The Kimmel Center known for hosting world, renowned musicians, Broadway shows, and arts in the Philly area. Sunday it was hosting the Penn medical school graduation. It was a day of celebration and the venue was perfect. Being one of the most iconic landmarks in the city the stunning architecture made the event even more special acoustics were excellent, and the seating was very comfortable. read more

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The venue is great! The music is great! The variety of shows is great! My problem is that they used to offer at the Encore Bar actual food like simple wrap sandwiches, not just little snacks of sugar nuts mixes, OR the sugary crap that is offered in movie theaters, like gummie bears and popcorn(?), or such garbage, and they were out of their spicy nuts 20 minutes into the entry! Tried to get a drink and snack at the Curtain Call, but it was too busy, with a long line,and really didn't offer anything of interest. Couldn't get a seat at the bar at LEO to get a glass of wine and an appetizer. We didn't want a whole meal, just wanted to nosh a bit with a glass of wine. We got a super sweet mix of yogurt coated nuts, which we didn't finish. The venue is MASSIVE, and could easily offer a place to provide some decent wraps, maybe a large Philly soft pretzel w/a honey mustard dip to share, mini-quiches, fruit salad, a cheese and/ or cheese and salami platter-- even AMtrak offers that! Why NO Chardonnay, NO Pinot Grigio? That's just pathetic. The Kimmel needs to upgrade their Pre-theater offerings! I was seriously disappointed by the options for pre-concert offerings for drinks AND noshing/snacking! Is this what they offer at Lincoln Center? If they need help with upgrading their offerings, they can contact me.... read more

Had a wonderful experience to see Elf the musical. Basically, Elf plays in the big screen and the orchestra plays the soundtrack. It's even better than you think, it's a joy. I found the entry to be organized and easy to navigate with plenty of ushers. I'd do it again in a heartbeat read more

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An absolutely beautiful venue located right on Broad Street. The quality of performances and elegant atmosphere make this such a wonderful time. Ticket prices can vary based on the performance you see and when you purchase. Further ahead of time or at a matinee you can typically get better deals. As a side note - the snack bar outside of the theater is nothing to speak of so get some food/drinks ahead of time (although they did just put in a new restaurant in the building!). Because the venue is right in center city make sure you have some extra time (and cash) to park. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sadly, Ensemble Arts has started the silliness with 12-18% junk fees. They advertise discount tickets, draw you in, then add ridiculously high junk fees at the end just before you pay. Very easy to not even notice. This is shady behavior at best. Fees apply whether you buy in person at the box office or online.... So it's not like it's something you can blame on the web based ticket system. read more

We have been going to Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for years and have thoroughly enjoyed them. From Mozart to Dvorak, to Beethoven and Respighi, the list goes on and on. The night is made more exciting if you know at least one of the pieces they are performing. To this point, I have never thought to write a review. We just attended "The Princess Bride in Concert" at the KImmel Center, where the movie was shown above the stage directly behind the orchestra. The actual movie orchestral soundtrack has been removed and the entire score is performed by the Orchestra. The sound was absolutely amazing and so perfectly timed, you almost forget to take your eyes off the movie every so often and watch the Orchestra performing. It was fun watching Orchestra members looking up at the screen when they had nothing to play. This is our second such concert - the first being the Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Arc. This again was very exciting and entertaining. A totally fun and new way to enjoy both a fantastic orchestra and a favorite movie. Highly recommended! read more

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What an amazing theater to be able to see a show. I visited the theater to see Hamilton and the show was phenomenal but the theater experience was even better. We had balcony seats and they were great. The theater is beautiful and the staff was really helpful. The best part of the theater was the space you had between you and the row in front of you and behind. You had plenty of space to get comfortable. The acoustics were perfect. The only negative thing I would say about the theater was the fact they would not allow you to bring the beverage or snack you purchase at their concessions. It would have been nice to enjoy a drink and snack with the show but the experience was so good that it didn't even matter. I am so looking forward to the next show already. read more

