It would not be summer without music in the park! Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets and enjoya variety of musical performances. For further information on the concerts, please call 908 722-1200. Individuals with hearing and speech impairments may call the Relay Service at 711. Over the weekends, in case of threat of inclement weather please call 908 722-1200 ext. 351.
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June 27
11th Annual Party in the Park/
Family Volunteer Day featuring
BOBBY & THE JETS
(An Elton John Tribute)
Duke Island Park
Volunteer Projects 5pm – 8pm/
Concert 7pm – 8:30pm
Bobby Lynch is the ultimate tribute to Elton John. He has the unmistakable look of the incredible singer, he is a stellar piano player, and he has an incredible singing voice used to belt all the #1 hits recorded by Elton John. You won’t believe your eyes or your ears when Bobby and the Jets take the stage. Bring the family early and participate in family volunteer projects at 5pm. Activities include making bracelets for U.S. troops and cards to send to seniors. A park clean up project will also be conducted along the banks of the Raritan River. Bring some school supplies or books to donate to the “Stuff the Bus” project to donate to underprivileged youth. A barbecue meal will be available for purchase. This event is a collaborative effort between the Park Commission and Somerset County United Way.
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July 4
Fourth of July Family Festival
featuring
JIMMY & THE PARROTS
and THE RHYTHM DOCTORS
North Branch Park 5pm - 11pm
Grab your beach chair, your suntan oil, and get ready for a trip to the islands! From the West Indies and Jamaica to cities all over the east coast, Jimmy and the Parrots play to delighted crowds. Then the Rhythm Doctors headline on stage. They have the cure for what ails you – with music that is, and will have the audience dancing the night away. Other highlights of the day include children’s entertainment and activities, historical re-enactments, and fireworks at 9:30pm.
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July 11
KENNY VANCE AND THE
PLANOTONES
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:30pm
As a teen in New York, Kenny Vance was captivated by the magic of rock ‘n roll, and formed the group Jay and the Americans, recording 15 albums. Afterward he formed Kenny Vance and the Planotones, creating music influenced by the 50’s and 60’s, but with their own unique style and passion.
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July 18
THE BOYS IN CONCERT with special guest NICOLAS KING
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:40pm
The Boys in Concert are Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer who once performed as part of the original cast of the Jersey Boys on Broadway. No longer part of that production, they tour now singing the songs that celebrate the music of an era that lights up every generation from The Beach Boys to Motown and The Four Seasons. Opening the concert, is Nicolas King, who has performed with Liza Minelli and Patti LaBelle, as well as appearing in three Broadway productions with Tom Selleck, Linda Lavin, and Andrea McArdle. He has appeared on The Tonight Show and The View, as well as in numerous theaters in New York and New England. |
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July 25
14th Annual Bayou Fest at
Duke Island Park featuring
THE VooDUDES 5:30pm- 6:30pm
New Jersey’s own Mardi Gras Party Band, the VooDUDES will strut their musical stuff to kick off this year’s Bayou Fest. A mixed bag of Creole Soul, Swamp Funk, and Bayou Boogie, the VooDUDES incorporate elements of R&B, boogie-woogie, Zydeco, Latin, honky-tonk gospel, southern folk, and island music into their own distinctive blend of what can only be described as Louisiana music with a New Jersey accent.
LIL MALCOLM & ZYDECO HOUSE ROCKERS 7pm - 8:30pm
Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers is a five-man band centering on guitarist Percy Walker and his two sons, drummer Percy Walker, Jr. and accordionist Lil’ Malcolm Walker. Inspired by Zydeco legends such as Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie, the band creates shows that are exciting and fun. They let the crowd enjoy the music often having audience members join them on stage to dance and play with the band. They play music that is pure, solid Zydeco. They are a band that’s sure to please! |
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August 1
TONY TRISCHKA
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:30pm
Tony Trischka is perhaps the most influential banjo player in the bluegrass music world. For more than 35 years, he has inspired an entire generation of bluegrass and acoustic musicians. He was not only considered among the very best pickers, he was also one of the instrument's top teachers, creating instructional books and videos. Tony has won several awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as a Grammy Nomination. The New York Times has called him “the godfather of new acoustic music.”
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August 8
HUBERT SUMLIN
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:30pm
When Hubert Sumlin plays guitar he takes you to his “World of Blues” Feeling -- from despair to ecstasy and from delicate grace to raw power. His style is original and personal. For more than 50 years, he has played with so many blues legends, from James Cotton, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters to Keith Richards and Eric Clapton. Hubert Sumlin enjoys playing guitar and proves it with every blues note he burns. |
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August 15
THE B-STREET BAND –
A SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:30pm
The B-Street Band was formed in Asbury Park in 1980. Since then, this entertaining six-piece band has earned its great reputation by setting the standard for tribute/party bands, performing in a wide variety of musical venues. They include a wide selection from Bruce’s early albums through his latest releases. In its recent years, the band has played at one of President Obama’s inauguration parties, at Governor Christie’s inauguration party, and at a recent Superbowl pre-party. They are the longest running tribute band.
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August 22
JUNIOR WALKER’S ALL STARS
Duke Island Park 7pm- 8:30pm
Junior Walker and the All Stars were signed to Motown in the 1960s, and became one of the label's signature acts. Although Junior Walker has since passed on, the All Stars continue to tour and play all the R&B hits that made them a legend on the Billboard charts, including Shotgun, Come See About Me, and How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You. They have been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and the Roll Legends Hall of Fame. Their songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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August 29
THE JUMPERS ORCHESTRA
Duke Island Park 7pm - 8:30pm
The Jumpers are a high energy orchestra that play all the hits of yesterday and today. They match the swing sounds of Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Stray Cats, and add the smooth sounds of Bobby Darrin, Tony Bennett, and Louis Prima. The rock and pop hits of Van Morison, the Rolling Stones, and No Doubt are also included. End your summer with the amazing sounds of this orchestra.
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The 2010 Summer Concert Series is sponsored by: Courier News, Ethicon, United Way, DoubleTree Hotel,
Skylands Community Bank, Hotel Sierra, and the Council on the Arts. |
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