Here are 19 things to do this weekend in North Jersey, including lots of free live music
As long as the weather holds out, you can enjoy tons of free outdoor live music in North Jersey this weekend.
There's Cyro Baptista's Brazilian music in Newark; jazz with the Jazz Faction in Millburn and Jazz Zone in Tenafly; rock hits from Your Mom's Hot in Little Falls; soul and rhythm-and-blues classics from Dr. K's Motown Revue at Overpeck Park and the Niche at Brookdale Park; an Elton John Tribute in Belleville; a Rolling Stones tribute in Midland Park; and a Bon Jovi tribute in Florham Park. And look no further than Lyndhurst for an entire weekend of outdoor music with two bands per night!
Indoor live concerts include music from off-Broadway's "Soul Searching" at Teaneck's Debonair Music Hall, the Moody Blues' John Lodge at State Theatre in New Brunswick, David Bernz playing the music of (and telling stories about) Pete Seeger at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck.
If you want to party festival style, with lots of food trucks, there's a food truck festival in Pequannock, the big Meadowland Pace event at the racetrack, Boardwalk at the Borough in Lodi, and the Caribbean/Latino Block Party and Health Fair in Nutley.
Plus, with yoga at South Mountain and a movie under the stars ("Wonka") in Fort Lee, there's something for everyone on these warm summer nights. See below for all the details and the weather forecast, and enjoy your weekend!
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North Jersey weather forecast for July 11-14
According to the National Weather Service:
Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low in the mid-70s and a 50 percent chance of showers overnight.
Friday: Partly sunny with a high in the mid-80s, but showers are likely, with a possible thunderstorm, in the afternoon and evening. Low in the mid-70s.
Saturday: Partly sunny with a high in the upper 80s, but a chance of showers, with thunderstorms possible, in the aftenoon and evening. Low in the low 70s.
Sunday: Sunny with a high in the mid-90s. Mostly clear at night, low in the mid-70s.
Jazz Faction trio in Millburn
Live Jazz Thursdays with the Jazz Faction begin this week and continue every Thursday through Aug. 22 at the Carriage House in Millburn. The Jazz Faction have been performing at clubs, restaurants and festivals for more than 20 years. The trio consists of piano, bass, and drums and performs standard jazz fare, jazzy versions of contemporary tunes and more.
Go: The Jazz Faction at the F.M. Kirby Carriage House at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Free admission, two item minimum. Indoors or outdoors, weather permitting. my.papermill.org, 973-376-4343.
Yoga for Adults at South Mountain
Essex County celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with free weekly Wellness on the Waterfront activites at the South Mountain Recreation Complex, including Yoga for Adults for the next three Thursdays. These classes are suitable for both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Classes are held rain or shine.
Go: Yoga for Adults at South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane in West Orange. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. essexcountynj.org.
Your Mom's Hot in Little Falls
The Summer Concert Series 2024 & Marketplace, presented by Little Falls Alliance for a Better Community, takes place on Thursdays through August. Your Mom's Hot is a band that will play the top hits of the cassette generation this Thursday.
Go: Your Mom's Hot at Memorial Park, Main Street and Wilmore Road. In case of rain, the show will move to the Civic Center, 19 Warren St. Thursday. Marketplace starts at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7.
Cyro Baptista's Chama - free outdoor concert
New Jersey Performing Arts Center's free outdoor concert series continues on Thursday in Newark with Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista. Artists such as Sting, Paul Simon and Trey Anastasio have worked with Baptista. His musical creation, Chama, is a whimsical, nonstop carnivalesque journey around the world.
Grab a bite or drink from local vendors, dance and enjoy the party in the festival atmosphere of the Horizon Sounds of the City series.
Go: Cyro Baptista's Chama at Chambers Plaza on the grounds of NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. 6 p.m. Thursday. Free. njpac.org, 888-696-5722.
Dr. K's Motown Revue at Overpeck
Music at Overpeck, part of the Movies & Music in the Park series presented by the Bergen County Department of Parks, kicks off with '60s Motown music on Thursday. Bring chairs/blankets.
