Photos courtesy of People’s Light
With an impressive lineup of concerts and activities, People’s Light is the perfect opportunity to catch live music in the Main Line.
Since the pandemic started, drive-in concerts have become more and more popular. They may even continue in post-pandemic life for those who enjoy live music without the crowds. Fortunately for Main Line locals, People’s Light now offers this option. Between its drive-in stage, general outdoor venue and live streams, the arts organization has something for everyone this summer.
“We launched drive-in concerts last summer. We wanted to find ways for people to still gather safely and joyfully. They was a terrific opportunity for musicians to play for people (in many cases it was the first time in many months) and for bubbles of people to have a lovely night under the sun or stars,” says Producing Director Zak Berkman.
Located at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern, People’s Light delivers live music on two stages. The Drive-In Stage accommodates up to 65 cars, with “home spaces” available for people to set up chairs next to their cars. The Glen Stage, meanwhile, is a more intimate venue with lawn seating.
The summer lineup consists of the first-ever Folk Weekend, which takes place July 24 and 25. The weekend will feature six different bands performing on both stages. Tickets are available as either day passes or individual shows.
Another exciting feature on the lineup is Jill Sobule’s F*ck7thGrade, which will be live-streamed through June 30. This is a perfect option for those who aren’t quite ready to gather for live music yet.
People’s Light was created in the 1970s by a group of extremely passionate people who wanted to bring live music to the communities.
“The company was formed in 1974 by a group who had trained together at the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley. They assembled a company of artists who were committed to producing world-class theater, working with young people, and being of meaningful service and impact to the surrounding communities of the five-county region. Those core elements remain true today,” Berkman notes.
On the People’s Light executive team today is Executive Artistic Director Abigail Adams, Producing Director Zak Berkman, Director of Finance & Operations Erica Ezold, and General Manager Erin Sheffield. The group lead a staff of nearly 50 people along with hundreds of guest artists and part-time workers.
So, what’s on the horizon for People’s Light?
“In addition to our outdoor summer programming, we are eager for the reunions of families and friends to continue happening on our nine-acre campus as we welcome people back into our indoor spaces this holiday season with a new musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. That production will kick off our 2021-2022 season, which will include numerous world premieres, Tony Award-nominated plays and neglected classics of comedy. We’ll be announcing all those plans just after Labor Day. We are in the process of renovating our spaces to be more accessible and safe, as well as continuing to produce more digital content for our neighbors who are not yet ready to gather in-person,” Berkman reveals.
Ready to check out the live music scene at People’s Light? Head to the website for the full lineup and to purchase tickets for this summer’s events.
