Pulling an all-nighter

27165802

The area’s biggest celebration of the longest day of the year is June 20, making it the ideal time for the Kimmel Center’s Summer Solstice Celebration. It begins at 3 p.m. and lasts 15 hours until dawn, and features just about everything from face-painting to a doggy Yappy Hour, from church choirs to flamenco dancing. Among the family-friendly events and classical music performances throughout the all-day, all-night event are several South Philly acts.

The Schuylkill River Outlaws is an American-roots group consisting of Ryan Clikeman, of 15th and Mifflin streets, and Phil Korngut and Ethan McCreadie, both of the Graduate Hospital area. The , a bluegrass quintet has produced songs such as "June Apple" and ‘The First Girl I Loved." The group will perform at the Commonwealth Plaza, 260 S. Broad St., 5:30 p.m. June 20.

Instrumental jazz quintet Dr. Ketchup features 1972 South Philadelphia High School graduate Lou Fuiano who not only plays tenor saxophone for the Philadelphia-based group, but also teaches at the University of the Arts, Temple Center City and Community College of Philadelphia, along with maintaining his own graphic design business. A resident of Bella Vista, Fuiano began his musical career about age 30 and toured with local bands before discovering Dr. Ketchup in ’97.

"Music was something that came later for me," Fuiano said. "I was listening to a lot of jazz and wanted to know more about it. I started listening to a guy in the neighborhood, Joe Fortunato, and wanted to take lessons. I practiced a lot and found a band."

The Schuylkill River Outlaws

Fuiano and Dr. Ketchup have a much longer wait, taking the Commonwealth Plaza stage at 3:30 a.m.

But will the party still be going strong?

"If anyone’s there — even if there isn’t anyone there — we’ll still have a good time playing. This band is built around playing. I’m excited about the weirdness of it," Fuiano said of the Solstice Celebration.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.