THIRD EYE BLIND, PETE YORN & MORE
PERFORMERS CONFIRMED
FOR 12th ANNUAL UNION COUNTY MUSICFEST
SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 at OAK RIDGE PARK in CLARK, NJ
Uncle Kracker, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and rock 'n' roll legend
Tommy James & The Shondells also added to diverse musical lineup
The 12th Annual Union County MusicFest is set for September
12 and September 13 with a great new location, expanded family
activities and
newly added bands, including headlining acts Third Eye Blind and
Pete Yorn.
They Might be Giants, fresh off a Grammy-winning children's
project, will perform a musical set for kids, and also a rock
set on Sunday,
September 13.
Every year, MusicFest attracts tens of thousands of visitors,
making the event one of the state's premier family entertainment
draws. This year's
event at Oak Ridge Park in Clark runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
both days and will feature many new opportunities for family fun
with a
family-style carnival-The County Fair at MusicFest-complete with
a Ferris wheel and other popular rides, midway games and more.
MusicFest
also features the ever-popular Kids Kingdom, an interactive
exhibition by Major League Baseball, more food and new vendors,
plus a walkathon
and a 5k walk/run for charity.
Among the musical offerings, a contingent of local rising talent
will be featured on a stage dedicated to acts sponsored by The
Crossroads, a
music venue and restaurant in Garwood, N.J. The Fusion Arts and
Music Collaboration, a one-of-a-kind multisensory cultural arts
showcase where
art, dance, film, and fashion converge, will also be added this
year, featuring Union County artists. Sponsoring events across
the region,
Fusion brings the organic underground talent of artists and
performers to the public through the collaboration of all
different forms of
creative self expression.
Performing artists confirmed for Saturday are the headliner,
Third Eye Blind (3EB), the alt-rock act with mega-hits like
"Never Let You Go,"
"Jumper," "Semi-Charmed Life," and "How's It Going To Be,"-all
from their first two albums in the late '90s. Third Eye blind
released their
new album, titled "Ursa Major" today, on the heels of the radio
single, "Don't Believe a Word," released in June. 3EB will
headline the Overlook
Hospital Main Stage.
Saturday's musical lineup also features:
Tommy James and the Shondells -- best known for some of the
great rock 'n' roll anthems of all-time, including, "Mony, Mony,"
"I Think
We're Alone Now," and "Crimson and Clover." Tommy James has sold
more than 100 million records worldwide, and has 23 gold
singles, nine gold
and platinum records to his credit.
Uncle Kracker -- a rock, country and rap rock hitmaker, known
for his smash singles "Follow Me " and "Drift Away." He
headlines the second stage on Saturday. Featuring new single
"Smile," his latest album, "Happy Hour" will be officially
released on September 15. Uncle Kracker will headline the TD
Bank Second Stage.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd -- the one-time child guitar prodigy is now
a full-fledged blues guitarist, singer and song writer who
electrifies
audiences around the world with his virtuosity. His DVD/CD "10
Days Out - Blues From The Backroads" is in stores.
The Minus 5 -- a rock collective featuring R.E.M. guitarist
Peter Buck and led by the legendary underground pop icon, Scott
McCaughey. The
band is touring in support of its latest album, "Killingsworth."
The Alarm -- led by Mike Peters, The Alarm has sold more than 5
million records worldwide, and has enjoyed hits in the three
decades
since being founded in 1981. Hits include "Sold me Down the
River," "Rain in the Summertime," and "68 Guns."
Fastball -- recently released their fifth studio album, and
along the way, they have accumulated a Grammy nomination and hit
singles such
as "The Way," and "Out of My Head."
Cy Curnin -- lead singer of the 80's alt-band The Fixx has been
turning out solo material at a furious rate to the delight of
fans who
can't get enough of his arrestingly distinctive vocal style and
lyrics that are by turn witty, wise, and evocative.
