June 29

9th Annual Party in the Park/Family Volunteer Day featuring BIG SHOT Duke Island Park Volunteer Projects 5pm - 7pm/ Concert 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Anyone who loves Billy Joel will love Big Shot – as they are renowned as the best Billy Joel tribute show. As a group dedicated to performing Billy Joel hits of the past, Big Shot so closely mirrors the original sound that according to an article in the New York Times, sometimes even Mr. Joel himself can't tell the difference. Bring the family early and participate in family volunteer projects at 5pm. Activities include making bracelets for U.S. troops, placemats for Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, and banners for local hospitals. A park clean up project will also be conducted along the banks of the Raritan River. Bring a nonperishable food item for a local food bank. A picnic meal will be available for purchase. NJ Blood Services will be conducting a blood drive. This event is a collaborative effort between the Park Commission and Somerset County United Way.

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Verdict kicks off Independence Day at North Branch Park, turning the park into a tropical vacation paradise with their rich blend of classic reggae, calypso, soca, and funk island music. Then Smooth grabs the stage with their re-creation of the Motown sounds of the Temptations, Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson. With a great brass section and smooth-as-silk voices, Smooth will keep the party rocking! Other highlights of the day include children’s entertainment and activities, historical re-enactments, and fireworks at 9:30pm.

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The Emotions, The Excellents, and Emil Stuccio and the Classics have joined forced to create the ultimate oldies show! Each group performs their timeless hits, and then play together for a grand finale. Sing-a-long to hits including Coney Island Baby, Till Then, P.S. I Love You, and You'll Never Know.

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Al Stewart has a career that spans over 40 years. Although quite popular in Great Britian, he is most known for two huge hits in the US; Times Passages and The Year of the Cat both released in the late 1970s. He is currently working on a new album and tours extensively around the world. Sponsored by:

Magic Slim has got the blues, and he’s not afraid to play them his way. When this Mississippi bluesman steps onto the stage and instantaneously bursts into one of his dynamic songs, he takes the audience on a long hot ride as he keeps his guitar cranked up to sweltering levels of blues as only Slim can do. Don’t miss this rousing performance! Sponsored by:

Freddie Parris and the Five Satins are best known for their huge hit In The Still of The Nite. For three decades, the single has almost always topped the influential Top 500 Songs countdown on oldies radio stations. It was included on the Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack and is also feature in the Disney attraction The Enchanted Tiki Room. Although re-recorded by Paul Anka, Debbie Gibson, and Boyz II Men, no one sings like Freddie Parris and the Five Satins. Sponsored by:

Dance band Zydeco-A-Go-Go loves what they do, bringing partygoers and revelers the music that they can’t resist…zydeco with a blend of Cajun two-steps, New Orleans rhythm & blues, and swinging Louisiana rock & roll. Hailing from Philadelphia, Zydeco-A-G-Go will get the party started and keep it going!

Dikki Du and Zydeco Krewe are a force! The Krewe captures every audience with a funky and hypnotic zydeco style. They take songs from classic zydeco and turn them inside out with fresh and funky renditions. The Krewe’s innovations revitalize zydeco charging it for years to come. It's just funky as can be! Sponsored by:

For 20 years Kim Waters has enjoyed a jazz career as a saxophonist, composer, and producer of urban smooth Jazz and contemporary jazz. He has sold over a million albums and ranks among the top five best-selling jazz instrumentalists. Kim creates dreamy melodies and sultry ballads, reinventing timeless R&B hits and playing funky dance-inspired grooves. Don’t miss this special performance! Sponsored by:

Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show are a five-piece acoustic country group hailing from Texas. The group masterfully blends vintage country music with bluegrass to capture a sprit and feeling of by-gone days. They are best known for their fast paced and highly entertaining “Retro” stage show. Sponsored by:

Steep Canyon Rangers are pure bluegrass; a pulse-quickening, foot-stomping, storytelling brand of music in America. They explore the tradition of bluegrass with a relentless drive to create a sound that is completely original. Last year their song One Dime At A Time rose to No. 1 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s National Bluegrass Survey.

Moreno Fruzzetti has been awarded with the honor of “Ambassador of Italian Music to America”. He receives rave reviews at Italian festivals and shows throughout the world. As his loyal supporters can attest, he brings a sense of flare and personality to his performances. Moreno have a golden singing voice with a repertoire that includes Italian and American ballads, arias, Italian pop, and classic Italian favorites. Some of his songs include Volare, O’Sole Mio, and Unchained Melody. Sponsored by: