Free Concert at Echo Lake Park, Mountainside - Rob Paparozzi & Etruscan Soul Blends Blues, Rock & Jazz

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 52nd season of music on Wednesday evening, July 18, with a performance of classic blues, rock and jazz by the multi-talented Rob Paparozzi and Etruscan Soul.  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Alexander Mirabella, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

New Jersey-based singer and harmonica player Rob Paparozzi has been a blues performer since 1967.  But his versatility is evidenced in his work on Broadway, movies and TV, and in the diverse list of musicians Rob has worked with, including Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Les Paul, Whitney Houston, Jimmy McGriff, Carole King, Phoebe Snow, Bernard Purdie, James Galway, Dolly Parton, The Original Blues Brothers, Blood Sweat & Tears, and The Hudson River Rats.  Rob and his seven-piece band will entertain Union County music lovers with their soulfulness and imagination in a variety of musical styles and sensibilities.

“Bring the entire family for a fun-filled musical evening in Echo Lake Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella.  “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m.  This summer’s concerts will be held at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border and at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.  Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

July 25 – The Sensational Soul Cruisers; at Echo Lake Park.

Aug. 1 – Classic Rock Revue with Rick Cantor Band & The Broadcasters; at Oak Ridge Park.

Aug. 8 – American Rapture; at Oak Ridge Park.

Aug. 15 – JoBonanno & The Godsons; at Oak Ridge Park.

Aug. 22 – The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen Tribute); at Oak Ridge Park.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org.  All are welcome!