Summer concerts kick off

By: Jessica Beym, Staff Writer 06/30/2006

Series to feature music for all ages

The sound of music will echo across Brainerd Lake tonight (Friday) when the Board of Recreation kicks off its annual Summer Concert Series in Village Park.

The concerts, which are held near the park's gazebo, will begin at 7 p.m. and will last until about dusk. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at the United Methodist Church on North Main Street.

Both the young ones and the young at heart have a concert to look forward to this summer, said Beth Veghte, the Board of Recreation chairperson.

"There's something for everyone of all ages," Ms. Veghte said. "People can bring out blankets, or have a picnic before the concerts. It's really a pleasant way to spend an evening."

The concert series starts off tonight at 7 p.m. with an interactive children's concert by Dawnie and the Peanut Butter 'n Jammin' Band.

The show will feature a number of original songs written and performed by guitarist Dawnie. The songs, "Silly Critter Talk," "Dorothy Dolphin" and "Big Red Ball," give children a chance to interact and sing along with the music, Ms. Veghte said.

"The kids love it and they have a very good time. She plays guitar and does all kinds of dancing songs. She wears different hats and lets the kids play different percussion instruments. It's very interactive," Ms. Veghte said.

While tonight's concert is suited for families and younger kids — toddlers to elementary school children — there will be two other concerts in the park this summer that Ms. Veghte said should suit a more diverse crowd.

Stump, a three-piece band consisting of Princeton High School students Luke Brunskill and Kyle Walsh of Cranbury and Andrew Yedlin of Princeton, will perform in the park at 6:30 p.m. July 14.

After winning the Battle of the Bands on June 2, the young musicians were selected to perform as the opening act for the Acoustaholics.

Stump will play a combination of rock, grunge and bluegrass music.

The Acoustaholics, a three-piece band consisting of a bass guitar, drums and acoustic guitar and male and female vocalists, will play a number of popular hits. The band, which has performed at the City Streets Café on Route 130 in East Windsor and other venues in Brick and Denville, will begin at 7 p.m.

The band will play songs from artists such as John Mellencamp, Alanis Morissette, the Steve Miller Band, Janis Joplin, Dave Matthews and Michelle Branch.

Another concert to suit all ages and interests is the vintage music concert featuring Ken Lelen of Titusville. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. July 28 in the United Methodist Church on North Main Street.

Mr. Lelen will sing a number of ragtime songs and swing tunes popular during the '20s, '30s and '40s. Because Mr. Lelen performs with a collection of American-made vintage guitars that could be damaged by the weather, the concert will be held inside, Ms. Veghte said.

"We wanted to attract different age groups," Ms. Veghte said. "The vintage music is really for the whole span of people: the little kids, the teenagers, the adults. And the Acoustaholics appeal to everyone as well. It should be a really great time."

The concerts are free and open to the public and most will be held near the gazebo in Village Park, which is located on Maplewood Avenue.

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