Photo and B-roll of the Dell stage under construction
Photos from March 3 ceremonial groundbreaking

PHILADELPHIA – The Dell Music Center today announced the opening of its popular summer concert season, delayed this year by a $ 7million state-of-the art renovation to the stage, lower offices, bathrooms and green room.

The iconic outdoor Parks & Recreation venue “where the stars take center stage” will open August 16th, with a family-friendly cultural night featuring Philadanco and other Philadelphia artists.

Then the season hits full speed with a five-week line-up featuring gospel star CeCe Winans, R&B acts The O’Jays and Jagged Edge, jazz vocalist Gregory Porter and Philadelphia favorites, songstress Carol Riddick and trombonist Jeff Bradshaw.

Also returning are such popular traditions as Patty Jackson’s Annual Party in the Park and Lady B’s Basement Party.

All shows start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

The Aug. 16th show will be “free” to the public, but tickets are required for entry. Tickets can be picked up at the Dell Music Center box office beginning Mon., July 17, at 10 a.m. Season tickets are not available.

Tickets for the August 17th gospel concert featuring CeCe Winans & Friends are on sale now and are priced from $45 to $75. They can be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com. (Ticketmaster rates may vary.)

Tickets for the Essence of Entertainment Concert Series shows range in price from $45 to $95, plus a $5 facility free. They go on sale to the general public Saturday, July 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office will open for regular hours on Mon., July 10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that ticket prices are subject to change.

The bag policy will be enforced this year as well. No bags larger than 4”x 6” will be allowed in the venue. Parking will continue to be free.

Below is the Dell’s season line-up:

2023 Dell Music Center Essence of Entertainment Summer Concert Series

• Aug. 17 –  CeCe Winans, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Tauren Wells
• Aug. 24 – The O’Jays, Dave Hollister, Carol Riddick
• Aug. 31- Jagged Edge, Silk, Next, KeKe Wyatt
• Sept. 9 – Gregory Porter, Leela James, Jeff Bradshaw

Platinum Productions’ “Grown Folks” Labor Day Weekend Concerts

• Sept. 2 – Patty Jackson’s Party in The Park, featuring the Whispers, Heatwave, Zapp Band and the Chi-Lites.
• Sept. 3 – Lady B’s Basement Party featuring MC Lyte, Stetsasonic, C.L. Smooth, Brand Nubians, Kool Moe Dee, Force MDs and Soul Sonic Force.

For more information visit www.thedellmusiccenter.com.

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Dell Music Center is Philadelphia’s premiere outdoor entertainment venue, providing world-class music entertainment for more than 45 years. The Dell was named “The Best of Philly” in 2017 by Philadelphia Magazine. Located at 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, this outdoor cultural treasure offers top-notch amenities and high-quality, diverse cultural entertainment at a fraction of the cost of comparable venues. Visit www.TheDellMusicCenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 215-685-9564 for more information.