EMERSON—The Borough of Emerson kicked off its inaugural Summer Concert Series on the front lawn at historic Borough Hall on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 9.
Resident and popular musician Steven Connolly entertained a crowd of nearly 200 with an acoustic variety of classic and popular hits.
The mayor and council hosted the event — an evening at Borough Hall — through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, a statewide initiative to promote healthful and active lifestyles, including body, mind and spirit.
Mayor Danielle DiPaola wrote Pascack Press on Aug. 14 to praise generous contributions from Rich’s Automotive, Avo’s Elegant Jewelers, K-9 Resorts and Kuiken Brothers, which helped fund the event at no taxpayer expense.
She said The Emerson Project is slated to perform on Aug. 23; Beauty & The Grease performs on Aug. 30.
Meet the bands
Steven Connolly says on his Instagram (@stevenconnollysr22) that he’s a “musician, guitarist, singer, songwriter, cover songs available for hire. (Husband and father too, but that part is not for hire.”)
The Emerson Project (you’ll find it on Facebook as /EmersonProjectBand) gives its bio this way: “In late 2015 the Emerson High School Class of ’75 had a reunion where John Scaffa and Kurt Colon attended. Kurt was already playing with several regional bands and John had played in High school, but hadn’t played in over 25 years. John approached Kurt and suggested that they get together with Peter Griffin (Emerson Class of ’77) and jam for fun.”
The band says, “With John on guitar, Kurt on bass, and Peter on drums, the trio got together in the summer of 2017 in a studio in West Paterson and started jamming on classic rock tunes. Eventually, the decision was made, ‘Let’s play out,’ and the trio added Bob Carroll on guitar. The band started playing out in early 2018 focusing on classic party rock in northern New Jersey.”
Griffin left the band for personal reasons. George Schaefer took on the role of drummer.
Beauty & The Grease (watch for updates at beautyandthegrease.com) says “We are a classic doo-wop ’50s ’60s and ’70s band that authentically captures the sound and emotion of the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Our show is always live. Vocals and music are never assisted with tracks.”
The band says, “Each member of Beauty & The Grease draws from rich experiences and unique styles to create a memorable experience that will take you back, and lift you up.”
Theresa, band leader and singer, is a former member of The Poni-Tails and The Chaperones, and “captivates the audience with a powerful soulful voice.”
Butch, lead guitarist, “has more than 20 years’ experience in creating the pinnacle sound of ’50s and ’60s doo-wop and rock.”
Alan Dodge, drummer and singer, “is the cohesive element of the band.”
Bass player Don Biller “is all-encompassing — the foundation for which the rhythm section and the band can ride on.”
DiPaola told Pascack Press, “As ‘the family town’ of Bergen County, it’s great when we can bring people together at our beautiful Borough Hall to showcase our incredible local talent.”
Shows start at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of Emerson Borough Hall. For your comfort, bring chairs or a blanket. For more information from the Borough of Emerson, visit emersonnj.org, stop by Borough Hall at 146 Linwood Ave., or call (201) 262-6086.