Thompson Arts Series Bringing Two Concerts To Doylestown This Week

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — This week brings two nights of free music to the C&N Amphitheater at Central Park.

On Wednesday, July 12 the Sensational Soul Cruisers take the stage when the Thompson Performing Arts series continues with a free 7 p.m. outdoor concert.

The series continues on Thursday night at 7 p.m. with High Noon, a Lynyrd Skynyrd/Southern Rock band rescheduled from June 21.

Sensational Soul Cruisers

The Sensational Soul Cruisers are not just another 11-man vocal harmony group with horns. While it is still possible to find a band featuring a similar lineup of instruments, it is unlikely to find another that performs with as much energy, passion, and talent.

From their humble beginnings rehearsing in Freehold, New Jersey at the chicken coops on Route 33 to the basement of the Cycle Shop on Throckmorton Street, the band has come a long way from its “Eddie and the Cruisers” days to become one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets.

Under the tutelage of legendary Jersey Shore sax player Screamin’ Steve Barlotta, the band has catapulted from the recesses of a dingy basement to more than 200 performances a year while capturing the true essence of the Jersey Shore sound and its R&B roots.

Over the past three decades, the Soul Cruisers have graced the stage with many great artists including Bruce Springsteen, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Gloria Gaynor, Gary US Bonds, John Cafferty, Southside Johnny, The Emotions, Bon Jovi, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. They are also the long-time favorite house band at New York City’s famed Copacabana.

Band members include Screamin’ Steve Barlotta on tenor saxophone, Stan Tartas on bass guitar, Sir Michael Winstanley on keyboards, Matt Curran on drums, Dr. Steve Hyde on trumpet, JC Rossetti on guitar and vocals, Gabriel Morris on vocals, Michael Hartsfield on vocals, Eric Barney on vocals, Ronnie Wah Wah Anthony on vocals and Pete Maurer on trombone.

High Noon

High Noon is the East Coast's premier tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd & Southern Rock, performing exclusively the 70s classic hits of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, 38 Special, and The Marshall Tucker Band. With a deep dedication to the legacy of this timeless music, “High Noon” brings an authenticity like no other.

“Join us on a journey back to a golden age of live music, and experience once again the raw power of all of your favorite anthems from the founding fathers of Southern rock,” writes the band.

Future Concerts

July continues with Cherry Lane with a high-energy rock and R&B show on July 19 and Lights Out, a decades musical extravaganza, on July 26.

August brings AM Radio to the stage with the music of the 60s and 70s on August 2; Larger than Life, spotlighting the Boyband Experience on August 9; Class Act, a dance band featuring Central Bucks School District teachers on August 17; River of Dreams celebrating the music of Billy Joel on August 23; and the Big Chill Band with classic rock on August 30.

Food and beer will be available on the concert grounds throughout the series.

This year's food truck lineup includes Sally Vets and Jack & Jill (all dates), Roll M Up (August 30), Thai Jai Dee (July 12 and August 16), Jay's Joint (July 19 and August 23) and United Crepes (July 26).

The Beer Garden also will be open beginning at 6 p.m. Patrons must be 21 years or older to purchase beer and they must remain in the amphitheater with their beverages. Warwick Brewing will be on-site July 19, July 26, August 9 and 23. Crooked Eye Brewing will be on site July 12, August 2, 16, and 30.

DART shuttle transportation will be available during the concert series. Visit www.doylestownrec.org to view the DART pickup schedule and times, along with the most up-t0-date concert series information. No outside alcohol will be permitted in the park. Central Park is a smoke-free facility.

In case of inclement weather, visit www.doylestownrec.org for concert status. Every effort will be made to reschedule on an alternate date.

The free series of summertime concerts is presented by C&N, Thompson, Wegmans, PECO, Pennoni, Saint Rocco's Treats, Gerhard's Appliances, Penn Color, and Doylestown DART.