BY LAUREN MATTHEW
Staff Writer
OLD BRIDGE – The sounds of summer will return to Geick Park when the township kicks off its annual concert series next month.
The Old Bridge Cultural Arts Committee has four shows planned for the 2006 Summer Concert Series, along with something new this year – the ice arena parking lot will be turned into a drive-in movie theater for two nights. The first movie, “The Mummy Returns,” is set for June 30.
The concert series, which begins July 12, will return to Geick Park, Route 516. Due to construction last year, the shows were held at Veteran’s Park.
“We’re looking forward to bringing everyone back to Geick,” said Cultural Arts Committee Chairwoman Sharon Collucci.
The concert series opens with a performance by Mushmouth, a band that Collucci described as “a good get-up-and-dance band.” The band has established a rapport with local audiences, thanks to several performances at Old New York, also on Route 516, and their show last October at Old Bridge Day.
The group, which was formed in 1996 and whose members live in various parts of New Jersey, plays an eclectic mix of covers that often catch their audience by surprise and always inspire dancing.
“Mushmouth is honored to kick off the Old Bridge Summer Concert Series this year,” said guitarist Doug Edwards, of West Orange. “The band was well received by the residents of Old Bridge at last year’s fall festival, and we’re looking forward to a great time on July 12.”
Such occasions are a nice change from the bar scene the band is used to playing, and a good chance for younger people to enjoy their show.
“These events are great because we get to play in front of people of all ages. Kids really get a kick out of our singer, Bill Gallacher [of Toms River] and his crazy dancing,” Edwards said.
On July 19, the B-Street Band will perform classic Bruce Springsteen tunes. And a double concert featuring Zanzibar and Shirley Alston Reeves is planned for July 26. Collucci described Zanzibar as “the Old Bridge house band,” and noted that Reeves, formerly of the Shirelles, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bennie and the Jets, a tribute to the music of Elton John, will take the stage Aug. 2.
The Cultural Arts Committee will also hold a raffle at the concerts at no charge to attendees.
“Everyone’s got a chance to win some really great prizes,” Collucci said.
Concession stands will also be selling refreshments.
Concert-goers should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs for the shows. Onsite parking is available, and overflow parking is available at the adjacent Old Bridge High School.
The summer fun will extend to the big screen with the township’s two drive-in movies, also featuring a hometown spin.
“We put together a little newsreel of what’s going on in Old Bridge,” Collucci noted.
The committee wants to make the drive-in as much like an old-fashioned movie outing as possible. Fresh popcorn and hot dogs will be available, she said, and for those who really want to get comfortable, Collucci suggested wearing pajamas.
A second movie night is scheduled for Aug. 30, but Collucci said a film for that evening has yet to be chosen. The committee is seeking a movie that will be “family-friendly.”
Drive-in gates will open at 7 p.m. each night, with films beginning at 8:30. Cost is $10 per car or $1 per lawn seat.
At both the drive-in and the concerts, there will be an opportunity for people to sign up for a walk-a-thon that will be held Sept. 16. The event will benefit a township girl who has Huntington’s disease.
For more information or to find out if a show is canceled due to bad weather, call (732) 721-5600, ext. 2190.