Released: June 15, 2023
The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation has released the much-anticipated schedule for the Rose Tree Summer Festival, its award-winning outdoor concert series in Rose Tree Park.
“The concert series is one of Delco’s finest traditions, and residents really look forward to it,” said Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre. “We’re very pleased to present it the public each year.”
Free concerts in Rose Tree Park’s outdoor amphitheater began over four decades ago as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration and have been a popular local attraction ever since. Last year, the Rose Tree Summer Festival was awarded “Best Annual Festival” by Main Line Today and was featured at the top of the “Arts & Music Festivals to Attend” list presented by Visit PA, the official state tourism guide.
The 2023 concert series runs June 21-August 20 on Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Show time is 7:30 PM, plus three special morning concerts for children at 10:00 AM (6/28, 7/6, 7/20). Each evening features different entertainment, and concert goers will find a wide variety of genres throughout the summer, including Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, Big Band, Brazilian Bossa Nova, and more.
Manfre highlighted that Delaware County is thrilled to have the privilege of presenting the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on Thursday, June 29 for the first time since 2018. This longtime mainstay of the concert series will be reaching a milestone, making its 30th Summer Festival appearance. “This must-see show features the finest professional musical talent in the nation. It’s superb,” said Manfre.
Perennial favorites such as The Fabulous Greaseband, Chico’s Vibe, and Jimmy & the Parrots will be returning this season, and several exciting new acts have been added to the mix, including these local performers: the jam band Three Fourteen, the Americana/folk group Bailey Run, and Los Bomberos de la Calle, a group of musicians and dancers presenting authentic Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena.
From orchestras such as the Delaware County Symphony to rock tributes like Whole Lotta AC/DC, the Festival features a wide variety of styles. Eclectic music lovers may enjoy Opera Under the Stars one night, a Beatles tribute on another, and irresistible Yacht Rock on yet another.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the summer season with the opening of our Summer Concert Series in beautiful Rose Tree Park,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “We are so proud to have an excellent parks system where our residents can enjoy outdoor recreation, sports, festivals, charity events, and family outings. Thank you to Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, Beth Chapman and the entire Park and Recreation Team for the extraordinary work and effort they put into planning and hosting this festival each year. These free concerts feature some incredible acts in an absolutely beautiful setting, and I encourage residents to enjoy some of them this summer.”
Printed schedules are available in Rose Tree Park, the Government Center in Media, and the Delaware County Libraries. The schedule is also available on the Summer Festival website: Delaware County Summer Festival in Rose Tree Park - Delaware County, Pennsylvania (delcopa.gov).
This year’s nine-week entertainment season kicks off two days early with Delaware County’s Juneteenth Celebration on Monday, June 19. The celebration features vendors, food trucks, and presenters starting at 4:00 and culminates with a Philly Gumbo concert at 7:30.
The audience should bring blankets and chairs for seating and may bring their own picnic provisions. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed in the outer viewing areas on the hilltops and must remain outside of “the bowl.”
The Rose Tree Summer Festival concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available. For more information, please call 610-891-4455 or visit: www.delcopa.gov