The season’s first Swingin’ Summer Thursdays will have downtown West Chester filled with the sounds of Jimmy Jorge & The Latin Express – a mixture of Latin Jazz and Salsa – along with Crisol, a Latin acoustical band. The free, festival-like event is open to the entire community and is held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 3 under the direction of the West Chester Parks and Recreation Department.
Swingin’ Summer Thursdays, which take place on the first Thursday of the month from June to September, are more than just music. Food plays an important role, too. Olive Branch will be serving Mediterranean-style food outside along Gay Streets. Capt’n Dicks barbeque foods will be offering full racks of ribs, chicken, and pork and West Chester Scoop will be providing ice cream. Vendors sporting the usual festival-like foods, such as funnel-cake, hot dogs, and popcorn, will also be in attendance.
“We want to cater to people’s different likes,” said Keith Kurowski, director of West Chester Parks and Recreation.. “Swingin’ Summer Thursdays are very community-oriented and a great way for the community to come together.” Kurowski added that Swingin’ Thursdays have a relaxed feel to them where people just come to hang out. He estimates that around 3,000 people attend the event.
Face-painters, moon-bounces, clowns and jugglers provide entertainment for both kids and parents. You’ll also find craft vendors and artisans lined up along Gay Street. Some items available for purchase will be hand-made jewelry and canes, purses and pocket-books, sea-glass necklaces and clothing.
Swingin’ Summer Thursdays will also held on July 1, August 4, and September 2. The themes progress from rock n’ roll and Americana to two reggae.
For more information visit www.west-chester.com/recreation.php or callWest Chester Parks and Recreation at 610-436-0009.
THURSDAY JUNE 3 – LATIN
(Between High & Darlington streets)
“Jimmy Jorge & The Latin Express” & “Crisol”
THURSDAY, JULY 1 – 50’s
(Between High & Matlack streets)
“Flaming Dick & The Hot Rods”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 – AMERICANA
(Between High & Darlington streets)
“Rob Dickenson’s Tribute to American Music” & “Frog Holler”
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 – REGGAE
(Between High & Matlack streets.)
“Three Legged Fox” & “INITY”
SPONSORS:
Otto’s BMW, Otto’s MINI,
Brandywine River Nursery, WCHE 1520AM
Knox Equipment Rental, PEPSI
West Chester Business Improvement District
