I love free stuff. Who doesn’t? I especially love free events, I get all giddy when Bank of America’s Museums On Us program rolls around every month. So this edition of The Weekend is all about having free fun in Baristaville.
“If you don’t know me by now. You will never, never, never know me, Whooooa.” Man I love that song. If you do too, then Brookdale Park is the place to be tonight. Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes play as part of the Essex County Free SummerMusic Concert Series. The Blue Notes are one of the dynamic groups that came out of the Gamble and Huff Sound of Philadelphia Family and originally featured Teddy Pendergrass. In addition to their hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award, they have recordings of singles and albums that have reached Gold and Platinum status, such as “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck” and “Wake Up Everybody.”
SummerMusic Concert: Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes
Thursday, July 21at 7:30 pm
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield, NJ
Free
Another option is watching my all time favorite movie, Roman Holiday, at West Orange Public Library’s free screening and discussion. Pricess Ann is Hepburn’s best role in my opinion and Gregory Peck’s Joe Bradley is the epitomy of charm. Sometimes I just watch that last scene of the news conference and I’m transported to movie romance heaven.
Roman Holiday
Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 pm
West Orange Public Library, 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ
Free
Sing the Blues with Al Gold & the Suburban Rhythm Kings at Ruthie’s Bar-B-Q in Montclair. There is no cover and it’s BYO. Make sure to order the best Mac and Cheese around.
Al Gold & The Suburban Rhythm Kings at Ruthie’s
Friday, July 22 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Ruthie’s Bar-B-Q, 64 1/2 Chestnut Street, Montclair NJ, 07042
Free
Over at Spiotta Park in South Orange at the Downtown After Sundown Outdoor Concert series, Bossa 5 will play its smooth Samba rhythms. Before you go, mix up some Brazilian cocktails to get you in the mood.
Bossa 5 at Downtown After Sundown
Friday, July 15 at 7 pm
Spiotta Park, South Orange Avenue and Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ
Free
On Saturday, take in some art at New Jersey Arts Incubator Gallery. Pieced Together is a collection of works by members of Exhibitor’s Co-op is the latest exhibit featuring the work of clay sculptors and paper sculptors; photographers and digital artists; printers and scratchboard artists, all of whom like to make their mark.
Pieced Together exhibit
Saturday, July 23 from 1 pm – 5 pm
NJ Art Incubator Gallery, 495 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ.
Free
For more art, the Summit Festival of Fine Art & Crafts offers a juried outdoor event held in downtown Summit. A collection of artisans will be on hand to display and sell artwork in media including: clay, with artists such as: Crista Orefice, eight-year-old vocalist and 2011 winner of the “Young Talent Big Dreams” Contest, Biana Pinchuk, The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, West End Trio, Kristin Erret, The Chatham Brass Ensemble and Tony Christopher a New Jersey singer, songwriter and producer.
Summit Festival of Fine Art & Crafts
Sunday, July 24 from 11 am – 6 pm
Summit Downtown, along Beechwood Road and Union Place, Summit, NJ
Free
End your weekend with a Maplewood SummerMusic outdoor concert in Memorial Park. Maplewood Community Music offers up two of its ensembles to perform: Community Concert Band at 7 pm and Swing Town, Maplewood’s own 20-piece big band, at 8 pm. Bring the whole family and don’t forget a blanket/chairs, and a picnic and enjoy an evening concert in the park.
Maplewood SummerMusic Concert
Sunday, July 24 at 7 pm
Maplewood Memorial Park, at Dunnell Road & Oakview Avenue, Maplewood, NJ
Free
To see what else is going on in Baristaville, make sure to check our calendar.