On Stage: With weather warm (really warm), the music heads outside

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

Time seems to drag by ever so slowly during the brutal winter months – one cold, grey day followed by another one cold, grey day.

Then, when summer arrives, it speeds along like Shinkansen (the “Japanese Bullet Train” that can travel at speeds greater than 200 mph).

Amazingly, this is already the penultimate weekend before Fourth of July weekend.

Amazingly but not surprisingly.

The intense heat this week has made sure everyone knows what season we’re in.

With summer and warm weather comes outdoor concerts – and that’s a good thing.

Fortunately for area music fans, the summer schedule of live outdoor shows features a long and varied list of great music shows.

The most ambitious series – the one filled with name acts – is the 2025 Concerts Under the Stars series in King of Prussia, which is now in its 39th season.

Presented and produced by Rising Sun Presents!, the team behind the Philly suburbs’ premier music venues Ardmore Music Hall and 118 North in Wayne, the summer-long series will again take place at the scenic Upper Merion Township Building Park (175 West Valley Forge Road, King of  Prussia, www.concertsunderthestarskop.com) and will include a mix of ticketed and free concerts.

The show this weekend will feature Strand of Oaks on June 28 with Stella Ruze as the opening act.

Strand of Oaks is a rock project by songwriter and producer Timothy Showalter.

The Indiana native has released eight studio albums—Leave Ruin (2009), Pope Killdragon (2010), Dark Shores (2012), Heal (2014), Hard Love (2017), Eraserland (2019), In Heaven (2021) and Miracle Focus (2024).

Strand of Oaks is the musical vehicle for Showalter — as a solo act or with a band.

According to Showalter, “Last Oaks show for a long time, so this is your chance to see us play some good rock’n’roll.

“On June 28, we will be playing an amazing concert just outside of Philly. This Oaks show will be full big band jamming under the stars – full band, full rock, full fun.

“I absolutely love this concert series. Bring your blankets. The whole family is welcome. Nothing better than Philly in the summer — just magic.”

The veteran musician is ready to rock.

Showalter continued, “Trying to dip my toes into playing shows again. My life has shifted to a more quiet existence which is something I need these days.

“But I love my band and the chance to share a stage with my buddies and get to play together in a city that I love is a joy of my life.

“Don’t sleep on tickets. This might be the only Strand of Oaks concert this year. This is your chance. We’re going to play the hits and go deep.”

Stella Ruze is an award-winning folk-rock band from Philadelphia. The six players blend four-part vocal harmonies with infectious rhythms and horn arrangements to create a new, genre-bending sound.

Video link for Strand of Oaks — https://youtu.be/d8LBOsnjIq4.

The show on June 28, which has Stella Ruze as the opener, will start at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $34.67.

In July, the series will start with a trio of shows at Heuser Park (which is located at 694 West Beidler Road in King of Prussia) — Lotus and Circle Around the Sun on July 3, Indigo Girls, Dar Williams and Milk Carton Kids on July 5 and Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain Stringband on July 6.

These are the only three concerts at this venue.

July’s schedule at the main venue will also feature: 9, Leftover Salmon and Infamous Stringdusters; Phosphorescent, 10; Legendary Wailers and Jeffrey Gaines, 11; Trevor Hall, 19; The California Honeydrops, 20; The High Kings, 23; Grace Potter, 24; Tom Hamilton, 25; “Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew: Remain in Light,” 23; and Rachel & Vilray, 30.

August gets off to a booming start with local/national favorites Low Cut Connie on August 1, Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets on August 2 and “Paul Simon’s Graceland Experience” on August 8.

The rest of August includes: 13, Andy Frasco & the U.N.; 17, John Oates and Mutlu; and 30, Splintered Sunlight.

Two shows are listed for September – Mdou Moctar on the 13th and Robert Randolph on the 14th.

Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts (9 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com) has one show left in June – and it’s a good one.

On June 27, the series will host “The Point 20 Year Reunion.”

The concert will feature many artists who headlined regularly at The Point — Jim Boggia, Erin McKeown, Leigh Goldstein, Stargazer Lily, Don McCloskey and John Francis O’Mara.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the music will start at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $24.84 for the all-ages show with kids (12 and under) admitted free.

The lineup for July features Steve Forbert on July 12, Trout Fishing in America on July 20, Downingtown native and Nashville luminary Liz Longley and Lucy Kaplansky on July 18, and Cheryl Wheeler and David Wilcox on July 25.

August will get underway with a “Folk Fest Preview Show” on August 1 followed by Darlingside on August 8.

