Community Corner

Rhythm and Blues by the Brook Highlights Free Summer Music Program

Returns to Plainfield on June 4.

Union County will kick off its popular free summer music series on Saturday, June 4 with the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook festival at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. The legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC will headline with a 10-piece band, following a day of performances by DJ Bookeem, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Red Alert and Melissa Providence.

The event includes a multitude of food vendors, a marketplace and free admission to the G-Wiz Auto Entertainment Classic and Exotic Automotive Supershow, along with modestly priced amusement rides and free activities for children in the Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee.

The music starts at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. Kids Kingdom is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Directions, a list of permitted/prohibited items for Cedar Brook Park, and many other event details are posted at ucnj.org/randb, or call the R&B hotline for more information, 908-436-2900.

“With many households on a tight budget, Union County’s summer concerts give everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy great music together,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Rhythm and Blues by the Brook has become a favorite annual gathering spot for friends and families, and we are thrilled that Nile Rodgers and his fellow artists will join our celebration this year.”

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DJ Bookeem leads off the festivities at noon and provides entertainment between each act, with Melissa Providence appearing at 12:15, followed by DJ Red Alert at 1:45, Doug E. Fresh at 3:15, and Nile Rogers & Chic at 5:15.

Beyond shaping the sound of modern R&B and Hip-Hop with long time collaborator Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers is beloved by millions of music fans worldwide through his work as a songwriter and producer for a startling array of top musical talent including - just to name a few - Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, The Sugarhill Gang, Deborah Harry, David Bowie, Madonna, The Thompson Twins, Mick Jagger, Al Jarreau, Cyndi Lauper, The B-52’s, and The Stray Cats. His creative spark is also at work on numerous soundtracks for popular films and video games, including Halo.

Back at Rhythm & Blues by the Brook by popular demand, Union County native DJ Bookeem hails from Plainfield. The “Classic King” is renowned throughout the tri-state area for his skilled weaving of monster hits from the past with new sounds of the present and future.

Newcomer Melissa Providence has created a genre all her own, with a powerful voice and style entwining her passion for soul with R&B, along with hints of reggae roots. 

DJ Red Alert is recognized worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip-Hop.  He was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by Rolling Stone Magazine, and he is the only DJ of his era to be honored in the Radio Section of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now a seasoned radio jock, club jock and studio man, Kool DJ Red Alert’s World Famous Radio Mix Show can be heard on 98.7 Kiss FM every Friday and Saturday night.

Doug E. Fresh is the original “human beat box” who touched off an international Hip-Hop trend. He has performed and worked with numerous Hip-Hop luminaries including Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Eminem, P. Diddy, and Dr. Dre, along with musical artists from the worlds of reggae, R&B, jazz and gospel as well as international acts from around the world such as Japan's DJ Hasebe, Sweden’s South Street Rockers, and French rappers Supa Saian Crew.

Along with bringing a first class musical experience to Cedar Brook Park, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook includes food, fun and family gatherings. The Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee features inflatable rides, a rock wall and other moderately priced activities for children along with free activities and strolling performers to amaze and entertain. The G-Wiz Auto Entertainment Classic and Exotic Automotive Supershow, a perennial favorite, offers concert goers a unique up-close look at some of the finest machines on wheels.

This is a rain or shine event. For complete information on Rhythm & Blues by the Brook visit ucnj.org/randb or call the R&B hotline, 908-436-2900.

Information on all Union County summer events is available at the County website, ucnj.org.


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