Concerts Galore on Montgomery County Stages

Every day, thousands of people throughout the region hop a train to Philadelphia to catch a concert at the Mann or a play at the Kimmel Cultural Campus. Many even schlep up to New York to take in the latest Broadway hit or the big tour at Madison Square Garden. Still, the variety of venues throughout Montgomery County allow viewers to experience world-class artists right in their own backyard. Throughout the season, some of the region’s top theaters will be presenting A-list artists just a hop, skip, and jump away from home.

The legendary Keswick Theater in Glenside dates back to 1928, and over the past century, it has presented stars of vaudeville, classical music, rock-and-roll, and every other genre in between. The Manhattan Transfer will be holding its 50thanniversary concert at the venue on July 16, with Gordon Lightfoot dropping in a week later, on July 21. Grab a slice of “American Pie” with Don McLean on July 29, or catch “Cat Scratch Fever” from Ted Nugent on August 17. Fans of comedy can enjoy the stylings of Steven Wright (Sept. 8) or Paul Reiser (Nov. 11), while Drag Race devotees will flock to see Shangela on Nov. 3.

Ardmore Music Hall will get in on the RuPaul action as well, presenting "An Evening with Peppermint" on July 21. Other upcoming acts include Mason Jennings (Aug. 19), Modern English (Sept. 7), Old 97’s (Sept. 16), and the Philly Music Fest (Oct. 10-11). The venue also boasts a superb food and drink menu curated by Ardmore’s own Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft.

September will see the launch of the first-ever Montco Jazz Fest, which will take place in concert with Arts Montco Week (Sept. 16-25). Utilizing a variety of venues from all around the County, organizers hope this will become a permanent annual event, attracting some of the top jazz talents from across the East Coast.

Few annual events inspire as many fond memories as the Philadelphia Folk Festival, which returns in-person this year after online festivals in 2020 and 2021. Drawing more than 30,000 spectators annually, the Festival has hosted nearly every major folk artist across its history. The 2022 lineup includes Arrested Development, Aoife O’Donovan, The War & Treatty, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Texmaniacs, Tom Rush, and many more. Camping is encouraged. The event runs Aug. 18-21 at Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township.

Whether your taste runs to the acoustic or classic rock, there’s something for you to enjoy on the stages of Montgomery County!