There will be a welcome return to the area by Stephen Kellogg on August 15 and an eagerly anticipated concert by Susan Werner on August 23.

The season will conclude with shows by Vienna Teng on August 30 and Ron Sexsmith on September 5.

It’s the best of two worlds at Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org).

Kennett Flash has the ability to stage both indoor and outdoor concerts. Obviously, the indoor shows are held at the club on Sycamore Alley.

The Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert series is presented outside on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage located at 100-198 East Linden Street in Kennett Square.

The indoor shows this weekend are a play — “God of Carnage” –on June 27 and a concert — UK vs. US: Revolutionary Rock — on June 29.

On Friday, West Chester University Department of Theater and Dance Presents “God of Carnage” at 8 p.m.

“God of Carnage” is a play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, that explores the breakdown of civility between two couples.

The play begins with a playground incident between their sons, prompting a meeting to resolve the conflict.

However, the meeting quickly devolves into a chaotic and hilarious display of adult aggression and marital discord as the couples’ carefully constructed facades crumble.

The play is known for its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and exploration of human nature.

Tickets are $15.

On June 28, the Rooftop Concert Series concert will feature Gordon Sterling and the People.

The Rooftop Concert shows run from 7-9 p.m. with seating beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees are requested to bring their own chairs. Limited concessions will be available for purchase, and you can bring food with you to the rooftop event.

The KSQ parking garage is a 24/7 paid parking lot run by the Kennett Square Borough. Please plan for this expense when parking on site.

The schedule for the Flash’s outdoor series is:

July 12,  Riot Act: A Tribute to Pearl Jam;
July 19,  Street Survivors: A Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience;

July 26, Tray Wellington Band;
August 2, Angry Young Band: Billy Joel Tribute;

August 9, Winslow: An Evening of The Eagles;
August 16, Yesterday’s Gone: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
August 23, Rust: Neil Young Tribute;
September 13, 2025 — Flux Capacitor.

East Whiteland Township (https://www.eastwhiteland.org) is presenting “The Chill on the Hill,” its free summer concert series presented by Rising Sun Presents!

Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and friends for an evening of great music and community fun.

All concerts take place at Valley Creek Park, which is located at 361 North Morehall Road in Malvern.

The series started with Dean & Company with special guest Matt Santry on May 28.

On June 18, WXPN welcomes Billy Allen & The Pollies with Sophie Coran.

The show on July 16 will be “Newport Folkfest – A Celebration of Newport ’65,” featuring performances inspired by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and more.

The series finale on August 20 will feature Hermitage Green & Eddie 9V.

The Eagleview Town Center (Wharton Boulevard, Exton, www.ineagleview.com) will host its Summer Concert Series every Tuesday now through August 26.

This series, which is in its 24th year, features performances in a variety of genres.

Concerts will take place from 7-9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy local food and drink vendors, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and the 50/50 raffle.

The series started on June 3 with the concert by Entrain with Seth Walker while the July edition will feature Dale Hollow with Caroline Cotter on July 15.

On August 8, the twin bill features a national act – Cracker – and a local favorite — Cliff Hillis.

Cracker is an American rock band formed in 1990 by lead singer David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman.

The band’s first album, “Cracker,” was released in 1992 on Virgin Records. It included the single “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now),” which went to Number 1 on the U.S. Modern Rock chart.

Rising Sun Presents! (risingsunpresents.com/outdoor-events) has three other outdoor concerts/concert series going this summer.

One is the Summer Sounds Concert Series at Spruce Street Harbor Park (301 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia).

On the last Saturday of each month, there will be a free concert featuring emerging and established bands from the Philadelphia region and beyond.

The 2025 schedule features Steal Your Peach, an Allman Brothers & Grateful Dead Mashup Tribute on June 28, Bartees Strange on July 26, Dave Hause & The Mermaid on August 30 and The Dead Milkmen on September 27.

The concerts run from 7-10 p.m. and all ages are welcome.

There are also two Rising Sun Presents! one-day events – the Wayne Music Festival, which took place on June 7, and “Ardmore Rock’N’Ride,” which is scheduled for August 10 starting at 10 a.m.

“Ardmore Rock’N’Ride – Main Line Bike Race & Music Festival” is a Community Fundraiser supporting Narberth Ambulance.

Featured acts at this year’s event are The Record Company, Nicole Atkins, Tommy Conwell & The HouseRockers, Oh He Dead, Nik Greeley & The Operators, Friends of Jerry, Andorra, Mighty Mystic, and Ocean Avenue Stompers.

