Local Bands Kick Off Mayor's Summer Concert Series

The stage behind the Main Library and Health Center was the scene Monday night as some local bands and performers entertained an open air audience. The performances, part of Mayor John McCormac's Summer Concert Series, was sponsored by Woodbridge Center, Sansone Auto Mall, and ShopRite.

The concert got off to an enthusiastic and exciting start with some local bands from the younger generation scene, including bands "Fairfield" and "A Lot Like You." Also supporting the event was Backstage Coffeehouse, a music venue which encourages new artists and is open to all ages and types of bands.

Many of the band members were either recent high school graduates, or current high school students, and the crowd that came out to support them were also of the younger, school-going generation.

"A Lot Like You" gave many striking performances, with lead singer Mike Schiavo. It was the band's first show, and the encouragement they received from their peers guaranteed that there will be many more shows to come.

The band Fairfield was a particular crowd favorite, with many audience members especially coming out to the event to support the five band members.

Colonia High School student Monika Dopieralska is one of Fairfield's fans: she has been to all their concerts and supported them since the first time she saw them perform. "They're really talented and their songs and lyrics have a lot of meaning," said Dopieralska.

Dopieralska's friend and fellow Colonia High School student Amy Tumblety shares similar opinions on Fairfield's talent, and supports the band's performances and efforts. "I know they will go far in life," said Tumblety of Fairfield's future musical success.

Fairfield performed three songs, "The Worst Part," "Here and Now," and "You Turn, I'll Follow," a total crowd favorite. Lead singer Anthony Tortorello addressed the crowd right before he sang.

"This is our most popular song. If you've heard us play before then you have to know it, and you should sing along," said Tortorello, who just graduated in June from Woodbridge High School.

Fairfield, which has been playing for a year, has a new CD coming out titled "Our Nature." The band originally started with four members, but they wanted to allow lead singer Anthony Tortorello to be able to sing without having to worry about playing an instrument, explained band member Kyle Gordon, who will be a senior at JFK in the fall. 

"We finally found a bassist so Anthony could just sing," said Gordon. Gordon is excited about the CD release and realizes the tedious yet rewarding aspects of a musical career.

"It just took a really long time, it took a whole year. We should have had it out sooner," Gordon said.

Fairfield's other band members are also local students from the area. Fairfield's Francisco Ortiz-Gomez will be a senior at JFK, while Mark Ramirez will be entering the sophomore class. Drummer Michael Ladines will be a senior at Metuchen High School in September.