Summer Wonder celebrates cultural diversity through 8 weeks' worth of performance art and interactive demonstrations.
Summer Wonder is free with museum admission donation and runs Wednesday mornings from 10:30am - 11:30am.
Pre-registration is required for groups of 10 or more. Registration for individuals and families is suggested, since each performance is limited to 250 people.
For more information or to pre-register groups, contact the Education Department by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (215) 746-6774.
Phila-A-Rhythm: Shake, Scrape and Strike
June 20, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
Coordinated through Musicopia
Shake, Scrape and Strike—three of the ways that percussion instruments are played. The Phil-A-Rhythm Percussion Quartet explores the amazing range of instruments in the percussion family, their origins, and their unique sounds.
Doc Gibbs Ensemble: African Percussion and Dance
June 27, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
Coordinated through Musicopia
The drum has been used as a communication tool for centuries. Explore drums and percussion instruments from Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean. Jam out as you learn the history of African drumming, percussion and dance.
Tom Lee: Tales from the Popul Vuh
July 11, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
Popol Vuh, the Quiche Maya book, is an amazing document that has survived against all odds and contains a trove of amazing stories and myths. Tom Lee brings the world of the Maya vividly to life in these stories which reference not only religious beliefs and cultural traditions, but also small details of daily living among the Maya.
Rebel Heart Irish Dancers: Beyond Lord of the Dance
July 18, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
"Beyond Lord of the Dance" creatively weaves the history of Irish Dance through dramatized storytelling and reveals some of the many mysteries of Irish Dance. Learn the difference between a Reel and a Jig and give Irish Dance a try for yourself.
Al Bustan Seeds of Culture: Arabic music
July 25, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
Al-Bustan Music presents an ensemble of musicians performing Arab classical and contemporary instrumental music. Al-Bustan Music is a program of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a West Philadelphia-based organization that presents and teaches the Arabic language, arts, and culture.
Bill Bowers: Mime Over Matter
August 1, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
Coordinated through Young Audiences
Master mime and Broadway veteran Bill Bowers presents a lively and thought-provoking show. Mime Over Matter explores a variety of topics about silent storytelling through music and pantomime.
Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac: Aztec music and dance
August 8, 2012
10:30am – 11:30am
In the Nahuatl language, Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac translates “school of blood moving in the heart.” Get schooled in Mexicayotl culture, a culture that flourished in Mexico prior to the arrival of the Spanish, as you delight in Aztec music and dance.
