Patti LaBelle and Eve are the highlights of Dell’s summer concert lineup

Plus, Lady B.’s Annual Basement Party, Patti Jackson’s Party in the Park, and a gospel-themed birthday party for America.

Singer Patti LaBelle is photographed at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, during a campaign for Visit Philadelphia’s Indivisible initiative, part of an effort to celebrate the city’s communities of color during the city’s 250th anniversary. LaBelle will play the Dell Music Center in Strawberry Mansion in an America's 250th Birthday celebration concert on July 9. Read moreJose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

by Dan DeLuca

Published May 6, 2026, 11:28 a.m. ET

The Dell Music Center has announced its concert lineup for the summer of 2026, and Patti LaBelle and Eve are highlights of the season.

Several events at the city-owned open air venue in the Strawberry Mansion section of the Philadelphia are tied in with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations.

On June 25, West Philly-raised rapper Eve will perform in a free show followed by fireworks that’s part of the Wawa Welcome America lead up to July. She’ll be joined by other acts selected by Black Music Month founder Dyana Williams.

Two tickets per person will be available starting May 19 at the Dell’s box office at 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.

LaBelle will headline an all Philly-connected lineup on July 9 that’s billed as America’s 250th birthday celebration. Also performing are Chester, Pa.-native Grammy winning R&B singer Avery Sunshine, as well as longstanding Philly jazz fusion trio Pieces of a Dream and trombonist and band leader Jeff Bradshaw.

R&B singers Kem and Tamia play the Dell on July 16. And July 18 is another America 250 party, this one with a gospel theme. The “Praise Under the Stars” evening is a co-headlined bill with Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Chandler Moore, with support from Jon Reddick.

Anthony Hamilton, Joe, and Jon B play on an R&B triple bill on July 23, followed by the previously announced Connor Barwin Make The World Better Concert Weekend. That two-night benefit features Pavement and Ratboys on July 24 and Kurt Vile & the Violators, They Are Gutting A Body of Water and Twisted Teens on July 25.

Dru Hill, Intro, and No Question perform July 30. Gregory Porter, Lalah Hathaway, Jamison Ross, and Carol Riddick play Aug. 13. Atlantic Starr, the S.O.S. Band, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and Klymaxx are on Aug. 20.

The Dell tradition of shows presented by Philly radio legends will carry on in 2026. Lady B.’s Annual Basement Party is Aug. 23 and Patti Jackson’s Party in the Park is Aug. 29.

This week, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker outlined a plan for the city to provide $500,000 in annual operational support for the Dell, which was built in 1929 as the Robin Hood Dell to be the summer home for the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Parker also proposed $1 million in capital investment for repairs and upkeep for the venue. “For 96 years, the Dell Music Center has been one of the city’s great gathering places where culture, community and the Philadelphia sound come alive,” she said on Monday. “This isn’t just a venue. It’s a part of who we are, and preserving this legacy matters.”

More information about the summer concerts can be found at thedellmusiccenter.com

Dan DeLuca

I'm The Inquirer's Pop Music Critic. I cover Philly music makers of all genres, spotlighting local acts on the rise, telling stories from throughout the city's rich music history, and reviewing big-name touring acts when they come to town.