On Friday nights, Kings Highway will be closed from Haddon Avenue to Tanner Street, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be alive with people, dancing and music.
Once again, downtown Haddonfield will be filled with music as the Rotary Club of Haddonfield is hosting its annual summer concert series.
Residents can enjoy free summer concerts every Friday night in July at 7 p.m. The concerts will last about an hour.
“These concerts are almost like a small town picnic with music. It’s held right in our downtown area and it’s a lot of fun. Hopefully a lot of people come out and have a good time,” coordinator of the Rotary Club Summer Concerts Frank Carr said.
The Rotary Club of Haddonfield, founded in 1927, has been sponsoring these concerts for more than 30 years. As its year starts in July, this is one of its first events, and it is a great way to start off the year.
“For us, it is a community service project, projects that give back. Obviously, giving back to the community is what we are all about, so that is what we do,” Carr said. “We’re glad to do it. It is definitely a fun and exciting event.”
Each year, the Rotary Club tries to offer a variety of musical entertainment. This year, it has bands playing in different styles from reggae to Motown to rock and roll.
The line-up includes:
•Friday, July 10: “Beg, Borrow & Steel,” a mixture of Caribbean rock and reggae music.
•Friday, July 17: “The Mango Men,” popular Jimmy Buffet-style music and especially popular with children of all ages.
• Friday, July 24: “Mother Zeta,” with music inspired by The Grateful Dead, which is very timely as they are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
• Friday, July 31: “All Souled Out,” with some funky Motown music.
“We always try to mix it up. There are a lot of good bands this year. I really like them,” Carr said.
Those attending are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets so they can sit and enjoy the show. However, there is no need to sit the whole time, as dancing is also encouraged.
All the concerts are family friendly.
“The bands we choose know we have an audience that runs from diapers to 80 year olds, so they try to appeal to all audiences,” Carr said.
As the concerts are free, there are no tickets required. Anyone can come and enjoy the musical entertainment offered. Bottles of water will be given away at the concerts.
“It’s fun. I enjoy it. It’s definitely a highlight to see people enjoying themselves. It is an honor to represent the Rotary Club,” Carr said.
In the event of rain, concerts are cancelled.
For more information, visit the Rotary Club’s website at www.haddonfieldrotary.org or downtown Haddonfield’s page at www.downtownhaddonfield.com.