The band is made up of seven musicians and five vocalists who recreate the sounds of the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Junior Walker, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Mary Wells. ??
Go: Dr. K's Motown Revue at the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park. Thursday at 7 p.m. Free. drksmotownrevue.com.
Jazz Zone in Tenafly
Tenafly's 2024 Summer Concert Series is underway. Jazz Zone will bring contemporary jazz to the Huyler Park on Thursday. Bring a lawn chair.
Go: Jazz Zone at Huyler Park, Hillside Avenue and Piermont Road. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be relocated to the Tenafly High School auditorium. 7 p.m. Thursday. tenaflynj.org.
Elton John tribute in Belleville
Enjoy a 90-minute tribute to the music Elton John with a performance by Here's Elton on Thursday, part of Belleville's Summer Family Fun series presented by Mayor Michael Melham and the Township Council. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Russ Davis recreates the sights and sounds of Elton with more than 40 years of experience, along with a five-piece band.
Go: Here's Elton at Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave. 7 p.m. Thursday. Gather at 6:30. bellevillenj.org.
Selections from the new rock musical 'Soul Searching'
Ilana Schimmel, Leora Lerner, Esti Mellul, Sierra Fisher and Eitan Hiller will perform selections from "Soul Searching" at Debonair Music Hall in phase two of the redevelopment of the acclaimed off-Broadway show.
In "Soul Searching," Brenda, a 30-year-old single Upper West Side New Yorker, finds herself on a comedicand poignant search for her soul-mate with help from her three married friends, all engulfed in relationship troubles of their own. The score is infused with funk, rock and reggae. Music and lyrics by Avi Kunstler; book and additional music and lyrics by Matt Okin; musical and vocal direction and guitars by Ben Shanblatt.
The opening act will be scenes from the new "Twist of Faith" by Michael Gurin, from an original story by Matt Okin and Michael Gurin.
Go: Selections from "Soul Searching" at Debonair Music Hall, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck. 7 p.m. Thursday. Doors open at 6:30. All ages. The bar will be closed. $15. General admission at tables. debonairmusichall.com, 201-833-0011, [email protected].
Music Under the Stars in Lyndhurst
The Music Under the Stars series in Lyndhurst continues with Larger Than Life and Let's Sing Taylor on Thursday, 70s Rock Parade and Queen Flash on Friday, and Ray Andersen and Yellow Brick Joel on Saturday.
Larger Than Life recreates the boy-band experience with the songs by the Backstreet Boys, *NSync, New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees, O-Town, Boyz II Men, LFO, One Direction and more; plus hits by the Jackson 5, Temptations, Four Seasons and others. Let's Sing Taylor is a live-band tribute to Taylor Swift. 70s Rock Parade plays rock hits of the '70s like “Hot Legs,” “Stay With Me," “We’re An American Band,” “Heroes,” "Fame,” “Bang A Gong” and "Lido Shuffle”. Queen Flash is a six-piece band that pays tribute to the music and stage show of Queen. Ray Andersen puts on a family classic rock show. Yellow Brick Joel is an Elton John/Billy Joel tribute to the face-to-face shows of the 1990s and 2000s with hits songs like "I'm Still Standing," "Rocket Man," "Piano Man," "You May Be Right," "Honky Cat," "Funeral For A Friend," "Miami 2017" and "Captain Jack."
Go: Music Under the Stars at Town Hall Park, 367 Valley Brook Ave., Lyndhurst. Larger Than Life and Let's Sing Taylor at 7 and 8:30 p.m., respectively, Thursday; 70s Rock Parade and Queen Flash at 7 and 9 p.m., respectively, Friday; Ray Andersen and Yellow Brick Joel at 7 and 8:30 p.m., respectively, Saturday. lyndhurstnj.org
Outdoor movie - 'Wonka' - in Fort Lee
The free 2024 Summer Movie Series at the Fort Lee Community Center kicks off with "Wonka" (2023; PG) on Thursday. Bring a chair or blanket as seating is not provided.
