Thursdays on the Green series goes Caribbean, mon

NEWTON — Sussex County Community College’s Thursdays on the Green music series continues on July 9th with “Music From the Islands, Caribbean & Jamaica” with performances by Michael George, One Man Steel Band and the Shango Reggae Band. The free concert series has been a summer tradition for hundreds of Sussex County residents for seven years. In addition to the music, guests can enjoy a family festival with vendors, artisans, giveaways and more. Michael George, One Man Steel Band will begin at 6:30 p.m. Hailing from the island of Trinidad and performing on steel drums for over 40 years, George is a national treasure. His joy in performance is infectious and spreads to audiences young and old. He’s constantly in motion, keeping rhythm and carrying the melody with his hands and feet, while singing and playing harmonica all the while. The Shango Reggae Band will begin at 7:30 p.m. Originally from Jamaica, but now residing in Washington, D.C., Shango performs an eclectic mix of reggae standards and originals in an unmistakable style. With over 20 recordings to their credit, they have performed throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Israel, and Africa in their storied 30-year career. Each of the performances in the concert series will be held on the Connor Green or in the Lakeland Bank Pavilion. A dance floor has been added this year to the front of the stage and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the show, rain or shine. Refreshments are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting scholarships at the college as well as a 50/50 drawing which was introduced last season. Shuttle buses will be available in the parking lots to Connor Green during each performance, as well as handicap parking on Connor Green.