Guide To The Mann Center For Performing Arts
Philadelphia is a top city for music and performing arts. There are numerous concert halls and about eight different performing arts centers run by private entities and universities. There is no shortage of entertainment experiences to be had in Philly, some can be very expensive, but there are also plenty of free opportunities. One of the longest running public performing arts center is the Mann Center. (Temple University would be the longest being established in 1891).
The Mann Center For Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, PA. 19131
(215) 546-7900
www.manncenter.org
The Mann Center was constructed in 1935 as the "summer home" for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the current building has been standing in its location in Fairmount park since 1976. The Mann, as it is most commonly known has been holding musical performances for decades in its open air theater but the facility hosts a variety of entertainers.
The Mann is a mid-sized to large venue that can accommodate over 14,000 visitors. Since the seating is "open air" some seats are not under the roof, and half are considered "lawn seats". However this unique architecture is specifically designed to have the sound carry throughout the theater. This will yield a great auditory experience whether you have the best seats in the house or more affordable lawn seats. Seating generally runs $15-$20 for lawn seats and upwards of $40-80 for covered seats with some exceptions.
This summer the Mann will have over 25 performances and concerts to pick from and is technically Philly's only open air theater which will be full of entertainment all summer long. There are also community events and free educational concerts and workshops that get added for the summer.
Paul Simon
www.paulsimon.com
Grammy winner, multiple album of the year winner, and half of Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon will be giving a concert on June 25, 2016 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Prices are of the more expensive variety and range from $34.50-$144.50. His new CD as a download will be included with each pair of tickets purchased.
Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone With The Philadelphia Orchestra
www.manncenter.org
This is a unique opportunity for Harry Potter fans. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be playing the entire score from the film Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone on June 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. This is an all ages and family friendly event with ticket prices ranging from $20-$55. The film will be shown on a large HD screen while the orchestra plays every note. Conducted by Justin Freer, doors open at 6 p.m.
Barenaked Ladies
www.barenakedladies.com
The Last Summer on Earth tour will hit the Mann Center on June 18, 2016 and will kick off at 7 p.m. Barenaked Ladies will also include special guests OMD and Howard Jones. Each ticket purchased will come with a free download of the new album "BNL Rocks Red Rocks" (in stores 5/20/16). This is an all-ages show, doors open at 6 p.m.
Young People's Concert Series
www.manncenter.org
Every summer the Mann gives back to the community with the free Young People's Concert Series. The concerts are typically on Mondays from mid-July through August, in the 11:00 -12:30 area and feature culturally diverse music and entertainment. The 2016 lineup is not yet complete. Previous seasons have featured dance companies from all over the world, a South American troupe called Inca Son, and emerging local artists.
Related: Top Outdoor Theaters in Philadelphia
Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
