Marcus Hook concert series opens Tuesday night
MARCUS HOOK » The Marcus Hook Summer Festival celebrates its 31st year when the six-concert series begins Tuesday July 11. Come out to relax and enjoy music on the banks of the Delaware River at Market Square Memorial Park, Market Street and Delaware Avenue. Concerts follow on consecutive Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
The opening concert features the John Clark Big Band, comprised of 13-17 pieces and featuring vocalist Paula Johnson. Hear the sounds of the Big Band era that all ages can enjoy. Upcoming concerts are: • Chichester Community Band on July 18. This year the band celebrates its 30th anniversary, comprised on past Chichester High School bands with members ranging in age from 18-80.
• The Boy in Black on July 25. Hear Anthony Caserta and his band perform the music of Johnny Cash from his early career at Sun Records to the material from his last albums on American Recordings.
• City Rhythm Orchestra on Aug. 1, playing pop/rock and jazz/swing
• Texas Heat/Scott Brady make their Marcus Hook debut Aug. 8. They deliver their modern country sound with over 100 years combined stage experience.
• Tongue N Groove return by popular demand Aug. 15 to close out the series, playing 1970s and ‘80s rock.
Light refreshments are available for purchase at each concert. No alcohol for pets are permitted.
Mark calendars for flower show
EAST MARLBOROUGH » Five local garden clubs, members of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, present a N.G.C. Standard Flower Show titled “Magical Garden” at Longwood Gardens Sept. 23-24. The event is opened 1-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
The clubs planning the show include Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett Square, Garden Class of the Woman’s Community Club of Uwchlan, Garden Club of Springfield, Spade and Trowel Club and The Country Gardeners.
The show is staged in the Ballroom at Longwood Gardens. Classes include design, horticulture, artistic crafts and a youth division. All gardeners and floral arrangers are invited to exhibit in the show. It is not necessary to be a member of a garden club to enter. Class entries are limited and should follow the rules in the Handbook for Flower Shows. A schedule and information regarding registration is available by contacting the co-chairs Linda Southerling at 610-793-2573 or Mary Jo Schlomann at 610-269-8450.
WWII Eastern Front comes to Fort Mifflin
PHILADELPHIA » March back in time to explore the Eastern Front of World War II from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23 at Fort Mifflin. Guests take a cultural tour of Europe as you visit with soldiers from German, Italian and Russian forces; learn the similarities and differences in their arms during weapons demonstrations, test their strength and accuracy at the Stick Grenade Toss (Saturday at 3 p.m.) and interact with event participants as they complete the scavenger hunt and perhaps learn a few words in the languages of the visiting armies.
Guided tours are noon and 2 p.m. and tactical demonstrations are viewed from atop the fort walls at 1:30 p.m. each day.
Explore this “hidden gem” of Philadelphia history that was pressed into service during World War II as a site for anti-aircraft batteries defending the nearby Naval Ammunition Depot and League Island Navy Yard and enjoy a culturally rich day on the Delaware River. The fort has a riverfront picnic area for guests. Parking is free.
Event admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for veterans or students under 12. Purchase online at www.fortmifflin.us or at the door (cash preferred). Fort Mifflin is proud to be a Blue Star Museum offering complimentary admission to active duty military and active duty families (ID required).
UD Summer Stage visits ‘Madagascar’
UPPER DARBY » “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.” comes to Upper Darby Summer Stage July 12-14. Based on the Dream Works motion picture, “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.,” features brand new songs and follows the furry friends from the film as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and travel on journey to the crazy world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. July 12-14 at 10:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 13 at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill.
Upper Darby Summer Stage transforms into the colorful, jungle world of the island of Madagascar. Alex the Lion (John Fioravanti of Conshohocken) and his best friends Marty the Zebra (Anthony Flamminio of Drexel Hill), Melman the Giraffe (Alex Oullaf of Clifton Heights), and Gloria the Hippo (Annajean Gionta of Ardmore) have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Everything changes when curiosity overcomes Marty and he plots their escape, aided by everyone’s favorite wacky penguins.
The performance is approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Parking is free. The show is recommended for ages four and up with free babysitting in the lobby offered for those who may be too young to sit quietly through the entire show.
Ticket costs are $8$12; members of the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center save $1. Tickets are available at www.udpac.org or by calling the box office, 610-622-1189.