stones, Sting, Patti Austin, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner and countless others. A Grammy® Award winner with astonishing range and powerhouse vocals, Fischer was featured in the Oscar® Award-winning documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom and now steps into the spotlight with her interpretations of classic songs from across the rock and pop universe. SAT APR 23 @ 8 PM
Djeneba Aduayom
Daddy Mack Blues Band
SAT FEB 20 @ 8 PM
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Courtesy Daddy Mack Blues Band
Straight from Beale Street in Memphis, get down to the funky sounds of the Daddy Mack Blues Band. One of the most authentic urban blues bands since the 1970s, the five-member group plays a soulful mix of original music and classic tunes. The Daddy Mack Blues Band promises a fun time, with the perfect balance of showmanship and good music.
Everybody’s Protest Music Dr. Guy’s Musiqology
Dr. Guy’s Musiqology’s original jazz compositions and arrangements speak about resistance, power and love in the current era of social protest and change. Penn music professor Guthrie Ramsey and his ensemble perform works that incorporate spoken word, vocals and instruments, creating their own mix of genres and sounds. Courtesy Guthrie Ramsey
FRI OCT 16 @ 8 PM
Motown Meets Jazz
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble “My Girl”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, “Heat Wave” and many other Motown hits changed the landscape of American popular music. Join bassist Warren Oree and the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble for a trip down musical memory lane that illustrates how signature Motown sounds emanated from the soul and style of jazz. SAT NOV 7 @ 8 PM Courtesy Warren Oree
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Vibrant. Compelling. Visual. Dance @ Annenberg Center Live features performances of exceptional grace and beauty. These culturally diverse companies advance the Annenberg Center dance tradition. Be part of these extraordinary live dance experiences.
Rachel Neville
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THU OCT 22 @ 7:30 PM FRI OCT 23 @ 8 PM SAT OCT 24 @ 2 PM SAT OCT 24 @ 8 PM
Urban Bush Women
Ayano Hisa
The Urban Bush Women troupe uses cultural expression as a catalyst for social change. The performance ensemble of seven women weaves contemporary dance, music and text with the history, culture and spiritual traditions of the African diaspora. Bold and demanding, their works challenge long-held assumptions about women, people of color, body types and styles of movement.
River North Dance Chicago Knock-out dancers, athletic prowess, bold music and commanding choreography. River North’s jazz-based style has a depth and sophistication that creates an accessible, engaging experience for all. “After 25 years, River North looks stronger than ever” (Chicago Tribune). FRI NOV 20 @ 8 PM SAT NOV 21 @ 2 PM SAT NOV 21 @ 8 PM Cheryl Mann
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Dance Theatre of Harlem Dance Theatre of Harlem performs exceptional ballet masterpieces around the world. The iconic company brings unprecedented relevance to classical ballet with cutting-edge new works and beloved masterpieces performed by some of the most beautiful and exceptionally-trained dancers around.
THU MAR 3 @ 7:30 PM FRI MAR 4 @ 8 PM SAT MAR 5 @ 2 PM SAT MAR 5 @ 8 PM
Ballet Hispanico Classical and contemporary dance with Latin flair! “One of the best contemporary repertory ensembles� (New York Times), Ballet Hispanico fuses its Latino roots with an eclectic, sleekly modern style. Theatricality and passion propel every move.
Meredith Rainey Dance
FRI FEB 5 @ 8 PM SAT FEB 6 @ 2 PM
FRI APR 1 @ 7:30 PM
SAT FEB 6 @ 8 PM Christopher Duggan
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SAT APR 2 @ 7:30 PM
Renata Pavam Michael Slobodian
Philadelphia-based choreographer and former Pennsylvania Ballet soloist Meredith Rainey returns to the stage in (In)Visible Man, a new collaboration with Jorge Cousineau and Tania Isaac. Through a mix of playful satire and flowing movement, the ensemble piece examines individual and collective ideas of identity as it pertains to culture, sexuality and race, taking inspiration from Rainey’s own life of paradoxes.
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Global. Diverse. Original. World Music @ Annenberg Center Live celebrates the traditions and sounds of cultures around the globe. These talented musical exports bring the spark of their home countries to life. They hail from Ireland and India to South Africa and Argentina. Explore the world through the musical talents of top international artists.
Courtesy Juan de Marcos
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Chitravina Ravikiran Ravikiran is a musical prodigy and master of the Chitravina, a fretless, 21-stringed Indian instrument. This inspiring ambassador of India’s music and culture is also a vocalist, composer, author and guru. Accompanied by Trichy Sankaran on the Mridangam (percussion), Hemmige Srivatsan on the violin and Ravi Balasubramanian on the Ghatam (clay pot), Ravikiran will perform a Carnatic classical instrumental program. SAT OCT 10 @ 7 PM
Courtesy Sruti
This performance is co-presented with Sruti, the India Music & Dance Society.