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Kimmel center is an amazing place. Culture, drinks, music, design, food? Everything in one on Broad street. Recently went to see organ day at the Kimmel center. I didn't realize how amazing the Philadelphia orchestra was. They are super mindblowing. The architecture there is pretty amazing even if you don't like the music scene (worth checking out). read more

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Gorgeous theatre, and fantastic show, but we had some real problems with the night. There was great confusion from the start, as the building we parked beneath was NOT the building the play was in. That really needs to made more clear, as we wasted about a half-hour trying to figure this out and get ourselves to the correct building. I attended the event with my girlfriend, Jessica who is blind. There was GREAT confusion with the staff as to where the audio described equipment was located and we were initially sent to the wrong place, the coatroom. The fellow there was nice, but had no clue and was no help. When we were finally directed to the woman who had the equipment, she only said to make sure Jessica could hear static. Jess could, so we were sent off to find our seats in the Amphitheater. The usher there just pointed down to where the seats were and said to watch our step. It was pitch dark by now and we *needed* his help to navigate the stairs... because Jess is blind. I looked back for him and he was gone. In getting to our seats, I fell down a few of the steps, but Jess only stumbled. Fortunately we weren't hurt. She was more worried about me. Once we got settled, she was surprised that she had to physically hold the earpiece to her ear for the entire play. There was no way to attach it on or around the ear. At intermission, she was disappointed that she didn't hear ANY audio described narration. Together, we fiddled with the device until she changed the channel and was then able to hear the narrator speaking VERY low. So, she was able to get SOME benefit of the device for about the last 45 minutes of the show. When we went to return the device, we told the lady that it didn't work as it should have and SHE should have told us what channel to put it on... or that it even HAD channels. She just shrugged and said she was sorry. As a trait, Jessica doesn't show her disappointment, but I can tell when she is. While she enjoyed the night out, the experience was FAR less than satisfying for her... and that disappoints *me*. The play was good, but the Kimmel Center and staff were NOT. At present, we have no plans to return. read more

Great to see a Christmas concert at the Merriam theater. Black Violin was awesome. The seats we had were fantastic with a clear view of the stage. However, the actual seats are too close together. When the theater was built, the seats were placed close to another like a school auditorium. It isn't ideal for people of varying heights or sizes; especially if you have long legs. As movie theaters have done, I think a renovation sometime soon should be considered. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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What could be better than an afternoon of Mahler with my son in Philadelphia? Stunning architecture. Amazing acoustics. Brilliant musicians & conductor. Not a "bad" seat in the house. read more

The Kimmel Center is back open for business. Stopped by for a comedy show and the check in process was easy. Before entering, be ready with your proof of vaccination and a photo id. This will be required to step into the building. Masks are required to be worn while in the building. Things to know: -bring proof of vaccination and a photo id -tickets bought online, no need to print the ticket. The barcode can be scanned from your phone -guest WiFi available -if you are looking to save some money by purchasing tickets directly from the on-site box office, plan ahead. The window hours have changed, check a day or two before you plan on going. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Paid 20 dollars for a small class of wine. He would not give me a reciept. Never going back read more

A fantastic location to see a world class performance. There's really not a bad seat in the house, audibly and visually. The design fits a traditional, east coast performing arts center - classy, darker colors/wood. The food and drinks are about what you'd expect, some decent wine and cocktail selections. Everyone is well-trained and helpful, always a pleasure to visit. Seeing the Philadelphia Orchestra should be a must-see event for anyone with even a passing interest in music and the arts. This venue succeeds in enhancing the experience and making it one you'll never forget. read more

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Probably the best performance we've ever been at of Les Miserable. Words cannot describe it. My first show at the Academy of Music was in the sky deck as far up as you can go. That was 12 years or so ago. Learned my lesson. Been sitting in Box 30 since. Park 1/2 block away in the Bellevue Stratford parking lot. Valet if you want it. We prefer to park ourself as the wait is much to long to get your car. Always eat across the street at Estia on Locust St. Sit a the bar if there's room. More like a Cheers Bar. Always a fun time, great food and super drinks. Fantastic service. read more

