Chestnut Hill's bucolic Pastorius Park will once again be transformed into a vibrant music venue this summer, hosting Philadelphia's longest-running outdoor concert series with a jam-packed lineup of rock, folk, classical and kid-friendly performances.

“Our community concerts are really a great way to bring people together over the summer in one of our most beautiful settings,” said Laura Lucas, president of the Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA), which presents the free concerts every year.  

Johnny Shortcake was scheduled to kick off the series on June 18, with Argentine singer/songwriter Cecilia Zabala set to continue the good music vibes on June 25. 

A master guitarist, Zabala combines styles as varied as Argentine folklore,  jazz, tango, and Brazilian music. Her shows have been described as “an invitation to celebrate ourselves in the fire of the collective, in the warmth of the embrace.”

In Pastorius Park, Zabala will be joined by a jazz quartet of veteran local musicians including Dave Posmontier on keyboards, Ken Ulansey on woodwinds, Kevin McConnell on bass, and Doug Hirlinger on drums.

“I like to think that every concert is like an intimate ceremony where we all share, no matter if you are on the stage or in the audience,” Zabala said. She learned guitar and performed with her school’s chorus in Argentina. She explored different styles of music after studying classical guitar at a music conservatory. Eventually, Zabala realized she felt more at home writing music, playing guitar and singing.

Zabala has released 11 albums during a 25-year career and has toured extensively. Her latest album, “Sagrado Rito,” was released last month. She has taught master guitar classes at schools including Yale University and the University of Oregon. In 2018, Zabala won a prestigious National Arts Award from the National Ministry of Culture in Argentina, and later contributed as an arranger and guitarist on the feminist songbook “Rebenque en Flor.”

“I do it for fun,” Zabala said. “I keep studying a lot, but not for being faster, for being more free.” Zabala loves watching people dance during her performances. She said her energy grows with every song that resonates with the audiences. 

Setting the stage

Scheduled to open the concert series on June 18, David Sweeny, and his Johnny Shortcake character, prepared to take the stage with his signature funk and fun. 

“I felt like there was more inside me and I wanted to explore all of it,” said Sweeny, of Germantown. Originally from Rhode Island, he sharpened his acting skills in theaters around Philadelphia and eventually turned to performing original music. 

After performing as Johnny Showcase in South Philly’s Italian Market for years, Sweeny and his band, The Mystic Ticket, made it onto season 16 of “America’s Got Talent,” and returned for a second appearance (sadly, they didn’t win). However, as Johnny Showcase, he recorded four full-length albums, all available on Spotify. 

Sweeny developed Johnny Shortcake as a funky alternative to his cabaret act so parents and their children can enjoy his performances together.

“The strongest things that adults and kids can do together is sing together, laugh together, and dance together,” Sweeny said. “We try to provide an opportunity for all three of those things to happen.

“If they’re exciting to us, they’ll be exciting for a kid to listen to,” Sweeny continued. Part of the fun of performing as Johnny Shortcake is giving parents an opportunity to connect with their little ones, he added.

Understanding that funky melodies aren’t restricted by age, his songs are both silly and soulful. He and his collaborators were determined to create music that can be shared with people of all ages. 

He also encourages dancing during his performance by creating music with movement in mind. For example, the opening track to his album “It’s the Johnny Shortcake Show!” encourages youngsters to sneeze into their elbows, but the groovy Frank Zappa-esque guitar line keeps parents hoping the show keeps on grooving.

“I was glued to the radio from a really young age,” Sweeny said. Melodies from the Beatles and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” stuck in his head and laid the groundwork for him to perform for the rest of his life. 

Performing in Pastorius Park

Sweeny, who lives in Germantown with his wife and children, loves Northwest Philadelphia. “There’s a really great feeling of community and art,” he said. He made stronger friendships with his neighbors and added to creative output by painting birds on commission after moving from South Philly in 2021. 

There is something for everyone at Pastorius Park this summer, Lucas said, “Our concerts committee does a really great job of picking different genres that will appeal to everyone.” The concert series span seven weeks. 

The free concert series has been running since 1949, but the CHCA will be accepting donations throughout the night to help support their yearly programming. The pond and lush trees in Pastorius Park invite lounging with music on warm summer nights.

“If you haven’t done it before, it really is wonderful,” Lucas said. “Grab a blanket or chairs. Bring your dog, bring some snacks.”

Sweeny agrees. “It’s really exhilarating to be in a space that’s welcoming to anyone who happens to be there.” The pond and lush trees in Pastorius Park invite lounging with music on warm summer nights.

The CHCA will host tables of community resources during the event. They will also have information about getting involved in the association and other ways to support their programming. Their sponsors, including Temple Health - Chestnut Hill Hospital, will also have a table providing community resources.

“When they leave the event, we hope they have fond memories of their night out in Chestnut Hill as well as the group that makes this all possible, and that’s the CHCA,” Lucas said.

The Cecilia Zabala concert is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Pastorius Park is at 8177 Roanoke Street.