Nick Harper -- a little Zappa here, a touch of Monty Python
there, it's all thrown into the mix of a Nick Harper set. It's
all part and
parcel of what fans around the world expect from this inveterate
showman.
Danielia Cotton -- this Hopewell, New Jersey, native returns to
MusicFest to headline the Crossroads Stage presented by Walmart
on
Saturday. Her natural gift -- raw, searing vocal chops combined
with a deep, buttery tone -- draws from different rich
traditions that she
absorbed early in her youth.
The Reveling -- featuring New Jersey's Jay Weinberg on drums
(son of E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg), The Reveling brings
together
mid-90's melodic hardcore and punk with the urgency of today's
post-hardcore sound.
Sunday's musical lineup will feature Pete Yorn, a New Jersey
native, headlining and closing out MusicFest. A year after
moving to Los Angeles
in 2000, the Montville High School graduate released his debut
album, "Musicforthemorningafter," and scored all of the music to
the film, "Me,
Myself and Irene," and also contributed the songs "Strange
Condition " and "Just Another" to the film and soundtrack. "Just
Another" was also featured on the television shows Veronica Mars
recordings have appeared on other movie soundtracks, including
Orange
County (2001),Bandits , Spider-Man (2002), John Q (2002), Shrek
2 (2004) and My Sister's Keeper (2009). Yorn released his latest
studio album, "Back & Fourth" in June and most recently
collaborated on an album with actress Scarlett Johansson, "Break
Up," which is scheduled for a September 8 release. Yorn will be
headlining and closing out MusicFest on the Overlook Hospital
Main Stage.
Also confirmed to perform on Sunday:
The Gin Blossoms -- this power pop-rock act recorded one of the
most influential rock albums of the '90s, "New Miserable
Experience," a
platinum record, and scored a number of memorable hits including
"Found Out About You" and "Hey Jealousy"). After a hiatus, the
band recorded
the album "Long Time Gone" in 2006.
They Might Be Giants -- a beloved fixture on the alt-indie
scene, the Brooklyn-based duo was founded 20-something years
back by John
Flansburgh and John Linnell. In recent years, TMBG has become a
Grammy-winning kids' band, releasing the albums "No!" "Here
Comes the
ABC's" and "Here Comes the 123s." project to their roster. Their
newest children's CD/DVD project, "Here Comes Science," is due
out September
22. They will play two sets at MusicFest, the first of which
will concentrate on their children's music. Their headlining
rock set will
close out the TD Bank Stage.
1910 Fruitgum Company -- the 1960s-era bubblegum act from
Linden, New Jersey, rocketed onto the national charts in 1968
with its first
single "Simon Says." The song reached the # 2 slot in the U.S.
and topped the U.K. charts. Other smash hits followed,
including"1-2-3 Red
Light," "Indian Giver" and "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy."
Tonic -- founded in 1993 by lead singer Emerson Hart and
guitarist Jeff Russo, Tonic's sensational debut album, 1996's
'Lemon Parade'
included the hits "If You Could Only See," "Open Up Your Eyes,"
and "Casual Affair." 2002's "Head On Straight" earned two Grammy
nominations.
Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers -- known for powering the
pop-rock group, Squeeze to worldwide fame, Tilbrook created The
Fluffers in 2003
to augment his solo act. Last year, The Fluffers released their
first single, "Binga Bong," ahead of the "Pandemonium Ensues"
album released
earlier this year.
The Spring Standards -- From small towns to big cities, they
perform on stage with spirit, spontaneity, and a style all their
own. Each
member of the New York based-band is a songwriter and
multi-instrumentalist, and they create a sound that might be
expected
from a band twice their size.
The Alternate Routes -- Headlining the Crossroads Stage
presented by Walmart on Sunday, the Connecticut-based group
writes and performs
beautiful ballads and earthy rock melodies. Singer Tim Warren's
voice holds an emotional presence that articulates sincerity.