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While they have good shows, we paid $650 for tickets right up front for an upcoming show. They cancelled the show and gave us tickets that were much less desirable at a different show time. We weren't asked if this would work for us. The new seats weren't worth the same as the old seats. They refused to refund us the $650. Each time i've called to try to get switched to a different show with better seats, i'm on hold for an hour and they "can't get it done". This place is a disgrace. They treat customers terribly. read more

This is THE place to see a show. We have seen two Broadway shows and the Philadelphia Orchestra play and we cannot get enough. The facilities are awesome, the staff is really professional, the food/drinks are fairly priced, and the ambiance is electric. Truly love being able to go time and time again to be "transported" into another world. Highly, highly recommend! read more

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My experience was absolutely horrific! An associate by the name of Jaclyn found in the pictures attached was extremely rude, disrespectful and aggressive. When asked several minutes before the show for assistance for my mother, this very rude and unprofessional lady promised to assist us several times while continuing to get distracted, forcing us to miss 40 minutes of a show and yelling at myself and my mother. While we remained calm and understanding for 40 minutes, this woman continues yelling uncontrollably, while she is stating she is overwhelmed with work and can't help us!!!! A very professional manager by the name of Devon quickly came and assisted my mother without question. This kind of treatment is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. read more

On Broad Street, it is called all about performing art. If you love musical, The Kimmel Center will be your favorite place to go. Beautiful theater and great musical shows! This theater is walking distance to City Hall. Many other tourist attractions nearby as well. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Buyers, beware! There was an egregious misrepresentation of ticket options for the recent John Cleese performance. Kimmel's ticketing website clearly stated on two different pages that all VIP tickets included a post-show photograph with Mr. Cleese. Just before the event, however, it was unsympathetically explained that only Golden Circle tickets included the post-show photograph. In reality, the website explained that Golden Circle tickets only included a poster. Complaining to Patron Services, they absolutely refused to acknowledge what any reasonable person would deem false advertising. Terribly disappointing, not to mention illegal. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Was able to see Cruel Intentions at the Kimmel Center last week. Seats were comfortable and everything was handicap accessible. Great venue! I'd love to come back to see other shows as well. Note...there was no bar on the balcony so grab your seats before you come up! read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Visited the Kimmel Center for Preforming Arts this evening for the opening night of Sex Tips for the Straight Woman from a Gay Man. Although Philly Yelp hosted a VIP YEE for the show I had to see this one with my best friends. We got some great box seats on the second level which was very nice. One of the funniest plays about sex I've seen so far. Well played by the three person cast with hilarious props and great audience participation ( although some took it too far with even a cast member having to ask the heckling girls in the second floor balcony to be quite more than once ). I won't give anything away about the play but the phrases "wet whisker biscuit", " one pump chump" and the can't get it out of my head chant, "up, twist, over, down" will forever be burned in my mind and should give you a good hint at what you're in for. read more

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Always been a fan of supporting the Arts...& supporting the Kimmel Center even during covid. Purchased tickets to a show and purchased the ticket insurance. My advice is to Never support that ticket insurance. If you're not sure you can make the show, don't buy tickets. This company tip-toes HIPPA - if not tip-toes on, it may even cross the line. Steer clear. And shame on the Kimmel Center for using this company. Will definitely affect how I choose to support the Kimmel Center moving forward. read more

