Jazz Heritage Series kicks off in West Philly’s Malcolm X Park this week

Every other Thursday night this summer, West Philly’s Malcolm X Park is the place to be. The Jazz Heritage Series, hosted by Philadelphia Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park, brings local jazz performers to the park for a series of free outdoor concerts that runs through September.

This week features a July 4th performance by singer Shirley Lites, who got her start with the Philadelphia Girls City Choir before taking her unique sound around the world. She’s best known for her 1983 record Heat You Up (Melt You Down). Other notable performers in the series include local vocalist Barbara Walker, and genre-bending duo The Budesa Brothers.

All concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m.; see the full lineup below.

July 4: Shirley Lites
July 18: Napoleon Black
Aug. 1: The Barbara Walker Story
Aug. 15: Angel Baby
Aug. 29: The Clef Club Student Ensemble
Sept. 12: The Budesa Brothers

(h/t West Philly Local)