WELCOMES
The Gloaming Irish traditional music meets the New York downtown scene. With fiddlers Martin Hayes and Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh, Dennis Cahill on guitar, Iarla Ó Lionáird on vocals and Thomas Bartlett on piano, these master musicians create a new sound that pairs memorable, yearning melodies with a progressive style. The Gloaming’s music is charged by the traditions of Ireland with passionate interpretations of songs both familiar and entirely fresh. SUN OCT 11 @ 7 PM Feargal Ward
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Cherish the Ladies & Friends
The Easter Rising of 1916
JAHSE
Sweet Honey in the Rock Internationally renowned a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock is known for their stunning vocal prowess rooted in the rich textures of African American legacy. Over the past four decades, the powerhouse group has stayed true to its adventurous and diverse mix of blues, African, jazz, gospel and R&B music. Through soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms, a Sweet Honey performance entertains and inspires.
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SAT APR 2 @ 8 PM
Alessandro Tosto
SAT DEC 12 @ 8 PM
Cherish the Ladies commemorates the centennial of Easter Rising, the epic struggle for Irish freedom, through their signature blend of instrumental talent, beautiful vocals and spirited arrangements. Joined by special guests Dermot Henry, Danny Doyle, Gabriel Donohue, Rory Makem and Máirtín de Cógáin, you won’t want to miss this energetic and entertaining performance.
The Johnny Clegg Band Johnny Clegg – singer, songwriter, dancer, anthropologist, academic and activist. While each of these labels is fitting, none fully describes the passionate man who is one of South Africa’s greatest musical exports. Clegg’s infectious crossover music is a vibrant blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms. Join this Grammy® nominee and Billboard music award winner for an unforgettable performance. Courtesy SRO Artists
SUN APR 3 @ 7 PM
Saayujya (The Merging)
SAT APR 30 @ 7 PM
Priyadarsini Govind & T.M. Krishna The world premiere of a classical South Indian music and dance performance piece based on Philadelphia’s historic themes of liberty and freedom. Each a powerhouse in their own right, bharata natyam dancer Priyadarsini Govind and Carnatic musician T. M. Krishna perform a new work interlacing elements of traditional repertoire with improvised segments.
V Ganesan
This performance is co-presented with Sruti, the India Music & Dance Society and is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars
SAT MAY 7 @ 8 PM
Courtesy Juan de Marcos
A unique ensemble, devoted to the past, present and future of Cuban music. Founded by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the group features the finest Cuban expatriate musicians in the world today, all alumni of Cuba’s greatest bands. Each dynamic performance captures the undeniable spirit of Afro-Cuban music with a potent mix of driving percussion, a powerhouse horn section and incomparable vocals.
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Fascinating. Powerful. Unexpected. Theatre @ Annenberg Center Live transports you to different times and places, from the comedic frolics of Shakespeare’s 17th century England to a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles of the future. Join us on a journey of dramatic insight and adventure.
Robert Day
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THU OCT 1 @ 7:30 PM FRI OCT 2 @ 8 PM Courtesy Toshi Reagon
SAT OCT 3 @ 2 PM SAT OCT 3 @ 8 PM
OCTAVIA E. BUTLER’S
Parable of the Sower Toshi Reagon
The Concert Version
Called “one helluva rock’n’roller-coaster ride” (Vibe Magazine), singer/songwriter/guitarist Toshi Reagon and friends perform her genre-defying work-in-progress based on Octavia Butler’s acclaimed novel, Parable of the Sower. Set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles of the future, this gospel opera blends science fiction, African American spiritualism and deep insights on gender, race and the future of human civilization.
Twelfth Night
Filter Theatre & Royal Shakespeare Company
Two worlds collide in this explosive new take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Twelfth Night. This production pairs classical verse with a riotous gig in this radically-cut and fast-paced story of romance, satire and mistaken identity. “Rock-and-roll Shakespeare’s a blast” (Daily Telegraph)!
TUE FEB 9 @ 7:30 PM WED FEB 10 @ 5:30 PM THU FEB 11 @ 7:30 PM FRI FEB 12 @ 8 PM SAT FEB 13 @ 2 PM SAT FEB 13 @ 8 PM
This engagement of Filter Theatre is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Robert Day
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Photos: Mark Garvin
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2016 Philadelphia International Children’s Festival JUN 2-4, 2016
Bring the family for
Music · Theatre Dance · Crafts Activities The annual Children’s Festival showcases professional theatre, music and dance shows especially for kids ages 4-12. The free outdoor FUN ZONE offers supervised interactive activities and performances throughout the day. Check AnnenbergCenter.org for exact show descriptions and times.