Other bands appearing on the Crossroads Stage presented by
Walmart on Saturday and Sunday include: JoBonnano, School of
Rock, Matt Koziol
Band, Jay Touhey, Beale Street Love, and The Embracers.
Like the county fairs of bygone days, which connected far-flung
communities to each other and the world beyond, MusicFest has
become the
premier showcase for all the things that make Union County a
great place to live, work, and play.
As MusicFest's Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row,
Overlook Hospital plays a key role in the success of the event.
This stellar
institution, located in Summit, sets the tone with its
international reputation for excellence, innovation and
community engagement.
Overlook is joined by major sponsors that so far include Major
League Baseball, Walmart, Kean University, TD Bank, The
Hartford, Elizabethtown
Gas, Brown & Brown Metro, Pennoni Associates, PSE&G, Verizon,
CMX, Correctional Health Services, The Crossroads, KemperSports,
Astroturf,
Honeywell, Papetti's, Maser Engineering, Covanta, Liberty
Mutual, Optimum Lightpath, Access Systems, Cigna, Union County
College,
Gametime, Amaker Porterfield, Conoco Phillips, and Crowne Plaza
Hotel. The generosity of these Union County business leaders and
non-profit
institutions helps keep the music free and open for all to
enjoy.
Along with the free music, MusicFest 2009 promises all the extra
attractions that have made it Union County's number one outdoor
family
entertainment event, drawing in visitors from all over the metro
region. The Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee returns with a full
slate of
children's activities including moonwalks, crafts, strolling
performers and kid-friendly music, all free or affordably
priced. Parents can
spread a blanket out on the grass and relax while children of
all ages explore the sights and sounds.
A laser tag course will be part of the fun, and to the delight
of young BMX fans all over Union County, the spectacular Hell on
Wheels riders
will be back with free performances of their heart-stopping
stunts.
Dozens of food stands, sponsor booths and vendors round out the
festivities. There will be plenty of variety to choose from, for
those
who wish to purchase food. Picnicking is encouraged, too, and
all attendees are invited to spread out a blanket and set up
lawn chairs.
For the past two years, raising funds to fight cancer has been
the heart of MusicFest. That will continue in MusicFest 2009
with the Rock On!
Walkathon and the 5k Rock 'n' Run, in partnership with the Love,
Hope, Strength Foundation. This international organization has
forged a
unique bond between musicians, music fans, and the fight against
cancer. Proceeds from the fundraiser will also go to benefit the
Valerie Fund,
which started right here in Union County as a way to provide
local families with top quality care for youngsters with cancer
and blood
disorders, without having to travel long distances.
"We're pleased to offer MusicFest at Oak Ridge Park in Clark
this year, which will provide the public with more
entertainment, more room to walk
around and view the performances, and easier access for all,"
said Union County Freeholder Al Mirabella. "The use of Oak Ridge
enabled us to
bring in the fair, expand the parking concession, and increase
the space for vendors. That brings in more revenue, and we can
continue to offer
free music and affordable entertainment for everyone."
The Union County Performing Arts Center ticket booth will also
be on hand, offering a glimpse into the stunning, fully restored
1920's former
vaudeville hall in Rahway. The international-quality showcase
was preserved from the wrecking ball by dedicated local civic
groups, and
recently purchased by Union County to complete the restoration.
There will be paid on-site parking for $10 a vehicle, and free
off-site parking will be made available with a free shuttle to
MusicFest and The
Union County Fair. MusicFest's official hotel, Crowne Plaza
Hotel, will offer discounted rooms and a free shuttle, too.
Kids Kingdom will be open from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday
September 12th, and from noon to 6 pm on Sunday, September 13th.
The Union County Fair will be open from 5 pm to 10 pm on
Thursday and Friday September 10th and 11th, and from 11 am to
10 pm on Saturday,
September 12th, and on Sunday, September 13th. A fireworks show
will begin at the conclusion of Thursday and Saturday's events.
