The Daily Pennsylvanian
If you're in the mood -- and of age -- for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with a live jazz band in the background, head over to the Ritz-Carlton on the Avenue of the Arts tonight at 5:30.
The "Experience the Arts" event is being held to promote the Avenue of the Arts, a 3.5 mile stretch of North and South Broad Streets.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc., a nonprofit organization which seeks to promote "Philadelphia's premier cultural and entertainment district," is sponsoring the event.
Upon arrival, participants will receive a passport to the Avenue and a wristband granting them access to more than 30 participating organizations.
The evening will include a treasure hunt and a stroll along the Avenue before culminating in a trivia contest back at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located at 10 Avenue of the Arts in Center City. Contestants will compete for prizes from local retailers.
A jazz trio from the University of the Arts will perform, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will feature a new show entitled Mirror by Brooklyn artist Ellen Harvey.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. spokeswoman Melanie Johnson said she hopes students will attend.
"College students would be interested in the attributes the Avenue has," she said. "We have so many different organizations, stores, restaurants [and] arts organizations along the Avenue."
Participating restaurants include Bliss, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Zanzibar Blue and Sotto Varelli.
Tiffany & Co. will go beyond selling jewelry for the night. Patrons can sip champagne and munch on desserts while gazing at pearls and diamonds.
Automobile dealer and event sponsor F.C. Kerbeck will provide exotic vehicles parked along Broad Street. The Avenue will be lined with high-end cars from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Aston Martin.
According to Avenue of the Arts Executive Director Karen Lewis, more than 200 people attended last year's event, and organizers are hoping to achieve that same number tonight.
Lewis said she enjoys watching guests explore the Avenue.
"We designed this event to showcase the Avenue as a destination for dining, shopping and cultural enjoyment, and this is a fun way to accomplish that goal," Lewis said.
Ticket prices for tonight are $50 for general attendees, though Lewis said students can attend for $35. Since the event includes alcohol sampling, all guests must be at least 21.
