BACK IN THE BANDSHELL! Summer Concerts At Home in Hillsdale

The bandshell was renovated with a $32,000 Bergen County matching grant, said Mayor John Ruocco. It’s the first time the facility was improved since 2001. | Photo by Murray Bass

HILLSDALE, N.J.—The Hillsdale Recreation Department invites you to the return of its popular Summer Concert Series Wednesdays from July 10–Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the recently renovated bandshell in Beechwood Park on Hillsdale Avenue.

A rededication ceremony is set for July 10 at 7:15 p.m. before the first concert.  

The Desperados kick off the series with a tribute to The Eagles, one of the greatest bands of all time and tops in album sales. 

Dance and sing along to such classics as “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “Hotel California,” “One of These Nights,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and more.

The Hooley Shooters will bring to town their Uncle Brothers  family fun act and a lively mix of Irish classics and rock favorites from the 1950s to the 90s on July 17. 

This is a Parkinson’s awareness and fundraising event, with all donations benefitting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Mike Luipersbeck and The All-Star Trio featuring Mike as the jazz drummer with pianist Peter Greco and bassist Ron Naspo will perform hits from the great American Songbook, Jazz, and Broadway to Doowop on July 24.  Come as early as 6:30 p.m. to make friends with the baby goats from the Demarest Farms Petting Zoo. 

Can’t make it to England or couldn’t get tickets to Madison Square Garden? Don’t miss the Tim Gysin Band with a return engagement of Elton John and Billy Joel, “A Tribute to The Piano Men,” on July 31. 

A highlight of the summer is the Sixth Annual Family Fun Night on Aug. 7 with Lisa La La Musical Entertainment for Kids at 6 p.m. along with a balloon clown, face painting, hair braiding and other fun activities. 

Starting at 7:30 p.m. the 60-piece North Jersey Concert Band regales the audience with music from every era and every style, including jazz, Big Band, Broadway shows, Hollywood films, sentimental ballads, and patriotic favorites. 

Poor Man’s Orchestra’s eagerly anticipated annual concert is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9. These talented musicians will perform a variety of rock hits, jazz selections, video game music, acoustic covers and original songs. 

On Aug. 14 The Larry Stevens Band will rock Veterans Park with vintage pop, rock and original tunes. 

On Aug. 21 the perennial favorite Alan Quinn Band promises a memorable evening of “The Music of Our Lives.” Swing to Sinatra, Motown to rock, disco to contemporary, the band brings a sophisticated combination of elegance and fun to the closing concert of the summer.   

In the event of rain most concerts will be rescheduled to the next evening (Thursday). Check hillsdalenj.org or the digital sign in Veterans Park by 4 p.m. for information. 

You may sign up for e-alerts on the Hillsdale web site to receive town and concert updates. 

Concerts are sponsored by Hillsdale Emergency Services (Ambulance, Fire Department and PBA Local 207 members), Hillsdale professionals and numerous local businesses and food establishments.  

According to concert conductor Elizabeth Ward, the varied lineup  will appeal to a broad audience. She encourages everyone from the greater Pascack Valley to come with family and friends to enjoy delightful evenings of music so close to home all summer long.

Non-perishable food and cash donations will be collected for the Hillsdale Helping Hand Food Pantry.