Are you somebody who enjoys listening to music at an outdoor music venue, but the prices to see a concert at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion a little too pricey for you?
Well, there might be a solution right here in our own backyard.
Friends of Gorgas Park President John Boyce and his merry band of die-hard volunteers have put together another solid season of top-notch musical acts as well as many other first-rate events to satisfy the spectrum of musical tastes.
Recently, Gorgas Park hosted the Solstice Summer Music Fest and Beer Garden with a fine array of solid performing acts.
Attendees got to chill out under the lush canopy of trees and take in the sounds permeating the Gorgas air.
Admission price: Free!
Popsicle anyone? These cold treats from Frios Gourmet Pops were a hit on a hot day. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Show Caption
1 of 5
Popsicle anyone? These cold treats from Frios Gourmet Pops were a hit on a hot day. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Pawnshop Roses and lead singer Paul Kean, who have achieved national attention over the years, kicked things off and got the place rockin’ with their Oasis-inspired rock sound.
They climaxed their performance with a rousing version of their classic “Fading Out.”
Next out of the gate was Philly based singer/songwriter Cliff Hillis, whose 60’s and 70’s sunny pop songs have gotten national airplay. The Phoenixville native has gotten plenty of airplay over the years on WXPN with his witty, catchy melodic tunes.
John Faye, a Delaware based singer/songwriter, who was signed to A and M Records back in the 90’s as the frontman to a group called The Caulfields, also performed under the Gorgas gazebo.
Both artists did a yeoman’s job keeping the eager audience entertained throughout their performances.
Joshua Ryan was in all his glory with soft pretzels and music in the air. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Show Caption
1 of 4
Joshua Ryan was in all his glory with soft pretzels and music in the air. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Capping off the Music Fest was locally based headliner Ben Arnold, who is no stranger to the Gorgas Park concert scene. Arnold brought along his backing group de jour, the superb 48 Hour Orchestra, to play excerpts from his storied musical career.
To say they were excellent would be an understatement.
Paul Kean from the Pawn Shop Roses kicked things off with some upbeat rockers. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Arnold summed up his love affair playing in this gem of green space by saying that “every summer, the music in Gorgas Park brings the Roxborough/Manayunk community as well as the surrounding communities together, and I’ve been honored to be at the center of that for 26 years. I’ve practically grown up with the neighborhood;’ support of my music career.”
As the summer goes on, there will be a slew of other entertaining acts to grace the Gorgas Park landscape.
In addition to a weekly Wednesday Night Jazz series, local music lovers can expect a little bit of everything when it comes to musical genres.
Coming up in the Gorgas calendar are:
July 20: The Elvis Show (with Jeff Krick)
July 24: The Mitchell Street Phillbillies
Aug. 7: Zydeco A Go Go (Cajun Music)
Aug. 12: Plant Kids Band (Plus Movie Night)
Aug. 21: York Street Hustle (R&B Soul)
Aug. 30: Music Jamboree (featuring The Fiascos, Odyssey, and Tom Petty Tribute Band, Big Jangle)
Sept. 11: 9-11 Remembrance Event followed by the Providers (Classic Rock)
Sept. 28: The Elvis Show Returns (With Jeff Krick & Son)
Several other events scheduled for the park this summer include: Vets Tribute Day (July 26), Parks on Tap Week (July 30 to Aug. 3), National Night Out (Aug. 5), Kids Movie Night (Aug. 26), and Roxtoberfest (Oct. 4).