The Rose Tree Summer Festival (Rose Tree Park, Route 252, Media, www.delcopa.gov/departments/parks) is a summer-long series of free outdoor shows now through August 10 at the scenic park just north of Media.

The following is the season schedule for Delaware County’s 50th Annual Rose Tree Concert Series:

JUNE: 26, Four Lean Hounds; 27, Gilligan Yacht Rock; 28, Class of ’84; and 29, 22 Park Avenue.

JULY: 2, Variable Elements; 3, The Plants; 5, Tupelo Honey; 6, Blackbird Society Orchestra; 9, Angry Young Band; 10, Triple Rail Turn; 11, FuseBox; 12, Upper Darby Summer Stage; 13, Jersey Beach Boys; 16, Eco del Sur; 17, The Rockdale Boys; 18, Live Wire; 19, PA Symphonic Winds; 20, The Beat Tells; 23, Jamison Celtic Rock; 24, Merion Concert Band; 25, Barry Harris; 26, Van Halen Nation; 27, The Discoteks; 30, Lolly Hopwood & Friends; and 31, Mysterious Ways U2 Tribute.

AUGUST: 1, New Orleans Fish Fry; 2, Lonnie Shields & Jesse Loewy; 3, The Core – Music of Eric Clapton; 6, Reggae Thunder; 7, Cool Confusion; 8, Del’s Groove; 9, Barbershop’s Best; and 10, Six-String Soldiers.

Just a few miles away from Rose Tree Park, Media’s Twilight Music Series offers a free evening of music once a month on The Green (The Community Center Lawn, Monroe Street between 3rd & 4th streets, Media, www.mediaartscouncil.org/twilight-music).

Sterling Pig Brewery is sponsoring the beer tent. Attendees can bring a lawn chair or blanket or just relax on the lawn.

After featuring Brian Kors & The Lone Star Revue in May and Steve Guyger & The Excellos in June 13, The Green will host Ensemble Novo on July 11.

The concert on August 1 features Little Red Rooster and the show on September 13 will have bluegrass music (band TBD).

The season finale, which is slated for October 18, has a double feature with Stackabones and Cordelia Blue.

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) will present Green River delivers the ultimate tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty on June 28.

Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) will host AC Steel and the Perpetrators on June 26, Box Set UK on June 27 and American Nomads on June 28.

Dave Orban will perform with the Philly Blues Kings at the Sunday Blues Brunch & Jam on June 29.

This event features many of the top regional and national players every week and welcomes amateurs and weekend warriors to join on stage to celebrate the beautiful heritage of the blues.

The open mic jam runs from 1-3 p.m. with the featured band playing a set from noon-1 p.m.

The Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com) will host The Outlaws on June 26 and “Nirvani – A Nirvana Tribute Experience” on June 27.

Now through July 27, Bristol Riverside Theatre (120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, www.brtstage.org) presents another edition of its “William Penn Bank Summer Music Fest.”

The first show will be “Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown” from June 25-29.

The second show, which runs from July 16-20, will be “Purple Xperience” from July 16-20.

The final show in the 2025 series will be “Oy Vey! It’s The Calamari Sisters” from July 23-27.

There also are several attractive outdoor music venues just across the Delaware River in South Jersey.

The schedule of the Sunset Jazz Series at Wiggins Park (located at the Camden City waterfront) is: June 30 – Al Di Meola, July 14 – Ed Lover presents The Live Mixtape Band, July 28 – Dumpstaphunk, Aug 4 – Jonathan Powell & Mambo Jazz Party, Aug 11 – Stacey Kent, Aug 25 – The Stanley Clarke Band, Sept 8 – Ruben Studdard: My Tribute to Luther, Sept. 14 – Gospel Fest Along the Waterfront featuring Hezekiah Walker & Friends.

Sundown Music Series at Haddon Lake Park (Audubon) has the following schedule: July 2 – Too Many Zooz / plus Best Bear, July 16 – The Tisburys / plus The Describers, July 30 – Bob Mould / plus Maria Mirenzi, Aug 13 – Joan Osborne / plus Jackson Pines, Aug 27 – Wheatus / plus Bren, Sept 3 – Karina Rykman / plus David Bakey, Sept 17 – Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes / plus Jay Byham.

The schedule for the Twilight Concert Series at Cooper River Park (Pennsauken) is: June 12 – The Hobbs Sisters, July 17- Tiffany, July 31 – Yacht Rock Gold Featuring Elliot Lurie, August 7- The Greg Farnese Sextet, August 21 – 4 Peace of Mind.