Shop Penn

Temps are on the rise in University City and now is the time to get out and enjoy all that the district has to offer. #ShopPenn is here for you with all the best exhibits, events, and shows to check out throughout the month of April. Find out everything happening with the latest edition of the “Shop Penn Playlist,” a snapshot of the top events being offered around the Penn campus all month.

Philly Love Ukraine: A Benefit Concert – The Rotunda
April 8

An evening in solidarity with Ukraine with live music from West Philadelphia Orchestra and Sing Slavic. Ukrainians are currently facing a brutal invasion simply because of existing as a sovereign state striving for a freer, more democratic, and less corrupt future. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, thousands of people have been killed, and more than 3 million people have fled their homes. To show support for Ukrainians, Philly Stands with Ukraine has organized a benefit concert in West Philly at the Rotunda.

Joel Ross & Gabrielle Garo – Penn Live Arts
April 8

Following his 2019 debut on the Penn Live Arts stage, we are eager to welcome “breakout jazz star of the moment” (NPR), vibraphonist Joel Ross, back again. He recently released his second album, Who Are You?, to widespread critical acclaim, and with his distinctive two-mallet approach to the vibes, he continues to refine his innovative sound. Boasting artistry that erupts “like consistent currents of electricity, high-powered and full of luminous energy,” (DownBeat) don’t miss this rising jazz star in a special duo performance alongside multi-instrumentalist Gabrielle Garo on flute.

Garden Jams – Penn Museum
April 8, 15, 22

Celebrate the coming of spring with a series of casual Friday concerts in the picturesque Warden Garden of the Penn Museum. Bring a lunch, soak up the sun, and enjoy seasonal serenades provided by live bands from Penn’s Department of Music. Don’t let stormy weather deter you; the show will go on, rain or shine. Performers include the Penn Jazz Ensemble, Penn Flutes, and Penn Chamber.

The Pennchants – Penn Live Arts
April 15-16

Catch the spring concert of The Pennchants, the University of Pennsylvania's premier all-male a cappella group. The Pennchants have drawn praise from audiences all across the country for their inventive arrangements, inspired choreography, and ‘alarmingly rugged good looks’.

Penn Earth Week - Penn Campus
April 18-22

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The Penn campus community has planned wellness walks and yoga, an ecology tour, a festival on College Green, and a rivershed cleanup, among other events, to learn about and celebrate our natural environment, during the week of April 18-22. See the full list of activities here. 

Lila Downs – Penn Live Arts
April 21

Vocalist Lila Downs is a global superstar whose exquisite artistry bridges the musical traditions of Mexico and South America with North American folk, jazz and blues. “Few alternative artists have the dynamic power and range of this bilingual warrior-woman, who has recorded nine albums, earning a Grammy and four Latin Grammys along the way.” (NPR Music) Performing music from her latest album, Al Chile, Downs is “a consummate performer whose three-octave vocal range shines.” (The Guardian)

Yamandu Costa – World Café Live
April 21

A 2021 Latin GRAMMY winner for Best Instrumental Album, Yamandu Costa is widely considered one of the great guitarists in the world today. This virtuoso 7-string guitar player has left audiences breathless around the world with his impressive skill and overwhelming passion. Born in Rio Grande do Sul to a musical family, he played his first major concert at age 17 in São Paulo and quickly gained international fame for his incredible talent.

Eubanks Evans Experience – World Café Live
April 22

Welcome to EEE. The story of two musicians from the city of Brotherly Love, who have decided to turn their personal conversations about life, strife, happiness and all that goes with it, into a journey of sound. One on piano. One on guitar. Emotions, calm and tranquil, an unforeseen moment turns into what can be described as a growling pivot to a clearly different musical point of view. It’s a powerful moment when the listener’s energy AND the duo on stage experience a collective artistic conversation.

The Weather Station – World Café Live
April 24

Once again, Toronto songwriter Tamara Lindeman has remade what The Weather Station sounds like; once again, she has used the occasion of a new record to create a new sonic landscape, tailor-made to express an emotional idea. Ignorance is sensuous, ravishing, as hi fi a record as Lindeman has ever made, breaking into pure pop at moments, at others a dense wilderness of notes; a deeply rhythmic, deeply painful record that feels more urgent, more clear than her work ever has.

Club de Vin: Old World vs. New World – Louie Louie
April 26

Ever wonder how different the same grape tastes when grown in different locations? This class will explore the sensitivity of grapes to the area that they are grown in, showcasing the French word: terroir (taste of the land). Compare regions that have been making wine for thousands of years (France) to regions that have been making wine only in the past few hundred years (America). Taste classic expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

ICA Annual Benefit 2022 – Institute of Contemporary Art
April 28

ICA’s Annual Benefit 2022 brings together art lovers and supporters to celebrate our mission to showcase the art and artists of our time in innovative and ambitious ways and honor important figures in contemporary art. Proceeds from the Benefit provide critical support for ICA’s exhibitions, publications, and educational initiatives. This year, the benefit will honor celebrated artist, writer, filmmaker, and activist, Linda Goode Bryant.

Penn Relays – Franklin Field
April 28-30

The Penn Relays are returning to Franklin Field in 2022! The Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field. More athletes run in the Penn Relays than at any other track and field meet in the world. It regularly attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs throughout North America and abroad, notably Jamaica, competing in more than 300 events over five days.

Philadelphia Children's Festival – Penn Live Arts
May 1

The 2022 Philadelphia Children's Festival features two exciting performances and a FREE outdoor concert. Plus, enjoy the outdoor PLAYground with hands-on activities, roving performers and more. The Children's Festival is rain or shine.