Go: "Wonka" at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace. 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Free. fortleenj.org
Raw Stones - Rolling Stones tribute in Midland Park
The Friends of the Midland Park Library's Summer Concert Series kicks off on Friday with Raw Stones, a trio playing the music of the Rolling Stones. The concert will be held on the library lawn. Bring your own chair and blanket.
Go: Raw Stones at Midland Park Library, 250 Godwin Ave. 7 p.m. Friday. Free. midlandparklibrary.org.
The Niche: A Night of R&B at Brookdale Park
The Essex County's Summer Music free concert series comes to Montclair/Bloomfield on Friday for a night of R&B with The Niche.
Go: The Niche at Brookdale Park in Montclair/Bloomfield. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. essexcountyparks.org.
Food Truck Festival at Pequannock Valley Park Lake
Food trucks at Saturday's event include Cousins Maine Lobster, Kona Ice, R&H Catering, The Empanada Times, Pizza Vita, The Hen and the Hog, Sip N Swirl Ice Cream, and Waffles and Dreams.
Go: Food Truck Festival at Pequannock Valley Park Lake, Marvin Road and Alexander Avenue, Pompton Plains. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Entrance is free for PV Park members; $8 for non-members. pwqtwp.org
Meadowlands Pace - 'The Biggest Party in Harness Racing'
The Meadowlands Racetrack's signature event is this Saturday with carnival rides and games, DJ ALX in the backyard, a “Pace Be With You” T-shirt giveaway to the first 5,000 guests, the Meadowlands Burger Battle and $500 Win Bets (five winners will have a chance to place a $500 win bet on a designated race).
Plus there will be plenty of food trucks - Delicious Lola Josefa’s, Rods Fish N Chips, Cat Like Reflexes, Planteles, Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream, Bitch’n Bacon, Eat My Balls, The Mozzarella God, Antojitos de mi Tierra, Scrumps & Yum Yum, Latin Bites, Totally Nutz, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Carnival Concessions, DAW Concessions, Freakin Empanadas, Fire & Coal BBQ Grill, Michael’s Backyard BBQ, Holy Grail Burgers, Rolling Pita, Top Tea Plug, Love JoJo’s Cookies, Batter Me Up, Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage, Groomington Eats, Uncle Eddie’s Touch of Sauce, Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, Lots Of Meat BBQ,
Dining is available at the Lounge, with the Victory Sports Bar's giant screens, tables for two and four, and bar seats; the Pink Buffet tiered dining room with views of the live racetrack action, featuring salads, sides, main courses, a carving station and desserts; and outdoor cafe tables for four near the Winner’s Circle.
Go: Meadowlands Pace at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday; the first race kicks off at 6:20. Burger Battle is at 7. Admission and parking are free. $50 to $200 for Lounge and Cafe dining. playmeadowlands.com
Lodi's Boardwalk at the Borough
There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, fireworks, a bounce house and a beer garden at this event taking place all afternoon and evening on Saturday. The live bands are Scott J. Luna & Friends and Chicago 9. Breweries at the beer garden will be Brix City, Hackensack, Ghost Hawk and Bolero Snort. Plus, Brook Hollow winery will also be in attendance.
Go: Boardwalk at the Borough, 1 Memorial Drive, Lodi. Event begins 1 p.m. Saturday; Scott J. Luna & Friends from 5 to 7; Chicago 9 at 7:30; fireworks at sundown. The rain date is Sunday. LodiBoroughNJ on Facebook.
Caribbean/Latino Block Party and Health Fair in Nutley
Hackensack Meridian Health is hosting a community block party and health fair for Caribbean and Latino families on Saturday as an effort to address cancer disparities, and provide needed health services and education. This free event will feature fun, education and wellness.
