West Windsor Arts Council presents “And the Beat Goes On,” its annual summer music festival featuring five events at Nassau Park Pavilion in the Nassau Park Mall between Panera Bread and Target. All of the events will be held rain or shine. Admission to all concerts is free as a result of the sponsorship of BoConcept, a Nassau Park store specializing in Danish furniture, and Developers Diversified Realty, owners of Nassau Park. Bring a chair and a picnic dinner.
Committee members include West Windsor residents Ruth Kusner Potts, Dave Haynes, Daryl McMillan, Cathy Meshumar, and Ted Ross, and Plainsboro resident Dave Haneman. “We try to balance local performers with up-and-coming artists,” says Kusner Potts, who wears many different hats in the arts council, including past president and director of development.
“And the Beat Goes On” means different things to different people. One may be reminded of Sonny and Cher or the Whisperers. “In the back of my mind I’ve always thought about the connection with the song by the Kings but honestly, the group committee selected the title as we all enjoy different and varying genres of music and find that it’s the pulse, the beat, the riffs, and the rhythm of a song that appeals to each of us,” says Kusner Potts.
Dave Haneman, the production manager, coordinates the installation of a large tent in case of inclement weather. He also coordinates with the musicians and manages the lighting and sound.
The series opens this Saturday, June 25, with an evening of classical music with Sinfonietta Nova, an orchestra based in West Windsor founded by Gail Lee, a West Windsor resident and the group’s conductor. “I first met Gail at the WW Farmer’s Market about four years ago and we chatted for 45 minutes about her ‘crazy idea’ to start an orchestra in West Windsor,” says Kusner Potts. “She later met with Eduardo Garcia, executive director of the WW Arts Council, and he walked her through the process of applying for a non-profit status.”
“The orchestra was founded in 2001 with a vision to gather local musicians and music educators in order to provide this and the surrounding communities high-quality performances,” says Lee. The orchestra gave its first performance in November, 2008.
“Communication with the West Windsor Arts Council started in 2007 when Ruth and I talked about different ways that the Arts Council and Sinfonietta Nova could work together to bring arts and cultural enrichment to the community,” says Lee. “We are both very excited about this opportunity.”
The program includes Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Bizet’s selections from Carmen Suite No. 2. Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and Washington Post, Strauss’ Overture to Die Fledermaus, Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry and Shepherd’s Hey, Tchaikovsky’s Valse de fleurs from The Nutcracker, and movements from Dvorak’s New World Symphony. Although the performance is planned as an outdoor event, the rain location (for this event only) is the West Windsor Arts Center on Alexander Road.
“Ever since the first season, Sinfonietta Nova was sustained by generous donations from patrons all over central Jersey, and mostly, from the orchestra members, who contribute their time and talent,” says Lee.
West Windsor and Plainsboro musicians include Mark Bassett, Peter Brooks, Ariane Seto, Doug Wallack, and Mark Bassett, who all perform on cello. Violinists include Theresa Liu and Kevin Tsai. Viola players include Paul Manulik, and Lea Petri. Joseph Hetman performs on the trumpet; Ben Grabel on contrabass; and Mike Davis on percussion.
“I’m thrilled beyond belief that we have a chance to highlight this group,” says Kusner Potts. “It is so exciting to see Gail’s dream become such a reality. “
— Lynn Miller
Sinfonietta Nova, West Windsor Arts Council, Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor. Saturday, June 25, 6 to 8 p.m. An evening of classical music. Bring chairs or blankets. Free. In the arts council building if raining. 609-919-1982. www.westwindsorarts.org.
Ben Arnold, West Windsor Arts Council, Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor. Saturday, July 9, 6 to 8 p.m. An evening of eclectic, original rock. Free.
BBQ Bob and the Spareribs, West Windsor Arts Council, Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor. Saturday, July 23, 6 to 8 p.m. Rock-a-billy music. Free.
Sarah Donner, West Windsor Arts Council, Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor. Saturday, August 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Original Indie pop. Free.
The Fins, West Windsor Arts Council, Nassau Park Pavilion, West Windsor. Saturday, August 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Blues and swing. Free.
