As the summer tantalizingly inches closer, you may start thinking about ways to entertain yourself in the upcoming months — whether it’s heading to a concert or checking out a new art gallery.
From beer gardens to beaches, there are plenty of activities to do during the warmer months. But if you’re looking for a more artsy experience, here is an early look at a few ways to spend your summer and satisfy your artistic cravings.
LOCAL JEWISH HOTSPOTS
National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall E., Philadelphia
215-923-3811 • nmajh.org
In addition to its permanent collections and exhibitions on view, the museum will host a variety of events throughout the summer — plus you can gain free admission on various dates.
From Yiddish Folk to Jazz: An Arts Salon – June 27
Join award-winning composer and saloniere Andrea Clearfield for performances inspired by the special exhibition “1917: How One Year Changed the World,” featuring music of the era, from Yiddish folk and American jazz to art songs and chamber music, as well as an original dance piece drawing on themes from 1917.
Independence Day at NMAJH – July 4
Visitors can explore the museum and see an original letter written by George Washington to the Jewish Community of Newport, Rhode Island, and enjoy interactive tours, story time and Independence Day arts and crafts projects.
Gershman Y
401 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
215-545-4400 • gershmany.org
Photography Exhibition – June 7 to Aug. 27
The newest installment in a partnership with the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center (PPAC) opens with Stanley Muravchick’s collection of Philadelphia-centric photographs, called “Urban Light,” which explores compelling visual dynamics found in our daily urban experiences.
A Day in Doylestown – June 15
Take a trip to Doylestown and visit sites such as the Pearl S. Buck House and the Michener Museum to look at several exhibitions.
Katz JCC
1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.
856-424-4444 • katzjcc.org
Get Real with a Housewife – June 28
Author and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Siggy Flicker returns to her roots in South Jersey where she’ll speak about life on the set of a hit TV franchise and finding your self-worth as discussed in her book.
Gourmet Wine and Dine – July 9
The annual Gourmet Wine and Dine event is a kosher food and wine extravaganza highlighting top chefs from the Philadelphia and South Jersey region and featuring a feast, ethnic music and regional Jewish heritage. Plus a barbecue-inspired menu that’ll leave your mouth watering.
Pro-Am – Aug. 7
Get your golf on with a pro from the PGA Philadelphia Section. Finish the day with a lavish cocktail hour and dinner and honor this year’s Roger Davis Memorial Community Service Award recipients.
Milton and Betty Katz JCC
501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate, N.J.
609-822-1167 • jccatlantic.org
Heading “down the shore,” as we Philadelphians like to say? There are still tons of events going on that will be perfect after a day at the beach.
Pet Fair and Doggie Dash – June 30
Spend the day with your pet and enjoy related events for both you and your favorite four-legged friend during the inaugural “Barks on the Beach” pet fair and doggie dash.
‘Jewish Treasures of the Caribbean’ – On display from June 10 to July 28
Take a look at more than 200 color images by award-winning photographer Wyatt Gallery that highlight the little-known history of the earliest Jewish communities as seen through the remaining historic sites in Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Eustatius and Suriname.
ARTS
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia
215-763-8100 • philamuseum.org
‘Wild: Michael Nichols’ – June 27 to Sept. 17
Explore the work of legendary photographer Michael Nichols: artist, technical innovator and ardent advocate for preserving natural habitats.
‘Philadelphia Assembled’ – Now through July
It sounds like a Marvel movie, but this exhibition joins art and civic engagement by bringing together hundreds of collaborators from across the city to explore Philadelphia’s changing landscape and tell a story of radical community building and active resistance.
The Rosenbach Museum and Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia
215-732-1600 • rosenbach.org
Bloomsday 2017 – June 16
Join the Rosenbach’s annual Bloomsday jubilee to celebrate Leopold Bloom’s fictional journey through the streets of Dublin, as imagined in James Joyce’s epic Ulysses.
The Michener Art Museum
138 S. Pine St., Doylestown
215-340-9800 • michenerartmuseum.org
Life is a cabaret, old chum! The PNC Arts Alive Broadway Cabaret Series at the Michener began in May with Wicked’s Eden Espinosa and continues through the summer with some standout performances in addition to upcoming art exhibitions.
Leslie Odom Jr. – June 8
It’s Aaron Burr, sir! The Philadelphia native and Hamilton star will perform at 8 p.m.
Telly Leung – July 13
Leung has been seen onstage in many productions and starting this June, he will be starring in the title role in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. Catch him at 8 p.m.
