WHEN: Thursday, September 20, 2012, Begins at 7:30 p.m. (ending at 11 p.m.) PROGRAM & CEREMONIAL LIGHTING AT 8:30 P.M.
WHERE: Benjamin Franklin Parkway Closed inner drive between 21st and 24th streets For more information, call 215-546-7550 or visit associationforpublicart.org
WHAT: On September 20, the Association for Public Art (aPA) will debut Open Air, a large-scale, interactive public art experience that uses a mobile app, 24 powerful searchlights and the voices of the city to transform the night sky above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Open Air runs September 20 to October 14.
To kick off this major world-premiere installation, aPA will host an Opening Night Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:30-11 p.m. on the closed inner drive of the Parkway. The FREE public event will feature a performance by Grammy Award-winning acclaimed musician Rahzel, the “Godfather of Noyze” and a member of Philadelphia’s Legendary Roots Crew. Rahzel will set the Open Air lights in motion with his signature vocal ability to sing and rap while simultaneously beatboxing.
The celebration will also feature a performance by internationally renowned singer and composer David Moss, who will control the Open Air lights with his voice’s 4.5-octave range in the signature avant-garde style that has earned him accolades such as Berlin’s DAAD Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. The festivities will include a live countdown and ceremonial lighting, with additional presentations by Open Air artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Association for Public Art Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach and emcee 6abc Action News Anchor Monica Malpass, plus a selection of local food trucks, including Lucky Old Souls, Foo Truck and Little Baby’s Ice Cream. Program and ceremonial lighting will begin at 8:30 p.m.
In addition, the winner of an online message-recording contest (being held now at openairphilly.net) will be announced; the winning message will be the first public voice to activate the searchlights.
Lozano-Hemmer will also be participating in a Meet the Artist Reception, 6-7:30 p.m., at The Clubhouse at Park Towne Place Apartments (2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) prior to the Opening Night Celebration. Tickets for this event (Patrons, $250; Young Friends, $100) can be purchased online.
Open Air is presented in conjunction with the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and the DesignPhiladelphia Festival. The Opening Night Celebration is presented in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Parks & Recreation.
To request high-resolution images, interviews and more information on Open Air, please contact:
Canary Promotion | 215-690-4065
Megan Wendell, megan@canarypromo.com
Carolyn Huckabay, carolyn@canarypromo.com