Weeden Park rocks out Thursdays this summer with Lawrenceville Main Street’s Music in the Park series.
Concert-goers can set up chairs and blankets on the park’s lawn and enjoy the last three performances of the summer, featuring the TEMPoraries on Aug. 7, the RGM Project on Aug. 14, and Hot Taters on Aug. 21.
Music in the Park, now in its 14th year, has grown from just four concerts to 10. The concerts draw crowds of about 200.
Executive director Lindsey Bohra says the concert series supports LMS’ mission of fostering a sense of community.
“We are a non-profit organization and we do this to help out the local business and bring the community together,” Bohra said.
In the past, the concerts drew an older audience, but Bohra says she has noticed an increase in young families. On a Thursday evening, weather permitting, Weeden Park is filled with music appreciators tapping their toes to the beat, children playing nearby and concert-goers throwing a Frisbee while taking in live music.
Bohra said last winter the organization conducted a survey to determine what types of music audiences wanted to hear. This year’s Music in the Park performers represent several different musical genres from classic rock cover bands to jazz groups.
Music in the Park is funded by Investors Bank and a Lawrence Township Community Foundation grant. Investors Bank organizes a 50/50 raffle during each concert; half the proceeds benefit the concert series. In addition, the Lawrenceville School allows LMS host the series in Weeden Park free of charge and maintains the grounds.
August concerts are scheduled to begin with local musicians the TEMPOraries 7 p.m. Aug. 7.
The RGM Project, a contemporary blues-jazz-funk band, is set to perform 7 p.m. Aug. 14.
Music in the Park concludes with Hot Taters 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21. The group brings the sounds of New Orleans to New Jersey with a mix of hot jazz, swing and Dixieland music.
Along with the tunes, Music in the Park features the Concert Cafe, which is staffed each week by a local restaurant. The cafe offers a la carte menus by Chambers Walk Aug. 7 and 14, and Fedora Cafe Aug. 21. The Concert Cafe is scheduled to open 6:30 p.m.
More information is online at lawrencevillemainstreet.com.
–Jessica Talarick
