Rising Sun Presents has announced the lineup for the 2026 season of Upper Merion’s Concerts Under the Stars series, returning for its 40th season. Held at Upper Merion Township Building Park in King of Prussia, the series quietly has become one of the more reliable summer music destinations in the region.
What started in the mid-1980s as a small program has grown into a full season of shows from late spring into early fall, pulling in a mix of national touring acts, regional favorites and the occasional tribute night. This year’s lineup reflects that same wide-open approach.
The schedule includes appearances from Shakey Graves, Indigo Girls, Hurray for the Riff Raff, the Béla Fleck Trio, Tortoise, Magic City Hippies, Neal Francis, Joan Osborne and Collie Buddz, along with a handful of tribute and themed performances scattered throughout the summer.
Things kick off May 22 with Boat House Row, a yacht rock tribute that should make for a fitting opener as the weather finally — hopefully — starts to turn. Later in the month, Philadelphia indie rockers Mo Lowda & The Humble bring things back to original material when they hit the stage on May 30.
June marks the busiest stretch, as Grateful Shred rolls through on June 5, followed a few days later by Shakey Graves on June 10. Indigo Girls arrive shortly after for a June 12 gig that should draw a big crowd. Hurray for the Riff Raff plays June 19, while banjo innovator Béla Fleck brings his trio to the park on June 25. The following night shifts things in a completely different direction with Chicago post-rock mainstays Tortoise.
The July lineup hits a few different corners of the musical map. Jam scene veterans God Street Wine are set for July 9, while indie-funk outfit Magic City Hippies stop by a few days later.
August brings Joan Osborne on Aug. 7, performing a set built around the music of Bob Dylan. The following week features New Orleans-bred singer-songwriter Neal Francis on Aug. 14. Other late-summer events include Watchhouse, a Dave Matthews tribute night and Start Making Sense performing the music of Talking Heads.
The series wraps up Sept. 4 with reggae artist Collie Buddz.
Part of the appeal of Concerts Under the Stars is the setting. On show nights, the lower section of the venue’s parking area gets converted into a beer garden, with food trucks lining the perimeter and plenty of room for people to wander around between sets. Bars throughout the site serve craft beer, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
For ticketed shows, fans can opt for a premium GA upgrade, which includes early entry along with a complimentary drink, snacks, access to comfort stations and merchandise discounts.
The series is put on by Rising Sun Presents, the independent promoter behind Ardmore Music Hall and 118 North in Wayne. Since taking over production duties in 2022, the company has expanded the scope of the event, bringing in more national artists and turning the shows into something closer to a small festival atmosphere than a typical park concert.
“Concerts Under the Stars has become one of the things we’re most proud of,” Rising Sun Presents owner Chris Perella said. “The park is kind of a hidden gem, and once people see a show there, they usually want to come back.”
For tickets, go to concertsunderthestarskop.com/.
Vinyl of the week
ULTRAVOX “THE COLLECTION [DELUXE EDITION]”
Following the success of deluxe editions of Ultravox’s “Vienna,” “Rage In Eden,” “Quartet” and “Lament” albums, Chrysalis Records has released a deluxe edition box set of “The Collection,” the new wave band’s hugely successful 1984 compilation.
“The Collection” features 14 singles released between 1980 and 1984. It sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and went triple platinum in the UK. Notable tracks featured include the iconic “Vienna,” the anti-nuclear war anthem “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes,” and synth-pop classics like “All Stood Still,” “Hymn” and “The Voice.” There’s also “Love’s Great Adventure,” recorded specifically for the original compilation.
This newly remastered compilation has been expanded across multiple formats. A 4-LP clear vinyl deluxe edition includes the original album and “The Collection II” with a further 14 singles, alternate and unreleased versions of tracks from 1986 to 2024. It is housed in die-cut sleeves with interchangeable images of the four inserts.
A 2-LP black vinyl edition, cut at half-speed by AIR Mastering, sees “The Collection” expanded into a double album for optimal sound. It is housed in a die-cut sleeve with an interchangeable front image and a four-page insert.
Finally, a 4-CD, two Blu-ray deluxe edition includes “Collection II” and 10 new ‘80s style 12-inch extended versions that Ultravox were known for, mixed by Midge Ure, Steven Wilson and Blank & Jones, among others. It also sees all the band’s B-sides together for the first time. The Blu-ray discs contain more than four hours of footage featuring the band’s groundbreaking promotional videos, alternative versions and a collection of their TV appearances on BBC.
“The Collection” is a limited edition pressing of 5,000 units in a 12-inch-sized box set with six discs — four CDs and two Blu-rays – housed in a rigid slipcase, and two 20-page booklets featuring photos and lyrics. It will be available to stream on digital services and on a standard CD, expanded from the original 14 to 19 tracks.
The LP editions of “The Collection” can be found online and from all respectable retailers who carry vinyl.
To contact music columnist Michael Christopher, send an email to [email protected]. Check out his website at thechroniclesofmc.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.delcotimes.com ’
