This year, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 10th Anniversary season by shining the world's brightest stars on Philly's legendary Avenue of the Arts! For over a decade, The Kimmel has been an international arts destination, bringing internationally-acclaimed entertainment experience to town, and also highlighting the work of Philly's own creative community through its resident companies, like Philadanco, The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Pennsylvania Ballet.

For the 10th Anniversary, the Kimmel announced a season-long series of performances, education events and initiatives, under the theme; Lights Up on Home.  The 10th anniversary season has kicked off strong!  Already, thousands of audience members have filled the Verizon Hall, Pearlman Theater, The Merriam Theater and The Academy of Music and been delighted by stellar performances by Esperanza Spalding, k.d.lang, Herbie Hancock, The Heath Brother and many more! And, that was only the beginning!

So make sure you visit the Kimmel Center website and checkout the full season of performances, programming and special events. To get you started, I've included some top picks below of a few performances in the very near future, that you won't want to miss out on! 

James' Top Picks for the Kimmel's Lights Up On Home Celebration:

Drumline Live

Tuesday, October 25  & Wednesday October, 26

7:30 p.m.

Merriam Theater

250 South Broad Street

Drumline Live  stops through Philly during its third U.S. tour! The show's vibrant cast has captured the energy of collegiate marching band programs across the south and now brings it to the stage for an explosion of dance and music. So, be sure to checkout Drumline Live, as it shares the American Marching Band experience with Philly and the world!

PHILADANCO - For Your Pleasure

Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6

7:30 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)

2:30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - Pearlman Theater

260 South Broad Street

The quintessential Philadelphia modern dance troupe, PHILADANCO returns for another season to light up Pearlman Theatre with their signature techniques, infusing all of their movement with color, music, passion and precision. This concert will feature both new work, company standards and Lincoln Center Orchestra drummer Ali Jackson Jr. and other guest musicians will play live as the group premieres Hope Boykin's Watching Go By, the day on Friday and Saturday night ONLY!

Can You Hear God Crying? by Hannibal Lokumbe

Tuesday, December 13

7:30 p.m.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - Verizon Hall

260 South Broad Street

International composer, musician and performer, Hannibal Lokumbe joins forces with The Kimmel Center and Philly's own Art Sanctuary to present Can You Hear God Crying? - a musical exploration of Hannibal's heritage and the human experience. This exciting and innovative jazz-infused experience will feature The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Enon Tabernacle Mass Choir, The Music Liberation Orchestra and is sure to be a soul-stirring experience. Don't miss this one-night-only spectacular!