ABOVE PHOTO: Mary Mary (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jazz icons Al Jarreau and David Sanborn will perform at the Dell Music Center for the first time during the 2014 Essence of Entertainment concert series, a star-studded summer of concerts with artists including Roberta Flack, The O’Jays, Fantasia and Larry Graham. Returning to the Dell for an evening of gospel are platinum-selling duo Mary Mary and Delaware County resident E. Daniels, joined by first-time Dell performer and Billboard Chart-topper Byron Cage.
Another first: the Dell brought theater to its stage with “The Meeting,” a riveting play portraying a fictional meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Classical music returns to the Dell this summer too. The original summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra welcomes Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra along with local musicians and singers performing Beethoven Symphony No. 9.
Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra – June 21
Ludwig Beethoven’s final symphony was his call for people of all nations, colors and creeds to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood. In this spirit, talented musicians and singers from across Philadelphia join Black Pearl for a rare English-language performance of the musical masterpiece, Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Ode to Joy.”
Final Artist Lineup Announced for Essence of Entertainment – Thursdays, July 10 – August 28
Two of the most accomplished jazz musicians of our time, with 13 Grammy Awards between them, Al Jarreau and David Sanborn will take center stage on August 21. The evening of Gospel headlined by Mary Mary is on Friday, August 1. Other first-time performers this summer are 10-time Grammy nominee Anthony Hamilton, 10-time Grammy winner Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds who has recorded more than 125 Top-10 R&B and Pop hits, 2013 Best R&B Album Grammy winner Robert Glasper, R&B band Mint Condition, and the Philadelphia Jazz Project presents “Fairmount Park Block Party” directed by Luke Carlos O’Reilly.
Returning to the Dell are Grammy winner Chrisette Michele; Ledisi, an eight time Grammy Award nominee and R&B Charts topper; and Eric Benet, whose smash hit “Spend My Life With You” reached number one on the R&B Charts.
2014 Essence of Entertainment concert calendar:
July 10 at 8 pmThe O’Jays, Will Downing and Chrisette Michele
July 17 at 8 pmAnthony Hamilton, Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds and Robert Glasper
July 24 at 8 pmRoberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, New Birth &Bloodstone
July 31 at 7:30 pmFantasia, Dru Hill, Lyfe Jennings & Sebastian Mikael
Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 pmMary Mary, Byron Cage and E. Daniels – Special Engagement not included in the subscription
August 7 at 8 pmLedisi, Mint Condition and Eric Benet
August 14 at 8 pmR&B Concert, Artists TBD
August 21 at 8 pmAl Jarreau, David Sanborn and Philadelphia Jazz Project presents “Fairmount Park Block Party”
August 28 at 7 pmThe Masters of Funk, The Average White Band, Larry Graham & Graham
Central Station
Subscriptions
Subscriptions for the eight concert series (not including the Special Engagement) are $400 for premium seating and $300 for general seating. They are available for purchase through May 23 at the Dell Music Center Box Office.
Special Engagement
Tickets for this concert featuring Mary Mary, Byron Cage and E Daniels are $30 and $30.
Box Office Hours
May 8th – May 23rd Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am – 2 pm
Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am — 6 pm
May 26thClosed for Memorial Day
Beginning May 27th Monday – Friday from 10 am — 6 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday (unless otherwise noted).
Individual show tickets can be purchased beginning Thursday, May 8th at 10:00 at www.ticketmaster.com, www.mydelleast.com or at the Dell Box Office. For more information, call 215-685-9560.
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