“George Sotter: Light and Shadow” – July 29 to Dec. 31
Explore Sotter’s pieces of Bucks County in his trademark nocturne theme as well as playing with light and shadows.
BOOKS
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine St., Philadelphia
215-686-522 • freelibrary.org
There will be dozens of author events at the library’s main branch. Here are a few authors participating in the free series.
Sherman Alexie, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me – June 22
Alexie (a personal favorite), perhaps most well-known for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, will be in town to discuss his new book, a searing and soaring memoir about his difficult childhood and complicated maternal relationship.
Harvey Sachs, Toscanini: Musician of Conscience – June 27
The acclaimed saxophonist will discuss his autobiography and a life dedicated to jazz.
Kevin Hearne, Besieged; Chuck Wendig, Star Wars: The Aftermath Trilogy; Fran Wilde, Updraft – July 14
These authors with sci-fi flavors will join in conversation with Dena Heilik, department head of Philbrick Hall, the fiction department of the Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
CASINOS
Atlantic City
There’s always plenty to do beside relaxing on the beach. Casinos are offering top-notch entertainment opportunities this summer. Here are a few standout concerts and appearances.
June 17: An Evening with Journey at the Borgata
June 24: Patti LaBelle at the Tropicana
July 2: Jay Leno at the Borgata
July 16: Jill Scott at the Borgata
July 21: Theresa Caputo at the Borgata
Aug. 11, 12 and 13: Frankie Valli at the Borgata Music Box
Aug. 25 and 26: Jerry Seinfeld at the Borgata
CONCERTS
The Keswick Theatre
291 North Keswick Ave., Glenside
215-5752-7650 • keswicktheatre.com
The Purple Xperience – June 24
Pay tribute to the late, great Prince with this tribute show.
Beatles vs. Stones — A Musical Showdown – Aug. 18
It’s the ultimate rock ’n’ roll faceoff.
The Kimmel Center
260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
215-893-1999 • kimmelcenter.org
Seventh Annual Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day – June 10
Programs and activities will abound will special performances by Opera Philadelphia and more. Check the website for a full schedule.
Evening with Stephen Schwartz – June 17
Join the composer of your favorites like Godspell and Wicked and others featuring the Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir, Garden State Girlchoir and New Jersey Boychoir.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
NPR presents ‘Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!’ – June 29
Host Peter Sagal leads a rotating panel of comedians, humorists and journalists, listener contestants and celebrity guests through a comic review of the week’s news.
Buckingham McVie with special guests The Wallflowers – June 30
Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac perform together for one night only. Don’t miss it!
Diana Ross – July 29
The Supremes’ singer returns to the Mann with her In The Name of Love Tour.
La La Land in Concert – Aug. 17
Experience the original musical film like never before live with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
BB&T Pavilion
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
856-365-1300
Dead and Company – June 25
The Dead return to Camden to get groovy with you.
Rod Stewart with Cyndi Lauper – July 12
This will surely give the girls a chance to have fun!
Chicago and The Doobie Brothers – July 21
The iconic groups will give an unforgettable performance.
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
There are plenty of chances to see some of your favorite crooners this summer. Here are a few:
June 20: Neil Diamond
July 9: James Taylor with Bonnie Raitt
Aug. 8 and 9: Roger Waters, Us + Them
STADIUM CONCERTS
Lincoln Financial Field
1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia
215-463-5500 • lincolnfinancialfield.com
U2 – June 18
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia
215-463-1000 • phillies.com
Country star Hunter Hayes performs a post-game concert after the Phillies take on the Atlanta Braves – July 29
THEATER
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St., Philadelphia.
215-574-3550 • walnutstreettheatre.org
Saturday Night Fever – Now through July 16
Put on your boogie shoes and come on down to see this musical packed with hits from the Bee Gees.
Bucks County Playhouse
70 S. Main St., New Hope
215-862-2121 • bcptheater.org
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story – Now through June 17
Musical telling of the life of the bespectacled musician with the backdrop of some of his greatest hits.
Guys and Dolls – July 21 to Aug. 12
Enjoy one of America’s most legendary musicals and don’t rock the boat.
Kimmel Center
260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
215-893-1999 • kimmelcenter.org
The Kimmel’s Broadway Philadelphia series continues through the summer with these productions:
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut St., Philadelphia
Fun Home – June 13 to 18
Meet Alison Bechdel at three points in her life in this musical, based on her best-selling graphic memoir.
Academy Of Music
240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
Wicked – July 26 to Aug. 27
The iconic musical about Oz before Dorothy got there will defy gravity when it comes to Philadelphia.
Contact: mstern@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740
