The Weekender: Blues, Bluegrass, and Hiking

Whether you plan to spend your days outdoors or at a concert, there are plenty of local events on offer this weekend.

On Saturday, bluegrass musician Ted Pitney and his band, Teddy and the Roosevelts, will perform in Chatham. This musician's career has spanned decades—he wrote several hit songs as a part of bluegrass band King Wilkie. Entry is $15, and there is limited space. The concert will take place from 7-10 p.m. pm at 54 Mountainview Road in Chatham.

Also on Saturday, county officials will hold their annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony in West Orange. Essex County Remembers will be held at 8 a.m. at the Sept. 11 Memorial in Eagle Rock Reservation. Wreaths will be laid and a new flag will be raised. A string quartet will play selections until 2 p.m. at the memorial.

Children and their families can explore the new trails at South Mountain Reservation from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. These new trails were built to give hikers access to the 30-foot falls located on the reservation. The guided hike will cover about two to three miles at a slow to moderate speed, so be sure to bring a snack. Meet at Tulip Springs parking area, which is located off of Cherry Lane 0.4 miles north of the traffic light on South Orange Avenue or 0.8 miles south of the light on Northfield Avenue When you turn off of Cherry Lane at the sign, turn immediately right rather than driving straight ahead and you soon come to the parking area. For more information, call 973-953-7099.

Also Sunday, South Orange Station will host the South Orange International Blues Festival. The United States, Canada, and several European nations are represented at this diverse and fun festival. Six to ten bands are slated to perform at this all-day festival, which commences at 11:00 am and ends at 8:00 pm. The event is free, but donations are appreciated.