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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