In ancient times, the summer solstice was celebrated with music, dancing and enormous bonfires in order to ward off the evil spirits.
Fast forward to today, and the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Summer Solstice Party–an annual event now on its third year–is celebrated in a similar manner, sans the giant bonfires.
The Museum’s Associate Director of Music, Tom Welsh, says, “Solstice (as the event is commonly known amongst locals) is a way for the museum to present itself in a more informal, summertime fun kind of way.”
“The music is forward-thinking and fun,” he adds, “It’s a wildly eclectic mix of totally cool music from artists who are happening right now.”
As the night goes on, the music at the event will skew younger and younger, until it ultimately becomes a full blown dance party.
Musical acts will perform on the museum’s south lawn, on a large stage in full view of the famous “Thinker” sculpture by Auguste Rodin. A looping video installation titled “Happy Birthday Summer” by Cleveland artist Kasumi will be shown on the museum facade. Museum galleries will remain open with curators on hand to give “flash” art lectures.
The first ever Solstice Party held in 2009 drew in a crowd of about 4,000 partygoers. Last year, about 5,000 people attended the bash. This year, organizers are anticipating another sellout.
“We’ve really struck a chord in Cleveland,” said Welsh. “People want this. People love it. We’ve received an avalanche of goodwill and good feedback.”
