There will be music on the street again when METUCHEN ROCKS!, Metuchen’s outdoor Summer Concerts Series, gets underway in August with a very exciting line up of some of the best bands, led by some of the best bands in New Jersey. The free concerts take place on Thursday nights in August at 7:30 p.m. on the Metuchen Summer Stage located on the corner of New and Center Streets in downtown Metuchen.
Scheduled to appear are: Carrie Jackson & her Jazzin All Star Ensemble on August 11th; Miss Laurie Ann and her country band, The SaddleTones on August 18th; and, the indie rock band Lowlight with Renee Maskin on August 25th.
August may be hot, but on August 11th, Carrie Jackson will cool down the night as she swings and performs the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and the Great American Song Book. A native of Newark and a well-recognized veteran of the New Jersey Jazz scene, Ms. Jackson is known from Newark to Cape May for her singular jazz performances. A regular performer at Metuchen’s fall Jazzfest, the Metuchen Arts Council is pleased to welcome her and her Jazzin All Star Ensemble back, this time, to the Metuchen Summer Stage. (www.cjayrecords.com )
On August 18th, it’s time for some good old down home country music courtesy of Miss Laurie Ann & The SaddleTones. Miss Laurie Ann, who hails from Irvington, NJ, was raised on a steady diet of Hank Williams, swing and the blues. She started writing songs at an early age that tell stories of love that’s come and gone. Her music style is “American Music” combining elements of traditional country, 50’s rhythm and blues, rockabilly and the blues. There will be plenty of room for dancing should the spirit move you. (www.thesaddletones.com ).
On August 25th, Metuchen native Renee Maskin takes the stage with her band Lowlight. Growing up in this small town where train whistles are as common as bird songs, Lowlight’s music relies heavily on themes of travel and restlessness in their lyrics. Blending influences of outlaw country, progressive rock and danceable pop, Lowlight has a unique sound that lends itself perfectly to a hot August night.
The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. on August 11th, 18th and 25th and take place on the Metuchen Summer Stage located on the corner of New and Center Streets in downtown Metuchen. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held inside the Metuchen Senior Center at the same location.
There is plenty of free parking. Concertgoers are encouraged exploring, experience and enjoying dinner options available at the many fine Metuchen restaurants. For a complete list visit www.downtownmetuchen.org.
This free concert series is sponsored by the Metuchen Arts Council and Metuchen Recreation with generous support from the Metuchen Savings Bank. It is also funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholder, Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission, with assistance through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Dept. of State.
For more information about the Metuchen Rocks! Concerts contact Nancy Goldberg at (732)632-8502 or visit the Metuchen Arts Council website at www.metuchenarts.com. For a full calendar of summer arts programs in Metuchen, log onto www.boroughimprovementleague.org.