Shop Penn

Temps will soon be on the rise in University City. Spring is the perfect 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.

Black Violin: The Experience Tour – World Café Live
April 5

The Black Violin Experience Tour showcases the two-time Grammy nominated duo Black Violin, brought to life by Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, invoking a mystifying musical fusion of exquisite classical sounds and exhilarating hip-hop beats. A concert performance that boldly merges centuries of music and unites audiences with a message of hope and possibility. Fans can expect to be immersed in a sound that transcends categories and celebrates ingenuity and ambition, proving anything is possible.

Ancient Alcohol After Hours – Penn Museum
April 10

Drinking together has been a tradition for thousands of years. Ancient Alcohol After Hours is an unconventional (and boozy) journey back in time to explore what our ancestors thought about alcohol, how they made it, and its role in society. “Reviving Philly’s Roots” is a sensory expedition into the captivating history of winemaking in the heart of Philadelphia. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of discovery, innovation, and the extraordinary flavors reshaping the narrative of Philly's wine legacy.

Seth Parker Woods: Difficult Grace – Penn Live Arts
April 11

Penn Live Arts is teaming with the Arthur Ross Gallery to present a multimedia concert tour de force by Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker and dancer Roderick George. The performance draws inspiration from the Great Migration, archival research, immigration and the poetry of Kemi Alabi and Dudley Randall. Seth Parker Woods takes on multiple roles in the performance, which seamlessly blends artistic genres across music, film, spoken text, dance and visual arts (featuring artwork by Jacob Lawrence, Barbara Earl Thomas, Zoë McLean and Freida Abtan).

Farah Siraj – The Rotunda
April 12

Named Jordan's Musical Ambassadress, Jordanian virtuoso Farah Siraj balances a career that spans the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Farah has performed at some of the world's most prestigious platforms, including the United Nations, Nobel Prize Hall, the World Economic Forum, The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Lincoln Center in New York, MTV, Coke Studio, the TV show Good Morning Live in the USA and MBC TV in the Middle East. In addition, Farah represents Jordan annually on United Nations World Peace Day.

De Tierra Caliente: 10-Year Anniversary Show and CD Release – World Café Live
April 12

De Tierra Caliente is a dynamic Latin fusion band that ignites the air with vibrant colors and irresistible rhythms, creating an infectious atmosphere that gets everyone up and dancing. Their music combines catchy melodies, unaffected lyrics, and a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Brazilian and American rhythms, resulting in an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.

Vinyl Tap 215 Presents Vinyl and Visuals – The Rotunda
April 13

There are 2 sides to almost every record, while many albums have four. Similarly, most of the members of the Vinyl Tap 215 community are multi-faceted individuals. The ecosystem is proud to include photographers, aerosol wizards, collagists, graphic designers, craftspeople, illustrators, and art makers of various forms. So we will be “digging in our own crates” to pull out the jewels and gems that exist within our kaleidoscopic family. There will be vendors selling visual art, used vinyl, and other items that appeal to the unique intersection of wax fiends, dream merchants, and visually expressive artists.

She Kills Monsters – Penn Live Arts
April 18-21

She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

MOMIX – Penn Live Arts
April 19-20

Beloved around the globe, the dancer-illusionists of MOMIX return to our stage on the heels of their smash-hit, Alice, back in 2022. Led by the wildly imaginative Moses Pendleton, who packs “beauty, mystery, emotion and uproarious fun” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) into each inventive performance, this troupe uses the human form, nature and music to create vivid, surreal worlds of wonder, urging us along on the adventure. “And one thing is certain: Every ride is an incredible, unforgettable journey.” (Broadway World)

First Person Arts Storyslam: Faking It – World Café Live
April 23

We’ve all had those moments when we’ve felt like a total faker. When our insecurities told us that we were imposters. When we thought it was true love, but it turned out to be just an illusion. We are bombarded by fake images of fake people who create fake news that makes us question our sense of reality. Join First Person Arts at World Cafe Live to share your true story about faking it! Tell us about that time you faked your way through a test, a job, or just life in general. Bring all your tales of imposter syndrome, fake love, and photo editing fails to the First Person Arts Faking it StorySlam

Penn Relays – Franklin Field
April 25-27

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.