The Somerset County Park Commission has scheduled summer Sunday evening free music performances in Duke Island Park on Old York Road in Bridgewater.
All concerts, with the exception of the July 31 Bayou Fest, are scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Music lovers are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets.
This concert series is made possible by the donation of the Somerset County Park Foundation, with contributing funding from Magic 98.3 WMGQ, Hyatt House Branchburg, the Courier-News and Horizon Services.
For information on the concerts, call 908-722-1200. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may call the relay service at 711. On weekends, in case of threat of inclement weather, call 908-722-1200, ext. 7.
The schedule:
July 10: The band Beginnings performs a tribute to the band Chicago. Beginnings’ depth of talent is focused on Chicago’s five number-1 albums and 20 top ten hits. Their performances recreate every decade of the band’s hits. Beginnings’ music is pleasing to music lovers of all ages.
July 17: Yeehaw, “a smokin’ country band,” whose members have all been musicians who toured with Adam Lambert, Blue Oyster Cult and My Chemical Romance. Lead male and female singers perform all of the songs currently at the top of the charts. This is a sing-a-long concert for all country fans.
July 24: For the past several years, Joseph Leo Bwarie starred as Frankie Valli in the Broadway production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” and was heralded by critics for his soaring vocals as the falsetto-voiced pop icon. He has performed the role longer than any other actor, with more than 2,000 performances.
July 31: The 20th annual Bayou Fest from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The dance band Zydeco-A-Go-Go plays from 5:30 to 6:30. Zydeco with a blend of Cajun two-steps, New Orleans rhythm and blues, and Louisiana rock & roll.
CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band takes the stage from 7 to 8:30. Son of the Zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier, C.J.’s music only embraces traditional Zydeco, and stretches the genre to include elements of funk, Southern Soul, R&B, rock and jazz. He’s labeled “the best living Zydeco singer and accordionist” by Living Blues magazine.
Aug. 7: Led by New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe “Zook” Zuccarello, Blues DeLuxe has performed in local pubs and joined world famous artists, including Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Sam and Dave, and Junior Walker & The All Stars. Blues DeLuxe includes horn players, keyboardists, and the occasional blues harp.
Aug. 14: 3rd annual Doo-Wop and food truck fest presents “Tramps Like Us,” in a Springsteen tribute. A variety of food trucks will sell a range of culinary delights beginning at 5 p.m. Tramps Like Us brings more than 25 years of musicianship and has won kudos as the most revered Bruce Springsteen tribute band. It is the only tribute band to be endorsed by the official Springsteen E Street radio station on Sirius XM.
Information on all Park Commission activities and programs may be found online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.
