The Department of Parks & Recreation has announced the lineup for their summer concert series.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
The Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown Community House and MoorArts is proud to present the 2018 Moorestown Summer Concert Series. This partnership has been putting together concert series for several years, and this year promises to showcase a fantastic variety of musical acts. Some are new, some are fan favorites and many are from Moorestown’s resident talent.
Concerts are on Mondays, beginning in June and continuing through July. The concerts are for all ages and are free. The first two concerts on June 4 and June 11 will be held at the Perkins Center for Arts’ lawn at 6:30 p.m.
- On June 4, Perkins Center for the Arts’ house band “Vinyl Comes Alive” presents a concert featuring some of the greatest songs from the Motown era as well as artists and bands that populated the Stax and Atlantic Records sound. The night will feature songs by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave and Charles Bradley.
- On June 11, the Perkins Center for the Arts’ faculty and friends present a unique variety of music in styles from classical to jazz.
The remaining six concerts will be held on the lawn of the Community House. Start time is 6 p.m. beginning with children’s entertainment followed by the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m. Programs are for any age so feel free to come for the early show or have the kids stay for the later performance. Should it rain, concerts will be moved inside to the Community House ballroom, so no “rain dates” necessary. Feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs and pick up dinner on Main Street at one of Moorestown’s wonderful restaurants, and don’t forget the ice cream afterwards.
- On June 18:
Kid’s Stage: A History of American folk music will be presented by artist David Fry. Children learn about the historical role of folk music throughout American history and understand how this creative art form was a mobilizing force in society.
Main Stage: MoorArts is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that supports the arts in Moorestown’s Public Schools and the community. They provide scholarships for Moorestown High School seniors and grants for art projects in the school system. They will draw on the deep talent pool of Moorestown’s current and past students.
- On June 25:
Kid’s Stage: Jen Dunne, Moorestown Children’s Librarian, will be back by popular demand. Dunne will captivate the audience by reading and acting out stories.
Main Stage: Trouble with Plaid, a multi-generational, local Moorestown Band, known for three part harmonies and soft rock favorites will perform.
- On July 9:
This evening’s concert will be a solo, kids-centric performance by the dynamic Karen “Queen Nur” Abdul-Malik. She will have the stage from 6 to 7:30pm. It will also be an evening of children’s entertainment featuring folkloric storytelling titled “Sweet Potato Pie and Such” with “Queen Nur.” Queen Nur is a story-teller extraordinaire and teaching artist. Sweet Potato Pie is one of her signature works. She’ll have her drummer, Dwight James with her to keep young and old feet moving.
- On July 16:
Kid’s Stage: Ernie and Neal is a rockin’, dynamic musical experience. Their high-energy performance is infused with pure joy in performing live children’s music. They dub their act “music for the young mind.”
Main Stage: Collins Flynn Band, a Moorestown pop group (named after two streets in Moorestown) will play top hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Their songs range from Otis Redding to Three Dog Knight.
- On July 23:
Kid’s Stage: The Department of Parks and Recreation Children’s Theatre presents a preview of “Annie, Jr.” This production is just a teaser.
Main Stage: Steve Barbone Jazz Band will perform jazz, swing and American songbook music. This is a crowd pleasing band that will have you on your feet.
- On July 30:
Kid’s Stage: Perkins Children’s Flute Ensemble presents a musical menagerie of animal-inspired songs celebrating cats, birds, dogs, mice, elephants and (naturally) eagles.
Main Stage: The Wind Symphony of Southern New Jersey will transport attendees to Carneige Hall. Their music of trumpets, clarinets, oboes and flutes is magical and uplifting.
- On September 7:
The Adult Café will take place at the Moorestown Recreation Center on 3rd Floor at 7:30 p.m. Join the Midiri Brothers, a jazz ensemble, in a casual café setting. The Midiri brothers have performed their swing and big band jazz-inspired music across the country at clubs and festivals. Light refreshments will be served.
