Latin Rhythms Liven Up Mainstream Philadelphia Stages This Season

USA - English

• Latin America - español

PHILADELPHIA, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia's concert schedule gets a boost this spring and summer thanks to the addition of several concerts headlined by Latino artists. Scheduled to perform in the coming months: Prince Royce, Juanes and Miguel, to name a few. Here's a look at how Latin rhythms will liven up Philadelphia's stages:

Festivals & Concerts:

• Latino artist Prince Royce promises to attract a wide audience to the EL ZOL Concert at Penn's Landing. That's because the triple-platinum-selling vocalist's sweet version of "Stand by Me" is the first bachata song ever to be played on mainstream American radio. Opening for Prince Royce will be fellow Latino Alex Matos, popular salsa singer, along with EL ZOL Radio talent and DJs. May 25. Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street, elzolphilly.com
• Called "the decade's most relevant individual figure in Latin music" by the Los Angeles Times, sexy guitarist and songwriter Juanes is sure to make audiences swoon when he plays the 1,500-person Trocadero for his Loud & Unplugged tour. Known not just for his music, the 40-year-old Colombian activist often gets compared to Bono and Bruce Springsteen for his belief that music can change the world. VIP tickets to the all-ages show include a meet-and-greet with Juanes or entrance to the sound check. June 21. 1003 Arch Street, (215) 922-6888, thetroc.com
• Demi Lovato takes the stage during Philadelphia's iconic Wawa Welcome America! Philly 4^th of July Jam & Fireworks. John Mayer, Ne-Yo, Jill Scott and other talented performers will join the Latina singer during the free event, which takes place at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The concert is part of a seven-day celebration to commemorate Independence Day in the city where it all began. July 4. 26^th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com
• For the second year in a row, rapper Jay-Z chose the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for his two-day Made In America fest. Though Beyonce will headline the outdoor lollapalooza, Latin artists represent in the line-up. Most notable among them is Mexican-American singer and producer Miguel, who incorporates an ear-bending combination of funk, hip-hop, rock and electronic into his R & B. August 31-September 1. Benjamin Franklin Parkway, madeinamericafest.com
• Philadelphia band Alo Brasil celebrates Brazilian Independence Day at World Cafe Live with its typical fanfare. Formed by 12 musicians who span three generations, the group roots its repertoire in African-influenced rhythms such as samba batucada, samba reggae, pagode, maracatu, ijexa and various regions from within Brazil. Known as much for their spectacle as their music, the group performs accompanied by vibrantly costumed dancers and is a staple at parades and award ceremonies. September 7. 3025 Walnut Street, (215) 222-1400, philly.worldcafelive.com

Ongoing Series:

• To promote art appreciation through events that reflect a broad range of periods and cultures, the Barnes Foundation and Afrotaino present a dense schedule of Latin concerts this spring and summer during the museum's late Friday hours. On the bill: Rotimi Hundeyin & De Afrophonik Rhythm Crew (May 31), Alo Brasil (June 7), Latin folk artist Crisol (June 14), Irka Mateo (July 19), alt-soul Pistolera front woman Sandra Lilia Velasquez, cellist Daniel de Jesus and Ensemble (August 9) and folk-rocker Gina Chavez (August 23). 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7000, barnesfoundation.org
• FamiliaRise is nothing if not a mysterious, accepting, international adventure deep into the soul of electronic music. Founded in 2011 by two brothers and two friends, FamiliaRise musical events often last all day and all night without any of the participants knowing where to go until it is announced on Facebook right before the show. That's by design: the group's producers, photographers, designers and DJs rigorously select venues whose architecture best blends with the music, lighting and artistry of each specific show. Typical FamiliaRise experiences feature headlining international and U.S. talent, along with supporting sets by the FamiliaRise collective. familiarise.net

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside^® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Tweet It: The Latin rhythm is gonna get you in Philadelphia this spring and summer: http://vstphl.ly/12dlYjP

SOURCE Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation