Mann Center has soul and Classics on tap for summer, fall slate

ByWendy Daughenbaugh WPVI logo
Sunday, July 28, 2019
6abc Loves the Arts: Summer Music Series at the Mann Music Center
6abc Loves the Arts: Summer Music Series at the Mann Music Center: as seen on Action News Mornings, July 28, 2019

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On Friday, Aug. 2, you can take in some of the best soul music from the 70s with 70s Soul Jam.

Fans can expect to hear hits from The Stylistics, 'You Make Me Feel Brand New' and 'You Are Everything,' says Catherine Cahill, President & CEO for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, as she ticked off some of the highlights, 'Oh Girl' by the Chi-lights, 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and 'Don't Leave Me This Way' from Harold Melville's Blue Notes, Heatwave's 'Always and Forever' and so many more."

On Aug. 17, it's a hip hop party with MC Hammer's House Party. It's his first major tour since 1991.

"Joining him on stage includes Sir Mix-a-Lot, Kid 'n Play, and Biz Markie," Cahill says.

On the 23rd, the psychedelic Australian pop and rock artist Tame Impala takes the stage, and Vampire Weekend is bringing its Father of the Bride Tour to the Mann Sept. 4.

"It's an American rock band from New York City," Cahill says. "They won the Grammy award for best alternative music album in 2014."

Three-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Brandi Carlile is playing Sept. 6.

"She's the most nominated female artist and the third-most nominated artist overall in the 61st Grammy awards with six, let me count 'em, six nominations," Cahill crows.

On Sept. 13, the Outlaw Music Festival, "with Willie Nelson bringing Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Gov't Mule and more," Cahill says.

The B52s bring their 40th anniversary tour through town on Sept. 19.

"Maggie Rogers, Heard it in a Past Life 2019 Tour are here on Oct 4," Cahill says. "NPR named her one of its favorite musicians."

There's the uber-popular movies at the Mann series as well.

Grease is playing on the big screen while the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia performs the music score live on stage on Aug. 15.

"It's an unforgettable rock 'n' roll soundtrack that defined generations live with orchestra for the first time," Cahill says, adding that on Sept. 12, you can relive some of the most memorable scenes from all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, "Live orchestra, giant video screens, audience going absolutely crazy."

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5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19131