The Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series that shines the spotlight on local bands, like the West Philadelphia Orchestra, returns as “Garden Jams” on Wednesday, July 5.

Every Wednesday evening in July, guests can enjoy cocktails in a hidden garden oasis (just off of South St.), live bands, food trucks, and exclusive after-hours access to the Penn Museum galleries, including a new exhibition, Ancient Food & Flavor. Each event begins at 5 p.m. (Note: Concerts are held indoors during inclement weather).

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Here are some more Black History Month events and happenings in West Philly. If you missed our post on what’s happening at the Free Library of Philadelphia branches in celebration of Black History Month, click here.

• People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation are sponsoring an essay/arts contest for Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Share your vision of peace through love for your neighbor,” and submissions are accepted in one of three formats: a written essay (250-500 words), spoken word (1-minute limit), or visual arts (submit as a jpg or png image). The winner in each category will receive a $100 gift card! Last date to submit is February 21. Please send submissions to: kevinb@pec-cares.org  Continue Reading

The Summer Nights music series is returning to Penn Museum this Wednesday, June 26 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Summer Nights concerts take place in the Stoner Courtyard on the Museum’s grounds.

Each week special guests will be curating a specific playlist with songs of their choice and cash bar will be set up in the courtyard.

As part of the Summer Nights series this summer Penn Museum will also present movie nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with catering until 7:30 p.m. on select dates: June 26th, July 17th, August 7th and August 28th.  Continue Reading

The 40th Street Summer Concert Series returns Saturday, June 15 with a free performance by Philly rock group Stargazer Lily and opener Ashley Phillips. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, and free samples of Ben & Jerry’s (while supplies last)!

Before heading to the show, which begins at 6 p.m., check out the map. Due to construction near 40th and Walnut, the event will now be held at 39th and Walnut Streets, just near Locust Walk.  Continue Reading

The popular Summer Nights at the Penn Museum concert series returns Wednesday, June 20, and we’re happy to announce the opening night special for our readers. The series features live music performances from some of Philadelphia’s best live bands—offering the sounds of Creole Zydeco, Latin Jazz, Middle Eastern folk, Pre-Revolutionary Cuba, and more. Concerts are held in the Penn Museum’s outdoor Stoner Courtyard every Wednesday night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., will run through Sept. 5.

The opening night will feature the Middle Eastern-fusion sounds of Animus,the perfect group to kick off the concert season as the museum celebrates the opening of its new Middle East Galleries. Primarily an Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/Latin/American fusion ensemble, Animus also performs traditional Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern music.  Continue Reading

The choir of St. Francis de Sales Church will have a special, Holy Week presentation this Tuesday (March 27), and all are welcome to join the church parishioners for this free concert. The choir will perform TENEBRAE: Songs in the Shadow of the Cross. “Tenebrae” is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness” and is often used as a “choral preparation” or meditation on the themes of the Passion.

During the presentation, psalms and hymns of lament are read and sung, and all lights and candles in the church are extinguished – except one representing Christ.  Continue Reading