SCCC's Thursdays on the Green kicks off

NEWTON — Sussex County Community College (SCCC) will kick off its annual free family concert series, “Thursdays on the Green” this June 25, marking 13 years of diverse music and fun for all ages.

The series continues in July, July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. All performances are held on the Connor Green, or in the Lakeland Bank Pavilion at SCCC. Vendors open at 6 p.m. and the concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting SCCC student scholarship funds.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Themes for each night include Jazz & Blues, Broadway, Doo Wop & Rock N’ Roll, Folk, Country & Honky Tonk, and 80s & 90s Rock. In addition this year, a new element will be added to the series with health-conscious features each week.

The June 25 lead-off night features the Jeremy Langdale Band, a classic blues rock act hailing from Copiague, New York. Opening for Langdale will be the Arturo Jazz Quartet featuring vocalist Brynn Stanley. The evening will also feature a presentation of Qi Gong, the ancient Chinese system of exercise, stretching and meditation, led by Qaasim Munoz, a Sussex-based painter and digital artist.

“Celebrating America” is the theme of the July 2 concert, which will feature a salute to Broadway, led by an assortment of the region’s best stage and theater talent. In addition, attendees can also take part in a free health and fitness class.

Jersey Sound, the Tri-state’s premier oldies band, headlines Doo Wop & Rock N’ Roll night on July 9. With its eclectic blend of classic Oldies, Rock N’ Roll, Motown, R&B, British Invasion and Pop styles, Jersey Sound is a throwback to a classic era. Opening for Jersey Sound is Desire, a vocal group based in Easton, Pennsylvania that specializes in the sounds of the 50s and 60s. A free health and fitness class is also planned for this evening as well.

North American folk music is the theme of the July 16 event, with a return engagement by Americana/Roots trio Red Molly headlining and opening act Megan Riley. The evening’s health and wellness activity will be yoga, led by Dawn Gomez.

July 23 features “Country & Honky Tonk” as the theme for the evening. Nash East, the headline act, is one of the top Nashville-style country bands in the Tri-State area. They feature an all-star cast of professional country musicians covering six decades of popular country music, including a well-rounded mix of today's new country music and the classic "Honky Tonk" hits of yesterday. Also performing will be honky tonk band Vintage Country. Guests are also invited to let loose with country line dancing, led by Ryan Pascarella.

The final date in the Thursdays on the Green series is July 30, which will celebrate the glam and glory of 80s and 90s rock. Hair Metal Time Machine is the headliner for the night, with opening act Hot Flashes. Jazzercise, led by instructors at the Hackettstown Jazzercise Center, will keep attendees moving and shaking throughout the evening.

The Thursdays on the Green summer music series is sponsored by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Lakeland Bank, First Energy Foundation, and the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council. For more information, visit www.sussex.edu/performingarts.