World-class entertainment? Check. Sophisticated setting? Check. Savvy young arts lovers like you? Check! Finally-arts and culture enthusiasts, ages 21-40, can connect with each other, the performing arts and the Philadelphia region through Forte, the Kimmel Center's newly-launched young professionals community.

Members go behind the velvet ropes at the Kimmel Center with Forte, the only young professionals group that calls Philadelphia's premier performing arts center home. Themed events-from cocktail receptions to networking mixers to Quizzo trivia tournaments-offer opportunities for networking with other performing arts aficionados socially and professionally. Forte members also gain access to the performing arts with discounted tickets to performances, giveaways and exclusive meet-and-greets with artists.

Forte's kick-off event is an autumn-themed cocktail reception on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, located at the Kimmel Center's K Lounge on Tier 2, following the Kimmel Center Presents performance by mandolinist Chris Thile and acclaimed bassist Edgar Meyer. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine and beer, spiced cider and seasonal hors d'oeuvres, as well as a live performance of cello-driven acoustic rock by local artist Alfred James. A TV will be set to Game One of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays. Go Phillies!

Additional Forte pre- or post-show events will take place in conjunction with the following performances:

• Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Conductor Gustavo Dudamel on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
• An Evening with Ira Glass on Saturday, January 24, 2009
• Rennie Harris Puremovement on Friday, February 20, 2009
• Bang on a Can All-Stars on Saturday, February 28, 2009
• Conga Kings & Tiempo Libre on Friday, May 8, 2009

According to Kimmel Center Community Outreach Manager and Forte Committee Chair Marlene Brito, "I am so excited about this opportunity for 20+ and 30+ year-olds to become more involved with Philadelphia's thriving arts and culture scene. Forte is a great way to let young professionals know that they have a place at the Kimmel Center, and to connect with each other-whether this happens while enjoying live music on the Kimmel Center's rooftop garden, or meeting others in respective fields who are equally passionate about experiencing the arts."

A $33 ticket price for each event includes the Kimmel Center Presents performance and Forte pre- or post-show mixer. (No donation or membership fee.) Tickets are available by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/forte, or at the Kimmel Center box office open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply.)

Forte events this fall include:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 | 7:30pm
Chris Thile & Edgar Meyer
Forte Event: Harvest Cocktail Party | Post-show
Featuring the cello-driven acoustic rock of Alfred James

Mandolinist-vocalist Chris Thile, best known as a member of Nickel Creek, and bassist Edgar Meyer introduce their own brand of country music with classical and jazz influences, as heard on the duo's September 2008 self-titled studio debut. In 2007, Thile won the BBC's award for Folk Musician of the Year. Edgar Meyer's collaborators have spanned a wide range of musical styles and talents, including Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, James Taylor, Jerry Douglas, Mike Marshall, Mark O'Connor, Alison Krauss and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | 8pm
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
Forte Event: Pre-show cocktail party with music and dancing | 6:30pm

Wunderkind Gustavo Dudamel, "one of the hottest-and youngest-conducting properties around" (New York Times), makes his Philadelphia debut at the Kimmel Center. Witness the musicians of the world famous Israel Philharmonic Orchestra whisper and shout as they improvise during Bernstein's Jubilee Games. Then be "beaten over the head by two terribly clever men" (as described by critic Eduard Hanslick) in the first movement of Brahms' 4th symphony.