FREEHOLD — Drummer Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez and soul singer and songwriter Paul Whistler will perform as part of the Sunday Night Jazz and Blues Concert Series sponsored by the Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC) from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the gazebo on Main Street.
Lopez, of Jackson, is a founding member of the E Street Band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April as a member of the band.
Lopez and Whistler have joined forces as the duo Dawg Whistle. Their performance will close the FBAC’s concert series.
FBAC Vice President Brian Sullivan said attendance at the Sunday night concerts has doubled in its second season.
“We are proud to announce that we will be finishing the season with special guests Vini Lopez and Paul Whistler,” he said. “It is a great way to end the season.”
FBAC President Jeff Friedman said, “We are so excited to have Vini Lopez and Paul Whistler play for the season finale of the council’s Summer Jazz and Blues Series. These wonderful concerts could not be made possible without the hard work of our board members Brian Sullivan and Dru- Anne Palaima.”
He said the season has offered an excellent mix of jazz and blues artists from around the area.
“Many of the artists have never played Freehold and others have been back by popular demand. FBAC trustee Dru-Anne Palaima and volunteer Amy Caro Brown have done a terrific job of using their connections and bringing these artists to town,” Friedman said.
Kati Beddow Brower will perform at the gazebo on Aug. 31 from 7-9 p.m.
Palaima said Lopez was happy to help the arts council “expand its music series.”
The artists are paid through the generosity of concert series sponsors.
“The FBAC is a nonprofit organization and this series could not be possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors, Russell Brokstein of Hometown Family Wellness, Investors Bank, Linda Fascio, DowntownFreehold.com, Poshe Socials and the Masons Olive Branch Lodge No. 16,” Friedman said.