Jersey Sound Delights Area Residents of All Ages

Area residents gathered Tuesday night in Grover Cleveland Park for a free concert performed by Jersey Sound.

The event was part of the Essex County Summer Music Concert Series, which has featured a collection of musical performances throughout the county parks this summer. 

"The concert was fantastic," said Kathy Bartosh, of Verona. Bartosh and her husband have attended several of the Essex County concerts this summer and have been satisfied each time. 

Jersey Sound had the crowd dancing in their beach chairs to a wide variety of tunes. The band played everything from 1960's classics to popular '80's tunes. The band covered legends such as Buddy Holly, The Four Tops and The Duprees.

Just as varied as the music selection were the ages of the audience members. People of all ages—from families with young children to senior citizens—spent the evening in the park enjoying the vivacious music. 

"It was a great crowd," Bartosh said. "Everyone, from ages 2 to 82." 

Even the young crowd seemed to appreciate the "oldies" hits. Sandie Fine and her husband have been taking their 5-year-old son, Derek, to outdoor concerts all summer.

"He's been clapping his hands and dancing around all night," Fine said. When asked if he'd been enjoying the band, Derek replied with an animated "yes!"

Jersey Sound was formed in 2005 and is comprised of eight New Jersey natives. Joe Cap, Mike Fede, George Kistner and Bob D'Angelo provide vocals, Pete Del Vecchio plays drums, Paul Tarlow is on the bass, with Phil Bruno on guitar and Bobby "Keys" Anderson on the keyboard.

The band plays at private events and often offer concerts that are free to the public. In the past week, Jersey Sound has performed in Jersey City and Westbury, N.Y. The group plans to perform at the Italian-American Festival in Oakhurst on Aug. 15, and two days later at Veterans Memorial Park in Hazlet.

"We were looking forward to tonight," said West Caldwell resident Dianne Salandra, who brought her pre-teen son, Thomas, to the concert. "We've followed Jersey Sound since they were starting out." 

Thomas, too, was delighted by the show. "I like the Frankie Valli songs," he said.

The Essex County Summer Music Concert Series is sponsored by Filippo Berio Olive Oil, Rose Squared Productions, TD Bank, Branch Brook Park Alliances and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County's executive, was confident that the series would be a hit among locals. The concerts feature "classical, rock 'n roll, jazz, big band, Latin and more," and, according to DiVincenzo, are "sure to impress."

Members of the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization devoted to maintaining, restoring and enhancing the park, offered refreshments throughout the evening.

"We love concerts like this because it really brings families together," Fine said. "There's nothing like great live music."

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