The fireworks
on Saturday will be sponsored by Walmart.
For event details, and to sign up for the Rock On! Walkathon or
the 5k Rock 'n' Run.
THE MINUS 5,
a rock collective featuring members of R.E.M. and the Posies to
appear at UNION COUNTY MUSICFEST 2009 ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 12th
Nick Harper, British singer/songwriter/guitarist, also to join
Saturday's card
CLARK, NJ--- The Minus 5, a rock collective featuring members of
R.E.M. and The Posies will perform at Union County MusicFest
2009 on Saturday, September 12th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ.
The Minus 5, a rock group founded in 1993 by underground pop
icon Scott McCaughey, was created as pop/rock collective with
the intent of using
different lineups with each new record. The Minus 5 is rooted in
the talents of McCaughey and Peter Buck, a legendary guitarist
and
co-founder of R.E.M. which was inducted into the rock and roll
hall of fame in 2007. McCaughey himself has worked with R.E.M.
both on stage and
in the studio since 1994.
The Minus 5 over the years has included Ken Stringfellow and
John Auer, Jeff, John, Glenn and Leroy of Wilco, as well as
various others. Those
contributing to the band's most recent album include Buck and
McCaughey, and Decemberists band members John Moen on drums,
Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Nate Query and Jenny Conlee. Tucker
Jackson handles pedal steel duties. The band's new record "Killingsworth"
is scheduled later this Summer.
Joining The Minus 5 on Saturday's lineup is Nick Harper, a
popular and immensely talented singer/song writer/guitarist from
England. Harper has
played the guitar from the age of 10 (he is completely
self-taught) and was surrounded by the likes of Keith Moon,
Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and
David Gilmour during his early years. Harper made his recording
debut on his father's (legendary singer-song writer Roy Harper)
Whatever Happened
to Jugula?
Also confirmed for Saturday at Union County MusicFest 2009 thus
far are Fastball, The Alarm, and Cy Curnin of The Fixx.
Confirmed for Sunday are The 1910 Fruitgum Company, Glenn
Tillbrook & the Fluffers, Gin Blossoms, Tonic, and They Might Be
Giants, who will play two sets, the first of
which will concentrate on their Grammy Award-winning children's
music.
Along with the free music, Union County MusicFest 2009 includes
all the extra attractions that have made it Union County's
premier outdoor
family entertainment event, and more. The Kids Kingdom Traveling
Jubilee returns with a full slate of children's activities
including moonwalks,
crafts, and kid-friendly performers, all free or affordably
priced. Parents can spread a blanket out on the grass and relax
while children
of all ages explore the sights and sounds.
A laser tag course will be part of the fun, and to the delight
of young BMX fans all over Union County, the spectacular Hell on
Wheels riders
will show off their heart-stopping stunts with free
performances. The Union County Performing Arts Center will also
be on hand, providing a
convenient way to check out upcoming acts at this beautifully
restored 1920's former vaudeville hall and purchase tickets for
first class
music, comedy, dance, and theater.
One brand new addition to MusicFest this year is a full scale
carnival, complete with a Ferris Wheel and many other popular
rides. Dozens of
food stands, sponsor booths and vendors round out the
festivities.
Raising funds to fight cancer will be the heart of MusicFest,
with the Rock On! Walkathon and the 5k Rock 'n' Run, in
partnership with the
Love, Hope, Strength Foundation. Proceeds will also go to
benefit the Valerie Fund.
Union County MusicFest 2009 is scheduled for September 12 and 13
at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ. The carnival will run at Oak
Ridge from
September 10 to September 13.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2009
Contact: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419
Tina Casey, 908-527-4346
UNION COUNTY’S 12th ANNUAL MUSICFEST SET FOR SEPTEMBER
Overlook Hospital returns as presenting sponsor
Union County, NJ -- A new location, great new acts, and a whole
new family carnival: Union County’s MusicFest 2009 offers all
the fun of an old time county fair, with 21st century flair.
