Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to visit the Essex County Park System and enjoy the 2016 Essex County Free SummerMusic Concert Series. Upcoming events feature Jersey Sound, the Frank Valdes Quartet, the Frank Piombo Quartet, The Infernos, an International Food and Music Festival and a Latino Festival.
“Our Free Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage in venues throughout our historic Essex County Park System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze and dance to the sounds of classical, rock and roll, jazz, big band, Latin and more. We have an outstanding line-up that is sure to entertain and impress,” DiVincenzo said.
Jersey Sound
Jersey Sound is one of the Tri State area’s premier oldies band, known for its versatility and talented members. The band puts its own spin on the music industry by giving the audience a combination of music genres creating delectable sounds the ear can only imagine. They offer an eclectic blend of classic Oldies, Classic Rock, Motown, R&B, British Invasion and Pop. With the very best vocalists and a killer rhythm section holding it all together, The “Jersey Sound” experience is one you will never forget. Jersey Sound will perform as follows:
Date: Monday, August 8, 2016
Times: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells, NJ
Frank Valdes Quartet
Frank Valdes is a percussionist, composer and vocalist. He currently tours with the Machito Orchestra, the Richie Cecere Orchestra, The Shirelles, The Dalton Gang, Ensalada de Pulpo Quartet, Aura Quartet, Gordon James Quintet and his own solo music project Boricua Zone. Valdes has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Toots Theilsman and Art Blakey. He will perform as follows:
Date: Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Times: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Riverfront Park, Raymond Boulevard and Brill Street, Newark, NJ
Frank Piombo
Born and raised in Libya, Tripoli, to Italian parents, music was a constant in Frank Piombo’s life. When he was young, he was an avid accordion player and learned the guitar when his family immigrated to the United States and he was influenced by the music of the late 1950s and 1960s. A highly regarded Jazz guitarist, Piombo has enjoyed an impressive portfolio, appearing as lead guitarist and vocalist alongside Sidewalk Symphony, The Fantasy Band, Stepping Out, The New Prince Band, US & Co. and the original Infernos, and shared the with the likes of The Duprees, The Mello Kings, Vito and the Salutations, and Vito and the Elegants. He will perform as follows:
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Times: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Verona Park, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ
The Infernos
Known as “America’s #1 Show Band,” The Infernos’ vast repertoire includes all genres of music including Big Band, Oldies, Motown and today’s top chart busters. Bobby Wells, former member and musical director of The Duprees, is the leader of the band and provides keyboard and background vocals. Formerly of The Commodores, lead singer Kenny Simmons brings a powerful voice and showmanship that is sure to engage the audience. The Infernos will perform as follows:
Date: Friday, August 12, 2016
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Brookdale Park, Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ, Bellevue Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
The International Food and Music Festival
The International Food and Music Festival brings the Ivy Hill neighborhood together to celebrate with food and music. There will be entertainment, food and fellowship. The International Food and Music Festival is co-sponsored by the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association. It will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2016
Times: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: Essex County Ivy Hill Park, Mount Vernon Place, Newark, NJ
Latino Festival
The 2016 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series continues with a Latino Festival, co-sponsored by the City of Orange Township. It will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2016
Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: Essex County Monte Irvin Orange Park, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange, NJ
The SummerMusic Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and TD Bank. The series is also made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
Concerts are held at accessible sites. Persons who require special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least two weeks prior to the concert to alert staff as to their needs. Admission to the concerts is free. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑239-2485.
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 22 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, Treetop Adventure Course, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.
