It would not be summer without music in the park! Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets and enjoy a 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.

June 28               10th Annual Party in the Park/Family Volunteer Day
                           featuring THE PARTY DOLLS
                                    Duke Island Park 
                                    Volunteer Projects 5pm – 7pm/Concert 7pm – 8:30pm

The Party Dolls are America’s favorite concert female cover group. The three female vocalists dress in mini-skirts, go-go boots, and funky diva garb and perform all the best hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. From Motown to Madonna, they are “A tribute to Girl Groups and Women in Rock”.  Bring the family early and participate in family volunteer projects at 5pm.  Activities include a park clean up project along the banks of the Raritan River. A barbecue meal will be available for purchase. This event is a collaborative effort between the Park Commission and Somerset County United Way.

July 4                  Fourth of July Family Festival featuring
                           Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns and Fortune
                                    North Branch Park  5pm - 11pm

Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns kick off Independence Day at North Branch Park, playing a wide range of Jersey shore classic hits. Then Fortune headlines on the stage. Fortune emulates the original artists from the Golden Oldies and then leads up to the dance tracks of today, with a song list larger than most juke box selections! Other highlights of the day include children’s entertainment and activities, historical re-enactments, and fireworks at 9:30pm.

July 12                Blues Fest at Duke Island Park featuring
                           RORY BLOCK  5:30pm- 6:30pm

Blues singer Rory Block hails from the Sourland Mountains in Somerset County, NJ.  People Magazine praised Rory Block saying "If you like music steeped in tradition and genuine feeling, then this is your woman."  And the New York Times went further, stating “Her playing is perfect, and her singing is otherworldly as she wrestles with ghosts, shadows and legends."  Don‘t miss this!

                                    LIL ED AND THE BLUES IMPERIALS  7pm - 8:30pm

Lil' Ed carries the blues in his blood. His energetic onstage antics - everything from flying leaps to toe-walking - have helped him build a fan base among blues enthusiasts. Lil' Ed's unbridled enthusiasm is contagious! His raw, frenzied slide guitar playing and wild acrobatics is a blues lovers dream.

July 19                THE DUPREES                  
                           Duke Island Park  7pm - 8:30pm

The Duprees are known world-over for their romantic interpretations of some of the most beautiful love songs ever written.   In 1962, hailing from New Jersey, The Duprees struck gold with “You Belong to Me.”   Their unmistakable sound was born, and the hits kept rolling, including “Have You Heard”, “My Own True Love,” and “Goodnight My Love.”  With 40 years in the recording business, The Duprees have never slowed down, still touring and recording after four decades. 

July 26                13th Annual Bayou Fest at Duke Island Park featuring
                           MITCHELL’S CAJUN ACES  5:30pm- 6:30pm

Mitchell’s Cajun Aces are named for the funky little bar called Mitchell's Cafe in Lambertville, NJ where they first began playing.  Since then they have been making trips to southwest Louisiana and have studied and performed with some of the greatest names in Cajun/Creole music.  They are known to always have a good time no matter where they play!

                                    JEFFERY BROUSSARD & CREOLE COWBOYS  7pm - 8:30pm

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys is a hot new band on the Zydeco scene. They deliver great renditions of Creole classics, as well as their own brand of contemporary Zydeco. Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys represent a new generation of zydeco, presented with contemporary flair and expertise. They create incredible music with outstanding performances, inspiring new Creole zydeco fans.

August 2              BLUEGRASS FEST at Duke Island Park featuring
                           RED MOLLY  5:30pm - 6:30pm

For the past several years, the ladies of Red Molly play bluegrass straight from the heart, and they play it deep in the old-time roots of bluegrass.  As one radio DJ quipped, “they sing for one another just because of the love of music.  They pack some power.  It’s purely delightful and inspiring.  It warms the soul.”

                                    THE GIBSON BROTHERS  7pm - 8:30pm

Blending the tradition of bluegrass and old-time music with their own point of view, the Gibson Brothers create beautiful harmonies through exceptionally moving writing. In 1998, the Gibson Brothers won the IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year award. Their first single went to #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited album chart, and received acclaim on the Billboard chart as well.  Their next several songs were also hits and helped solidified the brothers’ reputation as singers, players, and songwriters.

August 9              ORLEANS               
                           Duke Island Park  7pm - 8:30pm

Orleans is an American icon pop-rock band whose hits include Dance With Me and Still The One.  After 30 years, they are still together playing strong.  Their top two hits have been collectively aired more than seven million times.  Come rediscover the band that made you feel so good way back when!  As Orleans says “We're Still Havin' Fun 'cause YOU ... our FANS ... are Still the Ones."

August 16            THE RAT PACK TRIBUTE
                           Duke Island Park  7pm - 8:30pm

The Rat Pack ruled Las Vegas and Hollywood in the 1950’s and 60’s. This special tribute show recreates their achievements as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin come to life in this nostalgic revue.  Relive all the hits!

August 23            JOHN SOMERS DREAM ORCHESTRA
                                    Duke Island Park 7pm- 8:30pm

The Somers Dream Orchestra plays golden oldie standards that always appeal to the audience. They have a corner on the jazz and big-band market and also interest the younger generation of swing-craze. They are packed with exciting vocalists, dynamic instrumental soloists, and blistering ensemble playing.

                                   
August 30            THE NEW RASCALS
                                    Duke Island Park  7pm - 8:30pm

The Rascals were the epitome of “blue-eyed soul.”  Among their many hits include Good Lovin’, How Can I Be Sure, Groovin’, and People Got to Be Free.

The 2009 Duke Island Park concerts are sponsored by: NJ Council on the Arts, Courier News, Hotel Sierra, Ethicon, DoubleTree, PSE&G and Skyland Community Bank.