Music stars hit the great outdoors this summer at the Dell

Many Philadelphia music-lovers have fond memories of concerts at the Robin Hood Dell East in Fairmount Park. A few years ago, the facility first built in 1929 as the summer home for the Philadelphia Orchestra has reopened as the Dell Music Center. Its Essence of Entertainment Concert Series is headlining the venue this summer.

Recently, the Mt. Airy-based Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra re-inaugurated the new Dell (rehabbed with over 5,000 seats plus a grassy picnic space) as a classical music venue with a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in partnership with voices from Opera Philadelphia. Now, the Center is getting ready for a summer concert series featuring stars like Roberta Flack, Fantasia, Brian McKnight, Peabo Bryson, Dru Hill, and many more.

The Essence of Entertainment Concert Series kicks off on July 10 with a show from the O’Jays, Will Downing, and Chrisette Michele and will run every Thursday night through August 28. The Dell is also hosting plenty of other events, including a special Philadanco performance on July 18 and a Gospel at the Dell show with Mary Mary, Byron Cage and E. Daniels on August 1.

For more information on the Essence of Entertainment Concert Series ($24-$40), running July 10 through August 28, and other happenings at the Dell Music Center this summer, visit mydelleast.com or call 215-685-9560.

Image below: The Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra and Opera Philadelphia perform Beethoven's Ninth at the Dell on June 21. Photo by Alaina Mabaso.