The weekend begins tonight! Put your dancing shoes on tonight, because New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) kicks off The Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City—a free outdoor concert series, which returns to Theater Square in July and August for eight open air concerts. The same concert series in 2012 attracted 4,000 to 6,000 attendees each Thursday night, and this year’s line-up includes some of the most popular artists of hip-hop, reggae, Latin music, funk and world music. Leading off the series tonight will be the return of the popular Rhythm Revue Dance Party with Felix Hernandez, complete with a dance floor and all of the classic soul and R&B favorites heard each week on Hernandez’s popular radio show. Rhythm Revue, which airs on both WBGO-FM and WBLS-FM, is now in its 27th year and has been heralded by New York magazine as the “Best Radio Show” in the Big Apple. Sounds of the City performances are held between 5 pm and 10 pm on Thursday nights from July 11 through August 29. Look forward to naught By Nature, Sheila E, Shaggy, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and more!
Rhythm Revue Dance Party with Felix Hernandez
Thursday, July 11 from 5 pm – 10 pm
NJPAC, One Centre Street, Newark, NJ
Free
On Friday night, you can go to Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza in Montclair to enjoy the music of The Lonesome Prairie Dogs, a band of “rockin’ hillbillies” who play the music of Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and other greats of country, rockabilly, rock ‘n roll and related genres, plus their own original compositions. Described by one observer as “super vintage,” The Lonesome Prairie Dogs aim roughly for a Sun sound, with a lineup of Steve “Luke” Lonesome on acoustic guitar and vocals, “Hellcat” Heidi Lonesome on upright bass and vocals, “GUItar” Mike Lonesome on Telecaster, and Jun “Sticks” Lonesome on snare and cymbal.
The Lonesome Prairie Dogs
Friday, July 12 from 7 pm – 9 pm
Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza, 64 1/2 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042
BYO and no cover
Maplewoodstock is a two day festival tis weekend of local music and arts put on by the Maplewood community. What started in 2004 as a one day even with a few local bands, has evolved to a two day extravaganza, with food and arts vendors, a KidsZone, and headline regional and national music acts. And it all takes place this weekend! There’s a lot going on at Maplewoodstock, especially for kids, but it’s really all about the music. This free event, at Memorial Park (right across from the Maplewood train station), will feature lots of talent throughout the day. Headliners include Joan Osborne, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution, and The Iguanas. And great vendors and plenty of food!
Maplewoodstock 2013
Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 from 12 pm – 9 pm
Memorial Park, Valley Street and Oakland Road, Maplewood, NJ
Free
Dave Stryker’s Trio returns to Hat City Kitchen in Orange playing music from Dave’s new CD “Blue to the Bone IV.” True to Orange’s history, HCK is a happy collaboration of art, urban planning, food and music. Striker has played with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff and many others and BTTB IV is his 24th CD as a leader. The Village Voice calls him “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Dave Stryker-guitar, Jared Gold-organ, McClenty Hunter-drums with very special guest Adam Nussbaum
Dave Striker Trio
Saturday, July 13 at 8 pm
Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange, NJ
$10 cover
Suay is Bastille Day and there are a few ways to celebrate. We told you about the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Bastille Day in Montclair at the beautiful Van Vleck House & Gardens here. You can also take a day trip to the gorgeous Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, where you can celebrate Bastille Day GFS-style with tours of the park featuring sculptures which recreate in 3D paintings by the French Impressionists while French-inspired melodies float through the landscape. Enjoy a class of wine and a Provencale picnic basket filled with delectable meats, cheese and French bread from The Peacock Café. Wear your beret on this day and receive half price admission!
Bastille Day at Grounds For Sculpture
Sunday, July 14 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Grounds For Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ
Free with park admission ($12). Advance reservations for picnic baskets are recommended by calling The Peacock Café at (609) 586-0616 ext. 111
Tierney’s Tavern in Monclair is celebrating Bastille Eve on Saturday night with music from Watoo, Watoo— pop band from Bordeaux, France, The Glenn Mercer Band, and The Thousand Pities.
Bastille Day Eve Concert: Watoo, Watoo, The Glenn Mercer Band, and The Thousand Pities
Saturday, July 13 beginning at 8:30 pm / Doors open at 8 pm
Tierney’s Tavern, 136 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ, 07042
$9 cover
Check out our calendar for all the happenings this weekend.