Overlook Hospital is the presenting sponsor of the event, in
partnership with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders,
which features two days of free music on three stages.
MusicFest is scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Oak Ridge
Park. A carnival will also be at Oak Ridge from September 10 to
September 13.
“MusicFest is Union County’s updated, up-beat version of that
great American tradition, the county fair,” said Freeholder
Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a free public gathering for
one and all to enjoy, and a stellar opportunity for Overlook
Hospital and many other outstanding businesses and non-profits
to showcase their civic pride. With a walkathon and a 5k run to
raise money to fight cancer, MusicFest connects our little
corner of the world with people and communities far beyond our
borders.”
As MusicFest’s Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row,
Overlook Hospital plays a key role in the success of the event.
Other major sponsors to date include Walmart, Kean University,
TD Bank, The Hartford, Elizabethtown Gas, Brown & Brown Metro,
Pennoni Associates, PSE&G, Verizon, CMX, Correctional Health
Services, The Crossroads, Optimum Lightpath, Amaker Porterfield,
Conoco Phillips, and Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Along with the free music, MusicFest 2009 includes all the extra
attractions that have made it Union County’s premier outdoor
family entertainment event, and more. The Kids Kingdom Traveling
Jubilee returns with a full slate of children’s activities
including moonwalks, crafts, and kid-friendly performers, all
free or affordably priced. Parents can spread a blanket out on
the grass and relax while children of all ages explore the
sights and sounds.
A laser tag course will be part of the fun, and to the delight
of young BMX fans all over Union County, the spectacular Hell on
Wheels riders will show off their heart-stopping stunts with
free performances. The Union County Performing Arts Center will
also be on hand, providing a convenient way to check out
upcoming acts at this beautifully restored 1920’s former
vaudeville hall and purchase tickets for first class music,
comedy, dance, and theater.
One brand new addition to MusicFest this year is a full scale
carnival, complete with a Ferris Wheel and many other popular
rides. Dozens of food stands, sponsor booths and vendors round
out the festivities.
Raising funds to fight cancer will be the heart of MusicFest,
with the Rock On! Walkathon and the 5k Rock ‘n’ Run, in
partnership with the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation. Proceeds
will also go to benefit the Valerie Fund.
Performing artists confirmed for Saturday so far are Fastball,
The Alarm, and Cy Curnin of The Fixx. Confirmed for Sunday are
The 1910 Fruitgum Company, Glenn Tillbrook & the Fluffers, Gin
Blossoms, Tonic, and They Might Be Giants, who will play two
sets, the first of which will concentrate on their Grammy
Award-winning children's music.
“We’re pleased to offer MusicFest at Oak Ridge Park this year,
which will provide the public with more entertainment, more room
to walk around and view the performances, and easier access
including handicapped access,” said Mirabella. The new location
will also improve logistics for the County’s public safety
officers, and for performing artists, vendors and sponsors.
“The use of Oak Ridge enabled us to bring in the carnival,
expand the parking concession, and increase the space for
vendors,” said Mirabella. “That brings more revenue, and we can
continue to offer free music and affordable entertainment for
everyone.”
Free off-site parking and a free shuttle will be available.
MusicFest’s official hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel, will also offer
discounted rooms and a free shuttle.
“MusicFest has grown from a small concert to a free
community-wide celebration and a regional showcase for of all
the things that make Union County a great place to live, raise a
family, and do business,” said Mirabella.
The music kicks off at 8:00 am and lasts until 10:00 pm on
Saturday, September 12. On Sunday, September 13, the music
starts up at noon and goes to 8:00 pm.
Kids Kingdom will be open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday
September 12, and from noon to 6:00 pm on Sunday September 13.
The carnival will be open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Thursday
and Friday September 10 and 11, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on
September 12, and from noon to 8:00 pm on September 13.
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