West Philly jazz music lovers have many opportunities to enjoy live outdoor jazz every summer. Cedar Park Jazz nights kicked off last month at 49th and Baltimore with performances held every Friday night through the end of July. And here’s another great West Philly summer tradition: Jazz Heritage Series is held at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine) every other Thursday from May through September.

The series, presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and co-hosted by the Friends of Malcolm X Park and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, features free live performances by some of the best local musicians. Showtime is 7 p.m. (weather permitting). Please bring your own chairs!

Here’s the lineup through the end of the summer:

July 3 – Arlene F. Reid (vocalist)
July 17 – Vern and Friends
July 31 – Shirley Lites (vocalist)
Aug. 14 – Carlos DeVaughn & All Stars
Sept. 4 – New Blend/Guiding Lights
Sept. 18 – Glenn Bryan & Friends

In addition to these events, the annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival is set to return to Saunders Park Greene (39th and Powelton) on Saturday, July 19, from Noon- 7 p.m.. The festival celebrates West Philadelphia and jazz musicians with spectacular live performances, local vendors, fun children’s activities, and delectable treats from food trucks. This year’s headline act is vocalist and pianist V. Shayne Frederick. Other performers include audience favorites Ursula Rucker, Nazir Ebo and Chris Oatts and the Pretty Big Band. Here are more details.