The performing arts scene generally takes a sabbatical during these dog days, what with so many Philly denizens goin' downashore. But hey, not everyone heads out of town, and fortunately the folks who run the 40th Street Summer Series realize there are still diehards who are willing to endure our famous heat and humidity in order to catch cool entertainment. This weekend the series hosts a mini-dance festival on 40th Street Field, a green grassy space between Walnut and Locust streets.

Things kick off with Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers performing "Dance for Imaginary Places Barely There," also known as "the umbrella dance," because that's what they're all holding. Mulgrew has staged this piece in other parts of town, but seeing how this is site specific, it's different in every locale but for the fact that it's always intriguing how the cast interfaces with the environment.

Also on the bill are Leah "Keturah" Caesar, a first-rate breakdancer with moves that provoke plenty of "you go girl" shout-outs, as well as several internationally inspired acts: Tribal Spirit, composed of students who are learning the fine art of improvised belly dance; tangoist Lesley Mitchell; and Monique Legaré International Dance Company, performing folk dances drawn from around the globe. So yeah, it'll be hot, but it's free, and if need be you can pop into the nearby Ben & Jerry's for ice cream, or go to Marathon Grill to quaff down a nice cold brewski.