Berkeley Heights Sets Concert, Movie Series

The Berkeley Heights Department of Recreation has announced its annual concert and movie series, bringing in Beatles and Chicago tribute bands along with animated features as free events to residents. 

The series begins in the beginning of July and runs Wednesdays and Thursdays in Memorial Park, said Recreation Director Tom Barton. 

The nights are intended to bring family fun to Berkeley Heights, as a way for the community to come together, he said. 

The movie series kicks off on July 5 with Kung Fu Panda 2, followed by Despicable Me on July 19. The movies start at 8:30 p.m. "or as close to dusk as possible" so the film can correctly project on the screen by the parking lot in the park, he said. 

The concert series schedule is:

• Wed, July 11-  Beginnings (Chicago tribute band)
• Wed, July 18-  Parrot Beach (Jimmy Buffet style)
• Wed, July 25-  Beatlemania Again
• Wed, Aug 1-    Big Band Evolution (Current and recent hits by an 18 piece band)

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Many of the bands are repeat performers, Barton said, as several residents requested them to play again. The department decided to host four concerts due to budget constraints, cutting a popular Elvis tribute, he said.

Even though the event is hosted by Berkeley Heights, the series is open to anyone. Sponsors for the event are the Chamber of Commerce and State Farm, but Barton said other sponsors interested should contact him at (908) 464-0550. 

"Family fun - that's our goal," he said. "We want to have entertainment for all ages."