From left: Lexi Thammavong as Lucetta, Camille Young as Silvia, and Anthony Crosby as Thurio. (Photo courtesy of SCP)

The popular local theater company returns next week to perform Shakespeare with a musical twist. With music by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by John Guare, this 1971 Tony Award-winning, ground-breaking adaptation of the Bard’s sixteenth-century comedy is a fusion of danceable pop, stirring soul, electrifying rock, creative storytelling, and biting social commentary.

“This summer’s production is more than just entertainment,” said guest artistic director, Shamus. “It’s a powerful response to the rising tide of hate and discrimination against LGBTQ+ and other groups. The message is clear: no one can flourish without self-love. The production also boldly confronts issues of war mongering and the ever-widening wealth gap.”

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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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The annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival promises to be the best one yet, as it returns to Saunders Park Greene (39th & Powelton) on Saturday, July 15 from Noon to 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.

The all-day event is free and open to the public, organized by HopePHL (formerly People’s Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc.), The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and a committee of community members, with technical assistance from Nu Millennium Media Productions. The Festival is a “rain or shine” event.

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Shamus, who directed Shakespeare in Clark Park’s 2023 production of Two Gentlemen Of Verona, is pictured as Malvolio in the 2018 production of Twelfth Night (Photo courtesy of SCP).

Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) is returning for the 2023 season with a Tony award-winning musical! The popular non-profit organization, which has been presenting professional theatre productions in Clark Park’s “Bowl” since 2006, will present a musical adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona for five nights – from July 26 to July 30. Continue Reading

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (Photos by Lora Reehling).

West Philly folks and visitors are invited to this summer’s first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, which will take place Thursday, June 15, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The popular outdoor event, organized by University City District (UCD), features dozens of local businesses and vendors offering deals on food, merchandise and other items along Baltimore Avenue between 40th to 51st Streets.

This year, the event will again feature $1, $3, and $5 bargains from neighborhood standouts like Booker’s, Vientiane Café, Dahlak Paradise and more, as well as newcomers including brewery Carbon Copy and Ethiopian chicken house Doro Bet. The vendors list, including West Philly-based merchandise vendors and food trucks, has also expanded since last year.

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Summer jazz is back in Cedar Park with weekly shows scheduled to begin on Friday, June 16. The popular music series, presented by Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN), features free outdoor performances by some of the area’s prominent jazz musicians and bands at the park, located at 49th and Baltimore.

All shows are held from 6 to 8 p.m. in fair weather – please bring your blanket or chair and picnic! The series is sponsored by local businesses and individual donations from neighborhood residents.

Here’s the schedule through July 28:

June 16 – Rayburn Wright Group
June 30 – Webb Thomas SuperBand
July 7 – Glenn Bryan & Friends
July 14 – Bobby Zankel & the Wonderful Sound 5 Celebrates John Coltrane (7/17/67)
July 21 – Philadelphia Clef Club
July 28 – Rain date (rescheduled performance, TBA)

For updates or changes, follow CPN on Facebook. Updates about this event are also posted in the Cedar Park Neighbors Forum on Facebook.