So I've been there twice so far. The first to see a Gershwin Ballet performed by the Philadelphia Ballet and Into The Woods. I was so pleased by the service I received. I did arrive late to one show and I had to wait before entering which makes sense as to not disrupt the show, so I was able to sit in another row all together which wasn't bad, but they were very kind to me escorting me to my seat. I also had one of the ushers give me a little bit of history about the theater during intermission. Overall my experiences both times haven't disappointed. They were clean, except the bathrooms did seem a little outdated but I'm not really picky about that as long as they're clean. They also offered snacks as well which were pricey but again it's a theater so it's expected. I think the lien up they're offering for shows is pretty good too. As an avid show goer and theater lover, it's nice to know that the arts is well and alive in the Philly community. read more

We attended a special event at this Elegant performing arts center in downtown Philadelphia. I'm not sure of it's age but it seems really new with beautiful honey colored wood and a soaring glass room high above the spacious lobby that lifts your spirit as soon as you walk in. Our event was held in the Perelman Auditorium which is just one of the theaters in the building. While not huge, it easily seats 400+ and it was a perfect size for the documentary film screening. It would be nice to come back sometime for another event. read more

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We were here for a Philadelphia Orchestra concert, and I have to say that the building is super impressive as you first walk in. It's absolutely beautiful from top to bottom, and I couldn't stop looking around everywhere. We didn't have a whole lot of time before having to head inside, so we soon headed up the stairs to our seats. Verizon Hall is another beautiful room, shaped like a violin and with great acoustics. We could hear everything crystal clear even though we were at the very top tier, furthest from the orchestra. We could also see pretty clearly, so it didn't feel too removed. One rough part was that it was very warm in Verizon Hall. It was nice to get out during intermission because it was so warm in there, and we bought a drink to get refreshed before going back in. Prices on drinks aren't cheap, but not too outrageous either. I would definitely check out other concerts here! read more

Got last minute tickets with a friend for Beetlejuice that were really well priced but had a warning for obstructed view. Normally when a theater says obstructed view it usually means there's a column or something that doesn't let you view well. In this place basically the entire sides of the upper floors don't let you see the stage at all. I get we got cheap tickets but this place really shouldn't sell tickets to a play that people can't see into the stage at all. I'm sure the view is great when sitting in the lower floors but clearly the place wasn't designed for screening a show to the upstairs floors. Essentially everyone upstairs had to move to open seats closer to the center and whoever couldn't move stood up the whole play. The directions are also very unclear and, like someone else mentioned in the comments, we ended up at a completely different location and had to get directions from the clerk there. My last issue with the place was that it was very uncomfortable to get in and out of the building, I don't think they have any secondary exists and I might be wrong but get the feeling that the building probably don't meet fire code requirements. Overall, a pretty old/classic building but just one of those Philadelphia buildings that would be better off getting replaced by a new more functionally theater. read more

kimmel center , your company and staffing should be ashamed. There is no phone service. Customers on hold for 1 hour plus and to add insult to injury no snow date message or website post for city of Philadelphia shows tonight. This was my first and last time patronizing the kimmel center events. Very disappointed read more

The Kimmel Center is a beautiful place to experience Broadway, Opera, Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and many free events as well. I have had so many positive experiences as far as performances are concerned. The venue itself is a very beautiful open space that can accommodate large scale performances, weddings or other personal events. For adults during the week there are free performances. On Wednesdays they have music, live bands, singers, a DJ or both. On the weekends if you check the schedule you'll find there are events for children to attend as well, most are free and open to the public. The only drawback for the Kimmel Center, often I find the ushers or staff are unaware of what's going. When you ask questions they seemed puzzled and they do not take the initiative to try to find out how to help you! read more

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Beautiful space overall: the core of much of performing arts in the city. The Verizon center alone is gorgeous and accoustically amazing, you feel like you are inside a giant cello. The smaller space for chamber music and opera is flexible and changes every time I go there. The architecture is fascinating with a different angle at every spot you stand, a lot of organic shapes. The only rough edges are: the "corporate" names for the arts (built in the age of sponsorships), a little sense of things being superficially pretty but not solidly grounded (overdesigned? will it age well?) and flow inside (you have to navigate around big crowds of glacial lines/seniors to get to where you want to go during peak times). read more

