By Joanne Ward
PISCATAWAY – Hundreds of teens from Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties with their friends and families are expected to attend the upcoming concert series featuring Catholic recording artist Tony Melendez, who has performed around the world.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, each of the four evening concerts will take place April 6 – 9 at parishes in South Plainfield, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy and East Brunswick. Two concerts will be performed in Spanish.
A Nicaraguan American guitar player, composer, singer and songwriter, Melendez was born without arms. His mother took Thalidomide while pregnant, which caused his disability and he learned to play the guitar with his feet. He has gained national recognition for his musical talent and devotion to his faith. During his visit to the U.S. in 1987, Pope John Paul II was visibly moved by Melendez’s performance.
“During each performance, Tony will share his insights on what it means to be ‘hope for others,’ said Javier Bustamante, director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “Through music and his own testimony, he will invite all members of his audience to view themselves through the eyes of God and rejoice in his undying mercy and love for each one of us.”
The concert schedule and contact information follows:
April 6 – Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield at 7 p.m.
Contact person: Dan Mahoney – [email protected]
April 7 – Saint Joseph Parish, New Brunswick (Spanish concert) at 7 p.m.
Contact person: Javier Bustamante – [email protected]
April 8 – Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy (Spanish concert) at 7 p.m.
Contact person: Javier Bustamante – [email protected]
April 9 – St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick at 7 p.m.
Contact person: Erin Jones – [email protected]
For more information, email the contact person listed for desired venue.

