Photo via Universitycity.org

A popular local outdoor music event, 40th Street Summer Series, returns on Saturday, June 18, to the green area behind the Walnut Street West Library. The series, which is co-produced by University City District (UCD), Penn, and The Rotunda, will run monthly through Sept. 17. This summer, the series will feature free, family-friendly concerts and dance performances, plus juggling, face painting, fire dancing, and food and ice cream sampling.

Marc Ribot’s The Young Philadelphians will entertain the crowd this Saturday. They will be joined by Monica “Spirit” McIntyre, a gender non-conforming cellist, vocalist, lyricist, wellness advocate, sound healer, Reiki practitioner, mover and visual artist who promotes empowerment and healing by any medium necessary.

And here’s the concert schedule for the rest of the summer:

July 23: Dendê & Band w/ Openers PaPa Ed Stokes and Kunu Bi
Aug. 20: The Liberian Women’s Chorus for Change w/ Openers Modero Dance Company
Sept. 17: Rennie Harris RHAW w/ Openers Kalamandir Dance Company

The Summer Series begins at 5 p.m. with roaming performances and giveaways, with opening acts beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair.

More information about each performance is available on the UCD website.