MONROE — The township’s Music in the Park concert series launches this week with the first of six free outdoor concerts.
The annual series, hosted by the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, brings varied styles of live music to the open grove gazebo at Thompson Park, off Perrineville Road, at 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
The series kicks off July 11 with salsa performers Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso.
“The key is to keep the acts lively, because we want people to get up and dance. Peppy, feel-good music is good outdoor music,” Councilwoman Leslie Koppel said. “People love to sing along, to relive their youth and dance.”
The Random Test Reggae Band will perform on July 18, followed by the Claudio Roditi Group on July 25; The True Tones on Aug. 1; the George Manikas Mediterranean Ensemble on Aug. 8; and Aztec Two-Step on Aug. 15.
“You can come each week and the feel is very different,” Koppel said.
The doo-wop, folk rock and jazz acts are well-received every year, she said. The reggae and Mediterranean acts are new to the lineup this year.
“The bands are always good, and the cultural arts commission is always good about booking new bands,” Koppel said. “There’s a little something for everyone. Each week brings a different audience.”
In the event of rain, the concerts are held at the Monroe Township Senior Center, 12 Halsey Reed Road.
For more information, visit www.monroetownshipculturalarts.com.