HILLSDALE, N.J.—The Beechwood Park Bandshell hosted a landmark local concert in 2008, when iconic folk artist Pete Seeger performed there at 89 years old.
But in the years since the “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” singer performed in Hillsdale, the outdoor stage had been suffering from disrepair, said Mayor John Ruocco.
During a rededication ceremony July 10 that prefaced the first summer concert at the bandshell in several years, Ruocco said the refurbished stage has been successfully renovated for the first time since 2001. Built in 1961, it was also renovated in 1972 and 1998, he said.
“Since 2001, the bandshell has suffered from a lack of investment,” said Ruocco. “The mayor and council decided about three years ago to tackle that and we renovated the bandshell with a $32,000 matching grant from the county so that it could be once again used for the purpose that it was originally intended for, which was to amplify the sound so that residents could enjoy it.”
The bandshell is the stage for the borough’s 2019 summer concert series, which runs on Wednesday nights through Aug. 21. Rucco said the borough hopes local schools will also use the bandshell to stage theater and arts events.
Ruocco thanked volunteer organizers Elizabeth and Marty Ward who he said have been “working their butts off to make this a success.”
“[The Wards] plan and arrange these concerts under the auspices of the Recreation Department, headed by Patty Hughes,” said Ruocco.
Hughes thanked the Wards and also the Hillsdale Department of Public Works, “who worked hard to get this park ready, have the band shell redone, the paving and all the hard work that they do.”
Elizabeth Ward enthusiastically thanked the concert series’ sponsors—Hillsdale Emergency Services, Hillsdale professionals and numerous local businesses and food establishments—before introducing the series’ first act, Desperados, and Eagles tribute band.
She also reminded concert goers that the series also collects non-perishable food and cash donations for the Hillsdale Helping Hand Food Pantry.
Also attending the rededication ceremony was state Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, who told the audience she had many fond memories of local concerts in the borough, in part since her “Uncle Harry” once owned Talk of the Town and JP Anthony’s.
“It’s been my honor to participate and help sponsor these concerts,” said Schepisi, who represents New Jerseys 39th legislative district in the state Assembly.
Upcoming shows include:
• Poor Man’s Orchestra on Aug. 9;
• The Larry Stevens Band on Aug. 14;
• The Alan Quinn Band on Aug. 21.
In the events of rain most concerts will be rescheduled to the next evening, or staged in an alternative venue. Check hillsdalenj.org or the digital sign in Veterans Park by 4 p.m. for information.
—Murray Bass contributed to this article