The longest running free outdoor concert series in Philadelphia!
Pastorius Park Summer Concerts take place for seven weeks, mid-June into the end of July, every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m*. Enjoy a lineup of bands drawn from many musical genres performing against the backdrop of one of Chestnut Hill's most majestic areas. This event brings together neighbors and families from Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities.
JOHNNY SHORTCAKE - June 18 Early Start Time - 6:30 PM
Sponsored by Kathy Krebs & Rachel Reily with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
“This isn’t just kids music-this is everybody music. Dancing, singing and laughing are the three most important things that parents and kids do together.’’-David Sweeny, creator of THE JOHNNY SHORTCAKE SHOW
Johnny Shortcake is a funky kids band that celebrates silliness and friendship, teaches important life lessons, and feels like one big disco party. With irresistible songs such as"Cupcake Tuesday, "Brush Your Teeth," and "Gigi's whiskers," the show truly celebrates childhood in a way that will have parents grooving and laughing along as well. Johnny Shortcake’s album It's the Johnny Shortcake Show! was listed on Grid Magazine's Top 25 Albums of 2018, and has been featured on WXPN's Kids Corner and Out With The Kids. They have performed at Philadelphia Folk Festival and Kidchella, and created a full length kids musical The Johnny Shortcake Show!, commissioned and presented by The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Johnny was also featured on the Emmy Award-winning WHHY show Albie’s Elevator.Johnny Shortcake is the kid-centric version of legendary Philadelphia funk performer Johnny Showcase, who recently wowed judges on America’s Got Talent. The band features Rumi Kitchen (OOLALA), Ross Bellenoit (MuscleTough) and Elliot Garland
Cecilia Zabala - June 25 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Nolan Painting 
Cecilia Zabala is a guitarist, composer, singer and singer-songwriter. She won the 2018 National Arts Award (category “Jazz and Melodica”) granted by the National Ministry of Culture. She recorded ten independent albums with her own works, released in Argentina, Germany and the United States. For more than 15 years he has been touring internationally, giving Master Classes and presenting his work in Festivals, Concert Halls, artistic and cultural institutions and Artistic Markets in Europe, North America and Latin America.
In this occasion Cecilia will be joined by a power jazz quartet of local musicians such as Dave Posmontier (keyboard), Ken Ulansey (woodwinds), Kevin McConnell (bass), and Doug Hirlinger (drums). Cecilia brings her "mesmerizing" and genre-spanning South American voice. Her spectacle “sacred ritual” is an invitation to celebrate ourselves in the fire of the collective, in the warmth of the embrace.
Swing That Cat- July 2 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross
Swing That Cat is a Sonic Cocktail of Jump Jive and Wail ~ â¯Jump Blues, swizzled with Swing, a dash of Cabaret and a splash of Bourbon Street. This female-led band backed by crazy cats that all howl, “Yo Philly” with horns, guitar, bass and drums, has earned their stripes at over 400 shows from NYC to DC and streams around the world. Blending a revival of styles, rhythm and rumble, this band guarantees to make you shimmy, shake, and leap off your seat to dance your tail off! ⯠Find and Follow Us ~ â¯@Swing That Cat
House of Hamill- July 9 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Independence Blue Cross
Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their version of “Pound a Week Rise” rose to #1 on the US Folk DJ charts, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times. Their latest release, “Folk Hero,” captures perfectly the frenetic energy and eclecticism of their always engaging live show. A lively collection of original instrumentals, reimagined folk ballads, and new songs that showcase the trio’s versatility, “Folk Hero” is the third House of Hamill album to be funded entirely by their fans.
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.
Brother John- July 16 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by harp-weaver LLC Celebrating
John Colgan-Davis and Johnny Never are Brother John. Since 2018, the two Johns have formed a musical bond that embodies the spirit of brotherhood in the blues. The blues is universal. It knows no bounds and cares not about race, creed, gender, religion or ethnicity. Brother John, is the act that centers around Mid-Atlantic blues artists, Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis.
Johnny Never's 2020, Blue Delta, Album earned some rave reviews and radio play all around the world. John Colgan-Davis' harp is woven throughout the 14 track album produced shortly after the two met.
New River Ensemble - July 23 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Chestnut Hill Business District
The New River Ensemble draws upon a wide array of influences to present chamber music programs, film scores and educational workshops that tug at the boundaries which traditionally bind “chamber music ensembles.” NRE moves smoothly from standard repertoire to modern composition, from extended techniques to improvisation. Their programs juxtapose pieces from different time periods and genres, challenging audiences to hear these pieces in a new light. In addition to mining the clarinet and flute trio repertoire of the past centuries, NRE arranges and composes much of their own music.
The members of NRE are Martha Hyde (clarinet, flute, saxophone), Lisa Liske (cello), and Brendan Cooney (piano, plucked strings).
Bacchus Boys - July 30 Start Time - 7:30 PM
Sponsored by Kathy Krebs & Rachel Reily with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
The Bacchus Boys met as members of The Orpheus Club of Philadelphia. While they had been playing together for years at late night hootenannies following the OC Annual Dinner in January and OC Outing in June, their debut as a formal group took place at the Academy of Music at the 2001 Orpheus Spring Concert, when they were called The Folkies. Many of the Boys are veterans of other late night sings around the campfire at The Philadelphia Folk Festival. What brings us together is a love of the varied musical traditions that make up traditional and contemporary folk music.â¯
The Chestnut Hill Community Association's Pastorius Park Concert Series is a beloved summer tradition that has been entertaining Philadelphians for over 70 years. The series was first established in 1949 and has since become a hallmark of the Chestnut Hill community, attracting residents and visitors alike with its free, outdoor concerts featuring a diverse range of musical genres.
The series takes place in Pastorius Park, a beautifully landscaped green space located in the heart of Chestnut Hill. The park is named after Francis Daniel Pastorius, an early German settler in Pennsylvania who founded Germantown, and features a pond, walking paths, and a large stage area that serves as the centerpiece of the concert series.
Each year, the Chestnut Hill Community Association puts together a lineup of talented musicians and bands to perform at the series, with styles ranging from classical to jazz to rock and roll. The concerts are held on Wednesday evenings in June and July, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy while they listen to the music.
The Pastorius Park Concert Series is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving public spaces for the enjoyment of all. It provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, share a love of music, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. So mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and head to Pastorius Park this summer for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars.
Pastorius Park Concert Series Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Concert Sponsors
Kathy Krebs & Rachel Reilly with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
Independence Blue Cross 
Ride the Train to Pastorius Park Concerts - Take the Chestnut Hill West Line to Highland Ave Station and walk 4 blks to the amphitheater. Or take the 23 Bus to Germantown and Hartwell.
Pastorius Park is 2 blocks west of Germantown Ave. on Millman Street. Street Parking is available nearby, please be respectful of driveways and lawns. Those who need assistance to reach the amphitheater should park on Millman St. (it is the closest parking to the amphitheater)
To inquirer about sponsorship opportunities contact: anne@chestnuthill.org
PPC 2024 Lineup:
Ants on a Log
Turtle Ridge
Philly Gumbo
Poor Man's Gambit
Deb Callahan's Band
Lincoln Drive
Joseph Arnold String Quartet
Thank you to our main sponsor:
Temple Health - Chestnut Hill Hospital
Pastorius Park is located off Millman Street & West Hartwell Lane (view map).
JOIN the CHCA or RENEW your MEMBERSHIP