My grandson plays for the Philadelphia youth orchestra here at the Kimmel Center today.. He does a wonderful job playing the violin.. Very good read more

Ensemble Arts - Philadelphia Youth orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We had a wonderful experience last night attending a Philadelphia Orchestra performance at the Kimmel Center. We arrived early and easily picked up our tickets at Will Call. The bar had limited wine options, they would do well to bring in a consultant. The cheese plate was okay, but again, why not offer something gourmet and special, especially given the beautiful setting? There are several performance spaces within the Kimmel, however the orchestra performs in the 2,547 seat hall. It's a huge cello shaped room with a marvelous modern feel, yet suggests a connection to the old opera halls of Europe. Much has been written about the acoustics of the Kimmel, there were initial problems at the opening, then modifications made in 2011. The experience for me was idiosyncratic, the violins were gorgeous but the bass and cellos muddy. We were in row R, so imagine every seat would have its own quirks. The Orchestra played beautifully, and although we could not see most of the winds, it was a visual treat. Leg room was generous. You are close to your seat mates, but I suppose it's about adequate space. Overall, an amazing venue and a wonderful orchestra. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I wish I could leave ZERO stars. Kimmel center should be ashamed at how poor their customer service is. I tried to get refunded for a show on Jan 19th EARLY in the day and got no answer on the phone. Unexpected/dangerous snow came that morning. I called many times and never got a real person. I even emailed them and got no response until the next day. I respectfully showed them that I had reached out by email and phone and they were very quick in telling me i couldn't have a refund. They said that refunds must be processed before the show and that i should've contacted them prior, WHICH I DID. Very poorly handled on their part and a rip off to their customers. read more

Beautiful venue!! I love going for a night out to the orchestra here. There's honestly not a bad seat. You can see everything from the orch section but sitting above/behind the stage gives a really unique view! You do have to lean forward at certain seats but that doesn't bother me. Full bar in the lobby with snacks too. The lobby is also beautiful! Love coming here for shows. read more

Ensemble Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The show, staff, and theater were all spectacular. My only complaint was the snack and drink station, which wasn't labeled card only, was over priced, sold out halfway through the intermission, and had a rude vendor. No food or drink is allowed in the theater, so would highly recommend a good meal beforehand. Bathrooms are also very crowded, so keep that in mind. Prices were $4 for a box of M&Ms or $5 for a bottle of soda. Avoid the snack station, but enjoy the awesome show. read more

I enjoyed The Philly Pops at Verizon Hall. The design and seating positions are awesome. The theater was clean and the main lobby was bustling with activities. The box seating on the 2nd and 3rd are really not good seats for viewing. The architecture and design of center is awesome. read more

