Free concerts in Rose Tree Park’s scenic outdoor amphitheater first began in 1975 as part of a two-year Bicentennial Celebration, and four decades later, The Summer Festival concert series remains a popular local tradition.
“Delaware County Council is proud to present this free musical program for our community each year,” said Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle.
“The Summer Festival provides a perfect place for families, friends and neighbors to get together in a pleasant setting, and it’s a great venue for the local entertainers to share their talents.”
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The 2014 concert series kicks off with the Rose Tree Pops orchestra on the evening June 18, and runs for nine weeks to August 17. There will be forty-four live performances, all admission-free, providing area residents many opportunities to take in top-notch entertainment of all kinds, from classical to Cajun, Motown to Broadway, doo wop to rock and pop, and everything in between.
The festival runs five nights a week, on Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Show time is 7:30 p.m., except for two 10:00 a.m. children’s concerts: Peter Moses (July 3) and Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band (July 16).
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There are also two evening concerts for children, featuring The Plants (August 3) and Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythms (August 13).
Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre said that this year, “The festival has the honor and privilege of presenting two military bands traveling from our nation’s capital.”
The Jazz Ambassadors – America’s Big Band will appear on July 31, and the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on Aug. 7. The Lions Club of Springfield will be collecting donations of used eyeglasses at the latter.
“The military bands are always a huge hit,” said Manfre. “Their performances are riveting and flawless.”
Many of the perennial crowd-pleasers are expected to draw large crowds again this season.
“We already know a lot of people are planning to come out for Jimmy & The Parrots (June 20), Chico’s Vibe (June 22), The Billy Joel Tribute (June 28), Brandywine Ballet (July 25) Blackthorn (Aug. 14) and several others,” Manfre said.
Based on the past popularity of rock tribute bands, one highly anticipated new group to watch for is Seven Bridges Road: The Ultimate Eagles Experience (June 26).
“We’re also presenting several local acts for the first time at the park,” Manfre said, referring to Mind’s Eye View (June 25), Wojamm & Shiron Denise (July 11) and Cool Confusion (August 15).
As opposed to making a Rose Tree debut, the Bryn Mawr Mainliners hold the record for the most Summer Festival performances by any particular group. The Mainliners are an award-winning chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and will make their 36th festival appearance on July 23.
According to Summer Festival fan mail, many audience members are anxiously awaiting the return of the Sensational Soul Cruisers (June 27), the British Invasion Tribute (Aug. 1), Real Diamond (July 26), Beautiful Day: U2 Tribute (Aug. 9) and the First Ladies of Rock & Soul (Aug. 16).
Two up-and-coming acts are the youngest artists on the schedule: teen sensations Jesse Loewy and Payton Taylor.
Loewy is a sixteen-year-old blues guitarist who will be playing a set on July 20 in conjunction with The Lonnie Shields Band.
Country singer/songwriter Payton Taylor (July 24) has a high-energy show and opens for major artists at festivals all over the country. She’s a South Jersey native who now resides in Nashville and is returning to Rose Tree as part of her summer tour.
Many home-grown favorites are also back by popular demand, including Bandstand legend Charlie Gracie (June 29), The Original Orlons (July 6), Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars (July 19), The Rockdale Boys (Aug. 10), and Hot Club of Philadelphia (July 9).
The final performance of the series will take place on Aug. 17 with the Charlie Phillips Band playing the music of Eric Clapton.
Light refreshments are available for purchase at the park during the Summer Festival. No alcohol or pets are permitted.
Rose Tree Park will be open to the public on the Fourth of July holiday; there will be no concert that evening.
Delaware County Council presents the Festival with support from PECO, many local businesses, and private donations.
See Vice Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr. announce the Summer Festival on Comcast Newsmakers:
http://comcastnewsmakers.com/video/delaware-county-summer-festival/
* FOR INFORMATION: The Delaware County Summer Festival concert series runs June 18 to Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (unless otherwise noted) at the outdoor amphitheater in Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Upper Providence, PA 19063. A full schedule is posted on the county’s website at www.co.delaware.pa.us/summer. Schedules are also available in Rose Tree Park, the Media Courthouse, and in the Delaware County libraries (in mid-June). For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (610) 891-4455.
