This summer’s concert series will include performances from Erykah Badu, Kem, Fantasia, Dave Koz, Sheila E., Monica, and Frankie Beverly and Maze

PHILADELPHIA– May 15, 2017 – The Dell Music Center’s 2017 Essence of Entertainment Concert Season opens Thursday, July 6^th with three platinum-selling music sensations: R&B singers Jaheim, Johnny Gill and After 7. Tickets for the 2017 Essence of Entertainment season will go on sale Saturday, May 20 at 10am. Information about tickets for individual shows can be obtained at mydelleast.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Dell Music Center is a world-class amphitheater located in East Fairmount Park. The Dell is a cultural treasure offering top-notch amenities and quality entertainment at a fraction of the cost of comparable venues.

The 2017 Essence of Entertainment lineup features the following performers:
July 6,                                Jahiem / Johnny Gill/ After 7
July 13,                              Dramatics Ft. L.J. Reynolds / Bloodstone /Intruders / Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes
July 20,                              Kem / Keke Wyatt/ Lalah Hathaway
July 27,                              Monica / Joe/Tank
August 3,                          Fantasia/ Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
August 10,                        Erykah Badu/Ro James
August 17,                        Sheila E / Dave Koz / Larry Graham
August 24,                        Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
In addition, the 2017 Dell Music Center line-up will include the following shows:

• The Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra will return to The Dell this summer. Under the leadership of award-winning Music Director Jeri Lynne Johnson, BPCO performs classical music in a way that reflects the ethnic and gender diversity among its musicians while also fostering community engagement.
• PHILADANCO, long recognized for artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances, will again grace The Dell stage in July. Founded in 1970, PHILADANCO has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides, consistently performing for audiences representing a blend of people from diverse communities.  Part of its mission is to empower youth with crucial leadership and development skills that facilitate achievement and success in the world of dance and everyday life.

ABOUT THE DELL MUSIC CENTER
The Dell Music Center is Philadelphia’s premiere outdoor entertainment venue, providing world-class music entertainment for more than 45 years.  Located at 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, The Dell provides high-quality, diverse, cultural entertainment at affordable prices.  Visit www.mydelleast.com for more information. Follow the Dell on Twitter @DellMusicCenter and “Like” us on Facebook.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA PARKS & RECREATION
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of public land and waterways as well as through safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR helps Philadelphia’s children and other residents grow by connecting them to the natural world, to each other, and to fun, physical and social opportunities. For more information, find Philadelphia Parks & Recreation online at www.phila.gov/parksandrecreation  and follow @philaparkandrec on social media.