Upcoming Events Feature Concerts by Bradford Hayes, David Cedeno and His Orchestra, Gordon James, Constatine and The Frequency and New Power Soul and the Ivy Hill Food and Music Festival
 
Essex County, NJ –Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to visit the Essex County Parks System and enjoy the 2021 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series. Upcoming events feature concerts by Bradford Hayes, David Cedeno and His Orchestra, Gordon James, Constatine and The Frequency and New Power Soul and the Ivy Hill Food and Music Festival.
 
“Our Free Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage in venues throughout our historic Essex County Park System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze and dance to the sounds of classical, rock and roll, jazz, big band, Latin and more,” DiVincenzo said.
 
Bradford Hayes
Bradford Hayes has been a force on the jazz scene in northeastern United States for several years. In addition to leading his own band and performing with The Spirit of Life Ensemble, Hayes spent 15 years with Babatunde Olatunki’s Drums of Passion Band and served as musical director for three years. A highlight of his career was performing with Mr. Olatunki at Yankee Stadium during Nelson Mandela’s historical trip to the United States after his release from prison. Hayes also has been music educator in the Newark Public Schools. Bradford Hayes will perform as follows:
 
                        Date:               Monday, August 16, 2021
                        Time:              7 p.m.
                        Place:             Essex County Veterans Memorial Park, West Market Street, Newark, NJ 
 
David Cedeno and His Orchestra
David Cedeno and His Orchestra plays a large variety of music, including Latin Salsa, Latin Jazz, merengue, ballads, waltz and oldies from the 1950s with a Latin Salsa beat, a specialty of the band leader. Some of his international hits have been “Lady in Red,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Some Where” and “Sealed with a Kiss.” David Cedeno and His Orchestra will perform as follows:
 
Date:               Tuesday, August 17, 2021
                        Time:              7 p.m.
Place:             Essex County Riverbank Park, Market Street and Somme Street, Newark, NJ
 
Gordon James
Gordon James is a New Jersey-based jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player, and popular composer and performer. His style of play has been compared to that of Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Chuck Mangione. James has been featured in festivals across the state, including The Newark Jazz Festival, Asbury Park Jazz Fest and the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival. He rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his first CD Candlelight Love. From there, James continued to work with top artists to release three more CDs. Gordon James will perform as follows: 
 
                        Date:               Wednesday, August 18, 2021
                        Time:              7 p.m.
                        Place:             Essex County Watsessing Park
                                                Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street, Bloomfield, NJ
 
Constantine and The Frequency
Headlining the band is Constantine Maroulis, an accomplished actor, producer, singer and songwriter best known for his Tony-nominated performance in “Rock of Ages” and his epic run as a finalist on “American Idol. Also performing are band members Paul Di Leo, Cory and Eric Pensa, and Meghan LaFlam. Constantine and The Frequency will perform as follows:
 
                       Date:               Thursday, August 19, 2021
                        Time:              7:30 p.m.
                        Place:             Essex County Brookdale Park
                                                Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield
                                                Bellevue Avenue, Bloomfield
 
New Power Soul: Classic Rock
New Power Soul has been performing together for over 20 years. They have a diverse playlist that includes songs by The Beatle, Elvis Presley, Etta James, Rod Stewart, Nora Jones, Big Mountain, the Jackson Five, Alicia Keys and more. New Power Soul will perform as follows:
 
Date:               Friday, August 20, 2021
Time:              7:30 p.m.
Place:             Essex County Brookdale Park
                                                Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ, Bellevue Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ
 
Ivy Hill Food and Music Festival
The International Food and Music Festival, hosted by the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association, has been presented annually for over 20 years. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Rain date is Sunday, August 22nd. It will be held as follows:
 
Date:               Saturday, August 21, 2021
                        Time:              12 Noon to 8 p.m.
Place:             Essex County Ivy Hill Park, Mount Vernon Place, Newark, NJ
 
The SummerMusic Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The series is also made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
 
Concerts are held at accessible sites. Persons who require special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least two weeks prior to the concert to alert staff as to their needs. Admission to the concerts is free. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑268-3500.