Five free concerts are lined up for this summer's concert series and each night will feature food trucks, beer, wine, and cocktails.
JENKINTOWN, PA — Abington's summer concert series is getting ready to kick off its five-concert run this summer at the Abington Art Center.
Performances will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays throughout the summer.
Show dates are June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, and July 27.
The gates open at 6 p.m. each night.
Guests are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes.
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After record-breaking attendance numbers last year alongside newly appointed series programmer, Joe Montone, the art center team will expand their 'soundtrack of togetherness' across five free concerts complete with rotating food trucks, interactive booths and refreshments from Moss Mill Brewing Co. and Mermaid Spirits.
Philadelphia's premier 60s soul band, York Street Hustle, will kick off the series on June 29.
This 10-piece ensemble reinvigorates classics from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and the Four Tops with the same energy and grit as the day these songs were originally performed.
They also infuse their own repertoire which takes inspiration from the mid-century soul sounds using period techniques and equipment.
The second concert celebrates original, independent artists from Montgomery County on July 6.
Camera Thief is an anthemic rock band from Jenkintown, comprised of two brother duos and longtime friends, Joe and Brendan Duffey, Robert and Pasquale Defazio, and Joe Hartnett.
Their self-produced debut record, "The War Machine," is full of propulsive sounds that have been featured on ALT 104.5 as well as 88.5 WXPN.
LEV will also perform with the sonic songs of Glenside-based Josh Levandosky and Doug Wartman.
Combo Melaza will take over the stage on July 13 with a night of salsa lead by Edgar Castro and his 12-plus member collective hailing from Philadelphia.
Edgar describes the group as, "passionate musicians preserving the best music available to the best of our abilities," which he believes has been handed down from their ancestral and familial traditions to be shared with new generations.
Joining them will be live salsa instruction from Jenkintown locals — Flaco's Dance Studio.
Next up is an evening with Zimbabwean born soul singer, MUKAMURI.
Now based in Doylestown, his music is a platform for education, exploring societal challenges, and uplifting audiences.
Mukamuri's latest single, 'Black Joy', is a beautiful affirmation of bravery in the face of oppression with the refrain, "I'll be alright, I'll be okay."
He will be backed by a brand-new band for his Jenkintown debut on July 20.
The series finale on July 27 features the hits of legendary rock band Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers as performed by area tribute act, Full Moon Fever.
The band is led by Summer Concert Series alumni Pat Mencel, who performed as part of last year's multi-band season closing Fleetwood Mac tribute.
"I'm so excited to be providing this community with another season of dynamic and captivating performances," Montone said. "This could not be done without the hard work of our team as well as contributions from local sponsors who support the arts in our literal backyard."
Thanks to support from area organizations like Peco, Restore Dispensaries, NJM Insurance, Penn State Abington, Feast Your Eyes Catering, and the Gallman Group, the concert series is free.
Abington Art Center is still welcoming business partnerships to complete the financial goal for this year's festivities.
See here for information on sponsorship opportunities.
Abington Art Center is located at 515 Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown.
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