Essex County, NJ –Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to visit the Essex County Parks System and enjoy the 2024 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series. Upcoming events feature Here’s Elton, Danny V’s 52^nd Street Band, The Niche and Step by Step: A Tribute to Johnny Maestro.

 

“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.

 

Performing all of music legend Elton John's biggest hits, Russ Davis as "Elton" recreates the sights and sounds of Elton John himself. After hearing Bennie & the Jets at an early age, Davis formed his first band and has been performing ever since. Prior to forming the Here’s Elton Tribute Show, he performed with City Sounds, The Chimetones and Soul Groove. He has been entertaining music fans all over the Tri-State area for over 40 years. Here’s Elton will be held as follows:

 

 

Danny V's 52nd Street Band is a full-scale, six-piece, live concert show, re-creating the performances the "Piano Man" – Billy Joel. Led by pianist, singer and showman Dan Vechesky, known as Danny V, the 52nd Street Band is comprised of top New York City metro-area musicians driven to detail in re-creating Joel's music and live stage show. Touring nationally for over 20 years and counting, 52nd Street is the world's longest running tribute to Billy Joel. 52nd Street was even honored to open for Billy Joel himself at past tour pre-concert parties at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center Arena and Billy Joel's Broadway show smash, Movin' Out! Danny V’s 52^nd Street Band will perform as follows:

 

 

The Niche includes some of the area’s most elite singers and musicians. Their dynamic stage presence and powerful sound will create something special for all ages. They have an extensive repertoire that includes Sinatra, songs from the swing era to the late 1950s and ‘60s, the disco ‘70s, ‘80’s MTV hits and the 2000s. Their music will keep the audience on their feet and dancing. The concert featuring The Niche was postponed due to inclement weather and has been rescheduled as follows:

 

 

The Step by Step Band is a group of vocalists and musicians that perform Johnny Maestro’s hit songs from his time with the Crests through the Brooklyn Bridge. The group is not comprised of impersonators. They are professionals trying to keep Johnny Maestro’s music alive, including songs such as The Worst that Could Happen, Sixteen Candles, Gee, Step by Step, and many more. The group has performed at a number of theaters, township events and oldies concerts. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy Johnny Maestro’s music as you listen to the Step by Step band. This group is not affiliated with the Brooklyn Bridge. Step by Step: A Tribute to Johnny Maestro will be held as follows:

 

 

The SummerMusic Concert Series is being sponsored by Rose Squared Productions. 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. Individuals 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.