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Christine Davies Reagan
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Insights Want to know more about the great performances at the Annenberg Center? Attend an INSIGHTS event! INSIGHTS events explore the complex themes presented on stage. They occur before and/or after selected shows and are FREE for ticket holders. INSIGHTS can feature additional performance groups, members of Penn’s esteemed faculty, and sometimes, the artists themselves!
Find this symbol throughout this brochure to see which shows feature an INSIGHTS event! For an up-to-date listing of INSIGHTS events, visit AnnenbergCenter.org/INSIGHTS.
We provide great experiences in the performing arts for students of all ages. Our weekday Arts4Youth series allows students to see professional music, theatre and dance artists. All performances include a study guide and most feature a post-show conversation with the artist(s). For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Edward Epstein at 215.746.7997 or edwardme@ac.upenn.edu.
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Two Ways to Buy Single Tickets Buy individual tickets, ranging from $20-$75 (subject to change). Order early to get the lowest prices and the best seats! Single tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for another show. A $7 exchange fee applies; exchanges are based on availability and must be made in-person at the Box Office. Subscriptions Pick any combination of shows (three or more) from this brochure and save up to 35% off single ticket prices. Plus, enjoy all the benefits of being a subscriber including free ticket exchanges and discounted parking. All programs, artists and prices are subject to change.
Subscriber Benefits Great Savings
Save up to 35% off regular single ticket prices. Plus, save a bundle in handling fees.
Free Exchanges
Can’t attend a show or rather see something else? Exchange your tickets for free in person or over the phone. It’s that easy!
Priority Seating
Subscribers get access to the best seats.
Discounted Parking
$2 off pre-paid parking at the 38th and Walnut Street garage. Visit AnnenbergCenter.org/parking for details.
Exclusive Deal of the Month
Enjoy a new, just-for-subscribers offer each month.
Discounted Additional Tickets
Save 10% on additional tickets throughout the year.
Discounted Penn Experiences
Save on visits to other Penn attractions.
Special Offers
Receive subscriber-only offers and priority notification of new events. Be the first to hear about the 16/17 season.
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Ways to Save Groups
What Groups of 10 or more save up to 25% on tickets How Call 215.573.8827 or email groups@ac.upenn.edu More Info AnnenbergCenter.org/groups
College Students What $10 student rush tickets available the day of the performance How Purchase in person and present valid student ID More Info AnnenbergCenter.org/students
Penn Alumni, Faculty and Staff What Penn alumni, faculty and staff receive a 10% discount
How Use promo code PENNALUM or PENN and present valid ID at ticket pick-up
Mark Garvin
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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Connect With Us Get updates via email AnnenbergCenter.org
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About Your Visit Patrons with Special Needs The Annenberg Center offers wheelchair-accessible seating as well as large print programs and assisted listening devices. For more details and to request special accommodations, call 215.898.3900 or visit AnnenbergCenter.org. Parking and Transportation The Annenberg Center is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania and is easily accessible by SEPTA regional rail, trolley and busses. Convenient parking is located one block away at 38th and Walnut Streets. Parking passes can be purchased at the Box Office or by visiting AnnenbergCenter.org/parking. Subscribers save $2 per pass.
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Virginia C. Mulconroy Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation Connelly Foundation Lomax Family Foundation Ravitz Family Foundation
Exclusive Hotel Sponsor
Mark Garvin
Make a Donation, Make a Difference Broadway director, producer and Penn alumnus Harold “Hal” Prince.
Make a gift—of any amount—then take your seat and watch the curtain rise on a season you helped make possible. Ticket revenues cover only a fraction of the cost of bringing world class artists to the Annenberg Center stage. The rest comes from you, our generous community of donors. Your gift not only helps us present a rich diversity of music, dance and theatre—it also allows us to provide deeply subsidized tickets to the over 8,000 young people who annually attend performances at the Annenberg Center through our Children’s Festival and Arts4Youth series.
Thank you for helping us to extend the transformative power of live arts throughout our community!
Give Online AnnenbergCenter.org/give
Give By Phone Call Kristin Winch at 215.898.6754
Give By Mail or In Person Annenberg Center Live Office of Development University of Pennsylvania 3680 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6219
AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900
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AnnenbergCenter.org 215.898.3900
Excitement starts here!
University of Pennsylvania 3680 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6219