This summer, Flood's Hill in Meadowland Park in South Orange will once again host the annual Free Concerts in the Park Series.
"For five consecutive Wednesdays starting July 2nd, a wide range of bands will provide entertainment for the whole family, ranging from jazz to reggae to 80s, 90s and today", a press release reported.
Slated food vendors include Pizza Vita of Summit, St. James Gate of Maplewood, and Miele's Concessions. St. James Gate will serve lobster rolls and barbecue smoked ribs, and Miele's Concessions will serve pretzels, hot dogs, funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, and other snacks.
All concerts are free, and begin at 7:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair.
The summer concerts are presented by the Township of South Orange Village, Baird Community Center, and the South Orange Performing Arts Center, and is made possible in part by funding from BCB Community Bank and Maplecrest Ford-Lincoln of Union.
The schedule, which is subject to change is as follows:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 - DUB PROOF
Reggae
Dub Proof is a groove-oriented band hailing from Asbury Park, NJ. The group is known for its freewheeling shows of roots reggae, funky dub, and classic reggae covers. Dub Proof's music incorporates the social conscience of Bob Marley, the irresistible dance-ability of George Clinton funk, and the deep grooves and fresh originality of 70's dub reggae. “Dub Proof … brings the free-form vibe of dub to a live music setting for island-flavored reggae grooves.” (The Courier News)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 MAX HEADROOM
80’s
Tribute Max Headroom - "a totally rad Journey through the 80’s." Quickly becoming the areas must see 80's tribute act, Max Headroom is considered the "new kids on the block," proving that they can "rock onto Electric Avenue" with the best of them. Playing a full range of favorite 80's hits, complete with costumes, audience participation, and sing-alongs, a concert featuring Max Headroom is sure to be a blast from the past!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 - THE WISENHEIMERS
Rock, Pop & Top 40 Hits
The Wisenheimers are a New Jersey band that play an infectious set of rock, pop & Top 40 hits. With more than ten years performing, there is nothing this band can’t cover together.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 - JOHN LEE & FRIENDS
Jazz
Bassist, composer, educator and producer, John Lee is the co-founder of Jazz Legacy Productions and also serves as the executive director of the Dizzy Gillespie™ All-Stars and All-Stars Big Band with whom he performs regularly. A resident of South Orange, NJ, John has played in the bands of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, Larry Coryell, Joe Henderson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 - ROCK THE HILL
Rock
As part of the Rock the House series, Rock the Hill has been delighting audiences on Flood’s Hill for five years with its eclectic mix of local and visiting garage rock bands.
In addition, the South Orange Village Center Alliance hosts the Downtown After Sundown concert series at Spiotta Park and Sloan Street every Friday and Saturday from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. The concerts will continue until Labor Day.