Summertime brings many chances for locals to enjoy outdoor music performances in the area. We wrote about summer jazz returning to local parks, West Philly Porchfest, and the annual 40th Street Summer Series. Summer Night Concert Series at the Penn Museum is another great tradition that kicks off this Wednesday, June 21 with a performance by The Mid East Ensemble and a special offer for West Philly Local readers (see more info below).

The eighth annual Summer Nights Concert Series will bring an eclectic lineup of performances—including Creole Zydeco, Calypso, ‘20s Jazz, Middle Eastern folk, and more—to the relaxing garden setting of the museum’s Stoner Courtyard. The series is geared to visitors of any age, from friends meeting after work to families with children. Concerts are presented every Wednesday evening, June 21 through September 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. To see the full line-up, visit the Penn Museum website. 

Admission is $10 (free for PennCard holders, Penn Medicine and CHOP employees with ID; Penn Museum Members, and children under 6 years old) and includes museum general admission (galleries stay open until 8:00 pm). At the 6:30 pm set break, attendees may take a short guided gallery tour, and kids can color and play at a craft station outside. Everyone is welcome to bring their own picnics, blankets, chairs, and even dogs (but no alcohol, please; the museum’s Pepper Mill Café offers a garden bar with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages). Concerts move indoors during inclement weather.

And last but not least, we’re happy to announce a special offer for West Philly Local readers:

This Wednesday, you are invited to come to the opening night with the Mid East Ensemble at half-price – only $5! Just show this offer on your phone or print it out and bring it with you. The concert begins at 5 p.m.

The Mid East Ensemble will perform classical and folk Turkish, Arabic and Armenian music on the opening night of the series (photos courtesy of Penn Museum).