Schedule set for Beach Haven summer 'Concerts on the Green'

Enjoy free concerts under the stars at Veterans Bicentennial Park, located on Beach Avenue between Engleside Avenue and Amber Street in Beach Haven, during the 39th annual Concerts on the Green. The music at the gazebo, presented by the Beach Haven Community Arts Program, will be held on Wednesdays throughout July and August, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Photo by Ryan Morrill

Classic-rock band Garage Kept kicks off the concert series on July 2.

“When the music starts, the kids all start dancing around like little pied pipers. Everybody just has such a good time,” said Brenda Griffin, vice president of Beach Haven CAP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and presenting events and arts programs for the benefit of local residents and visitors. “We’re very careful to pick bands that play lively music that our audience is really going to get into. It’s just so much fun. It’s such a family-fun night, and it’s free.”

Bring a chair or spread out a blanket near the venue when local classic-rock band Garage Kept kicks off the concert series on July 2. The Carnaby Street Band will play ‘70s and ‘80s music on July 9, and the Fabulous Phila Mojo Kings Band will perform ‘40s and ‘50s swing tunes on July 16. Country music will be the focus when Tequila Rose plays July 23, and oldies music will take center stage when the Schools Out Band performs on July 30. Popular music by The Kootz will be performed on Aug. 6. Jimmy and the Parrots, a Jimmy Buffett cover band, will lead the concert on Aug. 13. Jersey Gold will play ’50s and ’60s tunes on Aug. 20, and The Hotsy Totsy Gals will perform a retro mix on Aug 27.

A special kids concert with interactive children’s tunes by Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythms will also take place on Monday, July 28.

“I always call it our little Normal Rockwell experience because it’s just so cute,” said Griffin. “We sell glow sticks, so you’ll see the kids as it gets darker running around with them. It’s just the cutest darn thing I’ve ever seen.”

In case of rain, the concerts will be held across the street from the park at the Long Beach Island Historical Museum.

This year’s summer concert series, funded in part by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is also sponsored by local businesses and organizations, including The Marlin, The Ketch, the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club, Southern Ocean Medical Center, Beach Haven Taxpayers Association, Fantasy Island, Van Dyk Group, Little Beach Fund, Sunset Harbour Realty, Engleside Inn, Bay Village, Lavish Salon, The SandPaper, The Chicken or the Egg, LBI Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 and Buckalew’s Tavern.

For more information, call Beach Haven CAP at 609-492-4218 or email beachhavencap1045@gmail.com.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.