Around Town July 4

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on July 4, 2024

The alumni of West Chester University’s Criterions Jazz Ensemble will perform at a free concert on July 18.

• The alumni of West Chester University’s Criterions Jazz Ensemble return to the WCU campus to perform a free public concert on July 18 at 7 p.m., in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. The concert will also be available via live stream at www.vimeo.com/wsom. This year’s concert theme celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the class of 1974. Jazz standards from the 70s will be prominently featured, including big band selections from 70s icon Buddy Rich and other big band repertoire.

• The Kennett Area Park Authority is hosting a Roots & Blues Festival in Anson B. Nixon Park, on Saturday, July 27, from 11a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. The festival kicks off with a New Orleans style parade featuring the Wild Bohemians. Performances will take place throughout the day alternating between the main stage and a concert pavilion. This inaugural event will include food trucks, adult beverages, and local artisans. Tickets are limited and Early Bird pricing is available now.

Discover alternatives to invasive species at Mt. Cuba Center.

• At Mt. Cuba Center, discover beautiful native alternatives to frequently planted detrimental invasive ornamental plants and how making these substitutes helps protect our ecosystems. A garden walk to view recommended plants is included in the event, Native Alternatives to Invasive Ornamentals scheduled for July 19 from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $29. Register here.

• Stories and science combine at the Rachel Kohl Library on Thursday, July 18 forTalewise: Adventure of the Lost Treasure. Listen to a story that is accompanied by science experiments about Air pressure, Energy transfer, Physical vs. chemical changes, and more. The event is for kids 5-12 and begins at 11 a.m. through noon.

Learn about Chester County spies at the Chester County History Center.

• Spies have been part of Chester County for centuries. Gen. George Washington’s own spy ring was once headquartered in ChesCo. The Chester County History Center on Spy Day, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will give children the chance to learn to read and write in cipher and code, find hidden messages in everyday objects, explore the science of invisible ink, and develop their own secret identity. They'll also learn about real spies who operated in the area during the 18th century and beyond. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for kids 6-18. Get tickets here.