International House Philadelphia celebrates the exciting flavors, vibrant colors and rhythmic sounds of Brazil during the 53rd Global Gala: Colors of Brazil, on Saturday, May 17th, at 37th and Chestnut. In conjunction with the Gala, “From Rio to Brotherly Love” art exhibition open now through June. After the Gala, IHP hosts an outdoor Brazilian Barbeque with live music and a Capoeira Show on Saturday, June 14th. All three events are designed to celebrate a country on the rise with close ties to the Philadelphia region, while raising funds for a special housing scholarship for a resident advisor from Brazil. For more information, or to purchase Gala tickets, call (215) 387-5125, visit ihousephilly.org/globalgala or visit the IHP box office.

** 53rd GLOBAL GALA: COLORS OF BRAZIL **

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International House Philadelphia channels the rhythm of Carnaval during the 53rd Global Gala: Colors of Brazil, an annual cocktail party and dinner-dance that spotlights a different country each year. On Saturday, May 17th, guests will enjoy authentic cuisine provided by Modern Palate, music from Dendê & Band and DJ Ben Arsenal, vibrant decorations from Papertini Floral & Event Design, and a silent auction with food, retail and luxury prizes.

Headliner Dendê & Band will have guests dancing to Brazil’s rhythm heavy music with the grooves of afrobeat, reggae, merengue, and others sounds from around the world. Each performance is a mix of sizzling showmanship and great versatility through a dance party atmosphere. This performance is produced and coordinated with Mamadele Productions (www.mamadele.com).

“The Global Gala helps us strengthen our community by providing an authentic and immersive experience for guests to share,” said IHP President & CEO Tanya Steinberg. “Our goal is to bring people together for a night of food, music and celebration so that they can better understand, respect and cooperate with each other.”

For 50+ years, International House Philadelphia has celebrated the countries and cultures of the world by hosting a Global Gala (formerly known as the International Festival Ball). Each year, a different country or region is highlighted. This annual black-tie fundraiser is held at IHP’s award-winning building at 37th and Chestnut in University City. It brings together both foreign and American students, as well as the larger Philadelphia community, including corporate and government leaders, and other influential regional residents.

Last year, IHP travelled to the Eurasian country of Armenia, a nation rich in cultural heritage and tradition, as well as a contemporary culture that includes riotous fun music, beautiful artwork, and inspired cuisine. This year, IHP honors the country of Brazil as this long-time jewel of South America expands its global presence and strengthens ties with the Philadelphiaregion.

Over the last twelve months, Philadelphia took part in a Brazilian trade mission, which successfully brought new Brazilian business to our region while introducing Brazil to our historic city of Brotherly Love. With a direct flight from Philadelphia to Brazil on US Airways starting this year, it’s not a moment too soon as Brazil will host the World Cup this summer, and in two short years, the Summer Olympics. IHP’s Global Gala is the perfect teaser to these larger global celebrations that will continue to elevate Brazil’s profile. Additionally, the Brazilian government has been investing in its young people by developing and fostering educational partnerships for them around the world.

“The Global Gala supports our work to attract the brightest individuals from around the world to the Philadelphia region,” said Steinberg. “We want the leaders of the future not only to go to school and experience life in Philadelphia, but ultimately to live and work here .”

The 53rd Global Gala is presented by IHP, with support from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Presenting Gala Partner), as well as University of Pennsylvania (Sustaining Gala Partner), Progressive Business Publications (Supporting Gala Partner), Phoenix IP Ventures (Supporting Gala Partner), Druid Consulting LLC (Supporting Gala Partner), Elliot-Lewis Corporation (Gala Partner), Drexel University (Gala Partner), PNC Bank (Gala Partner), Windstream Communications (Gala Partner), Zipcar (Gala Partner) and Fraser Advanced Information Systems (Gala Partner). Other sponsors include Innovative Printing & Media Group, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Leblon Cachaca and Brazil Productions.

Tickets for Global Gala are on sale now for $250 each. Black tie is recommended. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (215) 387-5125, visit ihousephilly.org/globalgala or visit the IHP box office. A portion of the proceeds from the Gala will support a housing scholarship fund for a resident advisor from Brazil. Other proceeds will support the on-going work of IHP, the first International House worldwide.

** ART EXHIBIT **

In keeping with the theme of this year’s on-going celebration, IHP hosts an art exhibition, “From Rio to Brotherly Love,’ featuring works from Brazilian-born artist Daniel Gafanhoto. The exhibit is open now through the end of June 2014.

“The arts are a promoter of peace that can help foster understanding, respect and cooperation among different cultures,” said Steinberg.

Gafanhoto is a resident of the US and member of InLiquid, a Philadelphia based non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing opportunities for visual artists and designers.

A fine-art photographer who works digitally, Gafanhoto photographs and processes cityscapes in a very personal way, as a demonstration of the places he has lived and visited. He believes that a place can show a lot about a person, sometimes even more than a portrait, and feel that the ways cities influence people are more striking than an individual character alone.

** BRAZILIAN BARBECUE **

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International House Philadelphia wraps up its celebration of Brazil with a special Brazilian Barbecue in the IHP courtyard on Saturday, June 14th, at 2pm. Guests will enjoy a traditional churrasco featuring meats, live music, and the most delicious caipirinhas in Philadelphia. Enjoy a special summer evening with friends from around the world! Ticket prices are to be determined, and will go on sale in late April/early May. For more information, visit http://ihousephilly.org/calendar/brazilian-bbq-alumni-reunion

** ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE PHILADELPHIA **

Founded in 1910, International House Philadelphia is the oldest institution in the Delaware Valley dedicated to internationalism, and the first International House worldwide.

IHP is a multicultural residential center, a source of distinctive programming, and the embodiment of an ideal. It has a critical three-fold mission: to maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world, while introducing them to the American experience; to broaden the horizons of its residents and the Greater Philadelphia community through high quality international arts and humanities programs; and to encourage understanding, respect, and cooperation among the people of all nations.