Released: September 1, 2023
The 48th annual Rose Tree Summer Festival concluded its 2023 run on August 20 with a sizzling performance by the popular party band Del’s Groove before a festive summer crowd of approximately 1,500 people.
“We are grateful the season ended on a high note like this, with over 6,000 people coming to the final week of shows” said Delaware County Parks & Recreation Director Marc Manfre, “Overall, approximately 35,000 people attended throughout the summer, which is very satisfying for the entertainers and everyone involved in the production.”
The outdoor concert series in Rose Tree Park’s scenic amphitheater ran for nine weeks, featuring 47 scheduled shows for the public to enjoy admission-free. Bands and singers reflected an impressive range of genres, from Big Band and Bluegrass to Hard Rock and Reggae. There were four children’s concerts, several community concert bands, and many extraordinary tribute groups, including Gold Dust Woman (Stevie Nicks), Land of Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne), Whole Lotta AC/DC (AC/DC) and Us & Floyd (Pink Floyd).
The Rose Tree Summer Festival was by Delaware County, produced by the Parks & Recreation Department, and supported by PECO, local businesses, and private patrons, whose generous donations helped ensure a strong line-up of performers all summer long.
“We’re fortunate to live in an area teeming with local talent,” said Manfre, “and we strive to present an impressive array of diverse performances so that people of all ages and musical interests can find shows they will enjoy.”
“We thank Director Manfre, his amazing staff, and all of the supporters and sponsors who helped make this another great year,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “I caught The Beat Tells, the Beatles tribute band, in early August and it was thrilling to feel a little Beatlemania take over Rose Tree for a few hours.”
This year, thousands of residents again flocked to perennial festival favorites such as Chico’s Vibe, The Fabulous Greaseband, Sensational Soul Cruisers, Jimmy & the Parrots, and the talented young performers of the Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars.
Three pop tributes appeared for the first time at Rose Tree this season, offering nostalgic nights out for those who remember the originals and exposed younger audiences to tear candy and catchy classics from many past Billboard chart-toppers for the first time. The Beat Tells brought back a sense of Beatlemania; Angry Young Band “kept the faith” covering Billy Joel’s extensive catalog; and AM Radio Tribute Band dazzled in paisley pants, peace signs, and go-go boots.
Many more local performers also made their Rose Tree debuts in 2023, including Three Fourteen (jam band), Los Bomberos de la Calle (Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena), Bailey Run (Americana), and The Open Road Band (Country).
Be sure to check the Delaware County Parks and Recreation website (located at https://delcopa.gov/departments/parks/index.html) next spring for the 2024 Rose Tree Summer Festival line-up — next summer will be here before you know it!