MANCHESTER – The Township and Recreation Department received some applause from residents and town officials for the first of its free concert series that kicked off earlier this month.
Concert Fest 2020 held its first concert on July 8 and it featured the Jukebox Legends, New Power Soul and WJRZ. Recreation Dept. Director Tracey Lynch and her staff are coordinating the summer concert series.
Councilwoman Joan Brush said during a July 14 Township Council meeting that she had attended the concert. “I have to say I was pleasantly surprised everyone was staying in their social distance. Tracey and the Recreation Department were walking around the crowds and making sure people were staying in their little circles for dancing and others were staying six feet apart.”
Brush added, “it went very well and during intermission between the two bands. Tracey said there was a turnout of 430 people so far with more cars coming into the concert areas. It went well and I feel very comfortable out there. I thank Tracy for making such a great night.”
Council President Sam Fusaro said, “the number of people out there surprised me. They were distanced apart. The concert was excellent. We have three more concerts during the summer months. The next one is July 22, then Aug. 12 and Aug. 26 which will also be our 4th of July fireworks we arranged to delay it and canceled Manchester Day this year.”
The shows are held at Harry Wright Lake. The Recreation Dept. asks that those joining the fun of Concert Fest bring a mask as they must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained (ex. waiting to be seated, using the restrooms, waiting in vendor lines).
Lynch noted, “there is six feet distancing on all sides of the circles drawn up and masks are mandatory. Masks must be worn outside of the circle when walking through the crowds.”
Once you are seated masks are not required. When the concert reaches capacity at 500 people the venue will be closed off.
The next concert will be held at 5 p.m. on July 22 with WJRZ and at 6 p.m. Atlantic City headliner Gerard Esposito. At 7 p.m. enjoy Emil Stucchio and the Classics.
The lineup on Aug. 12 includes WJRZ at 5 p.m., Stiletto and the Saxman at 6 p.m. and the Santana Tribute Band Sun Flower at 7:30 p.m.
On Aug. 26, the final installment of the concert series, will include WJRZ at 5 p.m. Julian and Dominque at 6 p.m. and Garden State Radio at 7:30 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs and blankets, refreshments and food will be available for purchase. For details contact the Manchester Recreation Department at 732-657-8121 ext. 5101 or 5102. You can also visit the township website at manchestertwp.com
Councilman Craig Wallis also attended the first concert. “Tracy and the group out there did a great job first getting the concert put on and maintaining peace with everybody and maintaining everybody being safe. They all did a great job.”
Mayor Ken Palmer said that while he could not attend the concert that he was glad to see the turnout at the concerts and that Concert Fest 2020 was able to happen this summer.
“I saw pictures and I received several e-mails from people that did go and they really felt comfortable with the spacing and the circles that made sure everyone maintained social distance,” the mayor said.
“The bands were great. I am glad we are one of the few municipalities that are putting the concerts on because I think it is something our residents need and want and they are adults and can make their own decisions if they want to go,” Mayor Palmer said.
The mayor added that the concerts complied with Gov. Murphy’s regulations pertaining to the pandemic. “I am glad we have more of them to go.”
