By Eric San Juan
It’s not summer in Berkeley Township without music. The Summer Concert Series, which brings free live shows to the town throughout the season, will kick off this June, continuing a tradition that has been rocking residents since 1999.
Since that time, the only bump in the road has been Covid – and even then, town officials found a way to ensure the show went on, albeit with precautions in place.
Shows begin on June 28 and will continue until Berkeley Pride Day, scheduled for September 9.
These events come at no cost to the taxpayer.
“As always, the cost of the summer entertainment is funded by community and business donations,” Mayor Carmen Amato said. “These donations fund Berkeley Township’s entire Summer Concert Series, our Beach Party, Berkeley Community Pride Day and other summer events. The funds are also raised through the Mayor’s Golf Outing, our summer program book, and outdoor stage advertising.”
All shows take place Wednesdays at Veterans Park, 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr. Way, unless otherwise noted. The shows will also be emceed by local radio station WJRZ.
The fun begins June 28 at 6pm, with the vocal group Rock N' Rhythm doing Doo-Wop and contemporary to open the show. After that, the 1970s rock-inspired Super TransAm will headline, doing crowd favorites from bands like Queen and Journey.
“In honor of Independence Day, we will have a fabulous fireworks display to close the night,” Amato said.
On July 18, local vocal group Jukebox Legends will sing classics from the 1950s and ‘60s before the Bon Jovi tribute band, Wanted DOA, takes the stage to play hits from the New Jersey favorites.
"The look and sound of this band will make you feel like you’re at an actual Bon Jovi concert," Amato said.
On Saturday, August 12, the series movies to White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park, where The Verdict will offer a beach vibe from 5 to 8pm with a mix of reggae and Caribbean music.
One of the bigger events will be August 23, with the Night Out Against Crime. That night will feature two headliners: Gerard Esposito, will do big show music from the Broadway and Las Vegas states, then Garden State Radio will play rock and pop hits from the 1980s to today.
The day will also serve as an opportunity for local emergency services to reach out to the community. Representatives from the Berkeley Township Police Department, along with local first aid and fire departments, and other public safety officials, will have interactive and educational displays, fundraising events, and more. Families will be able to see fire engines and other gear up close, there will be games and prizes, and other attractions.
The summer concert series will be capped off on September 9 for Berkeley Township Community Pride Day, which will also include a recognition of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The day begins at 2pm with vendors, fundraisers by an array of local nonprofits and community groups, food and handmade products, and more. At 5pm, there will be a ceremony honoring those last on 9/11.
The music begins at 6pm with Stiletto & the Saxman doing Rat Pack classics and popular standards from multiple generations. At 7:30pm, The Infernos Band will close out the Summer Concert Series with crowd favorites from four decades of music. Finally, there will be fireworks at 9pm.
Beyond mere entertainment, the concerts also provide a way for local civic and charitable groups to raise funds. Nonprofit groups are invited to set up stands to sell food at the shows. Serving as food vendors, the proceeds help benefit the organizations, which in turn benefits the community.
“The Mayor and Council would like to take this time to thank our generous sponsors, without whom these concerts would not be possible,” Amato said. “Please come on out for a great summer of entertainment and don't forget to bring a chair!”
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including on-site advertising.
Visit www.BTREC.org under “concerts” for details
or call the Recreation Department at 732-269-4456.
This year’s Mayor’s Golf Outing, which raises money for the annual concert series, is set for Friday, September 29. Participation doesn’t just mean a round of golf, it also helps ensure this annual event keeps happening. To play in or sponsor the event, call the Recreation Department.