Mann Music Center: Young People's Concert Series

Young People's Concert Series
2013 Season - "Capture the Culture"
  Mon. July 8:  Cirque Zuma Zuma
Mon. July 15: The Rock School for Dance Education
Mon. July 29: Rising Stars of Tomorrow
Mon. August 5: Black Violin 
Cost/Parking: Free

"From 2011". My family and I have visited the Mann several times for many free events, but we recently went to a performance called "Global Passages" which was part of the Young People's Concert Series. The performance was an hour and 15 minutes and my 3 and 4 yr old were glued to the stage for every minute!

This annual FREE series makes "high-quality and culturally diverse performing arts programs accessible to all children in an informal atmosphere. Performances by professional and emerging artists offer our young people a chance to experience and be inspired by the talents of others their age!"

Every week for 5 weeks the Mann presents a different cultural exploration through dance and music. On July 17th, the culture of South America was explored through "Inca Son" and on July 20th "The Rock School For Dance Education" presented a new fusion of dance.

The more recent program, "Global Passages" featured the music, songs, and dance of China from the Philadelphia Chinese Opera Society, Latin America from Saboricua: The Roots of Salsa Music and Dance, and Africa with the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.  

My 3 year old son was dancing to the music, while my 4 year old daughter was fascinated by all of the colorful costumes!  It really was a very exciting and entertaining performance.  Not once did my kids whine for food, the potty, or to leave! For Moms of little ones, you know that is a sign of a successful show!

The Family Penny Pincher's Experiences, Tips, and Suggestions

• Location: I love the location of the Mann because it is so easy for this suburban Mom to get there!  I simply get off the Philadelphia Zoo exit.  Turn right at the stop sign, go through the light at the zoo and continue going straight! It is very close to the Please Touch Museum. It is also not far from the Smith Kids Play Place so this is a great place for the kids to get out their energy before or after events at the Mann and nice place for lunch or snack.
• Parking: For free events it has been the case that Parking is free as well and there always seem to be plenty of it!  If parking is full or there is a charge, you can find parking along Parkside Ave. directly parallel to the Mann.
• Bathrooms/Food: The bathrooms are located right inside the entrance gates to the right and concession stands sell food and water right inside the gate as well.
• Seating: Tickets are not required for free concerts. Seating is general admission and first come, first serve. You only need to register for free concerts if you are in a group of 30 or more. If you want good seats, get there EARLY!!
• Weather: The Mann is an outdoor venue, but the concert area is covered.  So make sure to get a seat inside the covered area not on the lawn.
• HAVE FUN!