The goal of the all-day event is to decrease cancer risk and increase early detection, while making connections between the health care and scientific community with the wider Latino-Caribbean community. Health services and tests will include blood pressure monitoring; diabetes screening (A1C); cholesterol screening; HIV screening; screenings for breast and prostate cancers; self-sampling kits for cervical HPV screening; hearing, vision and dental screenings; education on genetic screening; legal services, and education and career opportunity representatives.
Family fun will include a DJ, a dance performance, face painting, game stations, balloons, food trucks, salsa and bachata dance class, and Caribbean and Latino vendors. HMH is partnering with Quest Diagnostics, BD (Becton Dickinson), as Premier Sponsors of this event; Eisai USA as Featured Sponsor; and Ralph Lauren as Event Sponsor. Screen NJ is a featured program partner providing free, on site cancer screenings and no-cost transportation support.
The presenting partners include the Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center; the Center for Discovery and Innovation; Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; and Hackensack University Medical Center.
Go: Caribbean/Latino Block Party and Health Fair presented by Hackensack Meridian Health at the campus of the CDI and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 123 Metro Blvd., Nutley. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free. Register for the event at events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.
The Moody Blues' John Lodge performs 'Days of Future Passed'
See Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee John Lodge - bass player, songwriter and vocalist of the Moody Blues - as he celebrates the music of the Moody Blues at the State Theatre New Jersey on Saturday.
The first set will feature electric Moodies tunes such as ‘"Isn’t Life Strange," "Legend of a Mind," "I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)" and "Ride my See-Saw." The second set will see Lodge and his 10,000 Light Years Band perform the album, "Days of Future Passed," in its entirety, and in full symphonic sound featuring enhanced video and lighting. Plus, Jon Davison - vocalist of Yes - will join Lodge onstage to perform "Nights in White Satin” and "Tuesday Afternoon."
The 10,000 Light Years Band includes Alan Hewitt (music director and keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, along with Duffy King (guitars) and Jason Charboneau (cello), plus the voice of the late Moody Blues member Graeme Edge.
Go: The Moody Blues' John Lodge performs "Days of Future Passed" at State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. 8 p.m. Saturday. $25 to $59. stnj.org.
Stories and music with David Bernz, on Pete Seeger
Listen to author, musician and two-time Grammy-winning producer David Bernz present stories and music from his new book, "Chopping Wood: Thoughts & Stories of a Legendary American Folksinger," at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck. The book is based on his years of conversations with his friend and collaborator, Pete Seeger. The book takes readers on a personal journey through the folksinger and songwriter’s life and career. Minimally edited to preserve Seeger’s cadence, the book is punctuated by historical images and commentary by David Bernz, as well as remembrances from other musicians and friends, and a foreword by Arlo Guthrie. Readers will come to know Seeger more deeply as they hear his voice, and bear witness to his humility and willingness to respect those whose opinions differed greatly from his own.
Go: Stories and Music From “Chopping Wood” with David Bernz, on Pete Seeger, at Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck. 4 p.m. Sunday. $10 suggested donation. N95 or equivalent masks required. Limited quantity will be available at the door for those without one. RSVP at choppingwoodatpuffin.eventbrite.com or 201-836-3499. Those who cannot pay the suggested donation can call or write to [email protected] to make a free reservation.
Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi tribute
The free Florham Park Gazebo 2024 Concert Series continues with Slippery When Wet, on Sunday. Formed in 2003 by Jason Morey, the band performs the live arrangements from Bon Jovi’s 2000 to 2010 tours. The band has played more than 1,800 shows throughout the U.S. and around the world. In 2007, the band was officially authorized by Bon Jovi and, in 2019, performed on the Runaway to Paradise cruise with Jon Bon Jovi. In addition to Morey on vocals, the band consists of Adin Stickle on guitar, Anthony CeCe on bass and Jay Monseur on drums.
Go: Slippery When Wet at the Florham Park Gazebo, 111 Ridgedale Ave. 7 p.m. Sunday. Free. florhamparkgazebo.com
Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Write to Daniel Galioto at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Free live music: Things to do July 11-14 in North Jersey
