Free Summer Concert Schedule In Somerset County

For further information on the concerts, please call 908 722-1200.  Individuals with hearing/speech impairments may call the Relay Service at 711. 

Over the weekends, in case of threat of inclement weather please call 908 722-1200 ext. 7.

Sunday, June 29         ALMOST QUEEN

                                    Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Almost Queen is the real deal!  This band has all the energy and spectacle of a live Queen stage production, with effects and costumes that aptly frame the seasoned musicians who provide an authentic "Queen experience".  The band boasts a string of sold out performances at major rock festivals both in the USA and internationally. They proudly present the penultimate live Queen concert. Concert sponsor is the Courier News

Friday, July 4             Fourth of July Family Festival featuring

                                    Philadelphia Funk Authority and Fillet of Soul

                                    North Branch Park  5:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Philadelphia Funk Authority kicks off Independence Day in North Branch Park with a broad range of great hits to get everyone up and moving.  Everything is fair game from Motown to pop and jazz to disco and current top 40 hits.  Then, after 30 years, Fillet of Soul, hailing from Hackensack NJ is back in R&B action!  Their repertoire includes covers of Sly and the Family Stone, Joe Cocker, and so many others.  Other highlights of the day include children’s activities, historical re-enactments, and fireworks. Sponsorship provided by the Courier News.

Sunday, July 13          THE STYLISTICS

                                    Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

The Stylistics have been the most consistent hit makers in Soul Music.  They have produced classics hits that rocketed to the top of the charts and crossed over the pop and R&B charts over and over again.  Their timeless romantic ballads including You Are Everything, Betcha By Golly Wow, and People Make the World Go Round, Break Up To Make Up, You’ll Never Get to Heaven, and the ever-famous You Make Me Feel Brand New.  Without a doubt, The Stylistics are the most sought after soul balladeers.  Don’t miss this night! Concert sponsor is Hyatt House.

Sunday, July 20           Time Machine

                                    Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Time Machine has been together for more than 30 years and has made thousands of events rock from start to finish.  They will have the audience dancing and moving from the first song to the end of the concert!  Primarily a dance band, they cover current top 40 hits to the golden oldies of the past, including Motown, Disco, Swing, Country, Latin, Italian, and Oldies.  Bring your dancing shoes! Concert sponsor is Hyatt House

Sunday, July 27          HOTEL CALIFORNIA                     

                                    Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Hotel California is an incredible “Salute to the Eagles".  By blending their extraordinary vocal and musical talents, they reproduce the sound of the Eagles while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium.  Each concert presents an exciting showcase of The Eagles mega-hits such as Take it Easy, Heartache Tonight,Love will Keep Us Alive, and Hotel California. The group also performs select titles from the solo works of Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh. So join a trip down a dark desert highway, feel the cool wind in your hair, and experience the Grammy Award winning sounds that defined a generation. Concert sponsor is WMGQ.

Sunday, August 3        18th Annual Bayou Fest at Duke Island Park featuring

                                    ZYDEGROOVE  5:30 P.M.- 6:30 P.M.

ZydeGroove plays a Deep Groovin' Zydeco with "Old-School" flavor. The band has a great repertoire culled from years of immersion in Cajun and Zydeco – it's a mix of good old fashioned Zydeco that's a blast to make everyone dance!

                        BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

EveryBuckwheat show is filled with rocking, stomping, good time Creole party music. The New York Times says, “Stanley ‘Buckwheat’ Dural leads one of the best bands in America. USA Today calls him “a zydeco trailblazer.”  The band has performed at the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and at both of President Clinton’s inaugurations. Concert sponsor is Hyatt House.

Sunday, August 10     CARLOS COLINA & STRAIGHT UP

Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Carlos Colina & Straight Up have created a sound at the ‘Intersection of Jazz & Blues’ where they parlay an eclectic blend of the two genres. Led by charismatic frontman Carlos Colina (vocals/harmonica), the group has been wowing audiences with their show for two decades. Performing their original compositions and interpretations of standards, Carlos Colina & Straight Up builds upon the legacy of the great Chicago harmonica masters with a sound that is both traditional and fresh. Concert sponsor is the Courier News.

August 17                    JOBONANNO & THE GODSONS OF SOUL

                                    Duke Island Park  7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Recently voted as one of the top ten bands Jersey bands, Jobonanno & The Godsons of Soul play songs with a twist they call “soul in rock-n-roll”. They have opened concerts for James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Bad Company, Mitch Ryder, Marshall Tucker, and Gary US Bonds.   They have also played for several local area fundraisers to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s Disease, and ALS.  Their sound and style has been compared to another successful Jersey band – Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.  Be forewarned…because as they sing, Get Readycause they’re coming! Concert sponsor is WMGQ.

August 24                    JOHN KUSE & THE EXCELLENTS AND

BOB MIRANDA & THE HAPPENINGS     

                                    Duke Island Park  5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

More than 50 years ago, John Kuse and the Excellents recorded their smash hit Coney Island Baby.   They are still singing it with the same passion and charm.  Their doo-wop sounds will thrill you!  The Happenings virtually exploded onto the national charts in May 1966 with their first single release, See You In September. The song quickly spiraled up the charts to become an international #1 record throughout the entire summer. The Happenings, continued their hits with Go Away Little Girl andBye, Bye, So Long, Farewell, and I Got Rhythm.  What a great way to end the summer! Concert sponsoir is the Courier News.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.