Ensemble Arts - 3rd Tier seating. - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm sitting in the Emergency Room of New York Presbyterian Hospital with a teenage boy named Emile, as he applies more pressure on the crown of his nose with a bundle of paper towels letting the blood drip slowly into a plastic container on his lap. To add a little distraction, I ask Emile what his interests are outside of school. He smiles and continues to lean forward, " I like music, and I like magic." Yes, we're both here because of a nose bleed, but this isn't your average lean forward and bleed into a tissue for a few minutes kind of nose bleed. The poor kid's been shooting blood out of his honker for over an hour without much of a break, and feeling a little woozy from all of this, he asks to see a doctor. Earlier that morning I found Emile standing over a sink loaded with blood and tissues. "Don't worry about cleaning all of this up." I said. "Let's get down to the lobby." When the security guard and I discover Emile's parents are staying out of the country and his nearest family is too far from the school to get him to a doctor, we decide to just play it safe and get him to the ER to help stop the interminable bloody nose. In the hospital, Emile tells me all about the rules of magic. There's the close form and the slight of hand. It turns out he's quite an accomplished magician and just came back from a three week magic camp in the city. "It was great." Emile beamed. "I took classes in all the forms of magic, and I even got to meet David Copperfield." "You did? That's crazy. What's he like?" "He's very rich." Soon the conversation shifts to our shared passion for music. Emile talks about the genius of Peter Gabriel era Genesis, and how he saw both The Rolling Stones and The Who in concert. "That's awesome. I love going to concerts." I say. "I'm even driving to a concert later tonight." "Yeah? Who are you seeing?" "I'm seeing Joanna Newsom at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. "Never heard of her." "She's amazing. Emile, you'd really like her. Joanna plays harp like no one else in the world, and she's a bit of a magician as well." "Why don't you see the concert here in New York?" "Well, you see, it's at the Kimmel Center. I don't know if you've been to Philadelphia, but there's this huge music venue that's shaped like a violin. When you see a show there, they open up the wooden doors of the hall to change the acoustics for every performance. By doing so, the venue itself becomes an instrument, and I can think of no better place to see Joanna Newsom than from the inside of a giant violin. When I was a kid, my parents used to take us to see the Philly Pops play their annual holiday concert. I generally hate holiday music, but I love to see orchestras live. It was great. My mother got to wear a jingle bell around her neck and sing along to her favorite Christmas carols, and I got to nerd out on string arrangements." "Sounds cool." Emile replies meekly and spits more blood into a napkin. "Do you think I'll ever stop bleeding?" "Yeah, buddy. I'm sure of it." read more

I just wanted to tell you how disappointed I was with your facility. I took a group of 18 to see The Lion King. First, it took me forever to get a contract. Second, I was given an invoice and then was told I owed more money after I paid in full. Third, the people around us did not stop talking and being disruptive. Fourth, they gave our seats to someone else and would not fix it. The worst part was, when we were leaving, the rude usher told us they were closing up. As we were getting out stuff, he said, "Get out." Are you kidding me? He sat there the entire performance and let the people around us talk but when we were gathering our stuff he spoke to us this way. It was rude and inexcusable. We had planned on seeing other shows but after this, I don't ever want to see a show there again. read more

I have supported the Kimmel Center for years. I love the variety of performances they offer and there is always something amazing about to happen, that you could easily go once each month. My family and I had box seats. Now by box seats, they were on the upper first level, but had brass railings to separate them from the other seats. Kinda cool. The theater is set up so perfectly, there is no such thing as a bad seat. Their large seats are comfortable and offers plenty of floor space to stretch out. You are entertained in a very clean and open circle. Magnificent building. Getting around is very easy as well, when needing to use the ladies room, instead of climbing stairs or walking around the entire theater looking, they are numerous and conveniently located. Lots of bars set up and snack stands as well as an award winning restaurant and rooftop bar & lounge. read more

This is one of those review updates that you can only write because of the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Kimmel Center. The time was well past 3AM and I was camped out in their serene roof garden (during a time that I wasn't technically supposed to be, even on Solstice. sorry about that!) and watching people do cartwheels before my eyes. I also had the chance to gaze down upon the people who looked like ants from my view, as a jazz funk band played, and a lady danced burlesque for their enjoyment. An hour earlier I was skankin' to Ruder Than You on the third floor as they played an old school Ska session, and people slept on couches around us in a satisfied stupor. Before that? we were dancing to a live hip hop band, watching a harp player perform (I love Gillian Grassie!), and checking out a drag show in the foyer of course! When we arrived around 8:30 we quickly grouped together to find the one basement of the Kimmel Center that truly proved to be the hardest to find. But once we did it was worth it because we got to watch plenty of people just like you and I weave tales of what they experienced in the great outdoors during a First Person Story Slam. Overall there was a lot of beer, there was a lot of coffee, and there was a couple of breakfast sandwiches past 2am. And you best believe that their was a lot of dancing and music! And it's experiences like those that truly make the Kimmel Center Summer Solstice Celebration on of the best things out there that only happens once a year. It beats Groundhog Day any day of the week (sorry Bill Murray!). read more