The Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey is a group of 40 young adults who are first, second, or third generation Greek Americans, and are dedicated to perpetuating their heritage through enthusiastic performances of the regional folk dances of Greece.  Under Master Instructor Eleeni Chakalos more than 300 dances, songs, and related traditions have been preserved .  These are indigenous to mainland Greece, its island and Asia Minor, and have been passed on to two generations of Greek Americans and the American Public.  Their traditional music and folk dance is representative of a cross-section of these divers regions, past and present.   Performed in authentic ethnic dress, the Hellenicâ€s wardrobe represents the 20 regions from which the dance originated including: Macedonia, Thrace, the Pelopennese, Epiros, Roumeli, Crete, Cyprus, the various island groups; and Pontos, Cappadocia, and Ikonion in Asia Minor.

The post Kennedy Dancers, Inc. Announce their 2nd Annual Folkloric Concert: “Dances from The Diaspora” first appeared on River View Observer.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, Municipal Council, and the Division of Cultural Affairs host the annual Summerfest Concert Series, the annual Jazz for Lunch Music Series, Free Concerts at the MLK Hub, and the Summer Dance Fest Series during the months of July through August.

“From enjoying the pierâ€s scenic backdrop, to Liberty State Parkâ€s view of the Manhattan skyline, to the MLK evening celebration, mixed with the finest local musicians, this will be an exciting time to be in Jersey City,” said Mayor Healy. “Residents and visitors donâ€t have to spend a lot of money on vacations and travel far for a fun-filled summer. Staying local and taking advantage of everything that is right in our backyard, is the way to go.”

Sponsored by the Department of Health & Human Services/Division of Cultural Affairs, the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation and the Jersey City UEZ Program, the summer concerts and events showcase Jersey Cityâ€s finest local talents.

Kicking off the summer entertainment lineup are the Free Concerts at the MLK Hub, which are held every Friday from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, June 22^nd through August 24^th.

Date Artist Music Type

TBA Don Carter Jazz

Friday, July 13 AM-PM Band Pop/R&B

Friday, July 20 Harvest Dance Band R&B

Friday, July 27 A Class Act R&B

Friday, August 3 Ambrosia R&B

Friday, August 10 Gordon James Jazz

Friday, August 17 TruSol R&B

Friday, August 24 Wayne Harmon/Moneeta Music Choir Gospel

The Summerfest Concerts on the Hudson, a two month-long program that runs from July 8th through August 14^th on Sundays and Tuesdays brings more than a dozen recording artists to Jersey City and is the longest concert series in Jersey City history. The historic concert series dates back to when Liberty State Park was founded and has since grown.

Co-sponsored by Liberty House, Liberty State Park, and Friends of Liberty State Park, the shows will be held in the gardens behind the Liberty House Restaurant in Liberty State Park, the concert schedule is as followed:

JULY

Day Date Time Artist Music

Sunday 8^th 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Moonlighters** Big Band

Tuesday 10^th 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. John Christian Pop

Sunday 15^th 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Generation of Soul** R&B

*Guest Vocalist Kim Freeman

Tuesday 17^th 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Soul Finger Pop R&B

Sunday 22^nd 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Kim Lawrence** Big Band

Don Carter

Tuesday 24^th 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. David Cedeno Latin

Sunday 29^th 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Hunter Hayes R&B

Tuesday 31^st 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Gordon James** Jazz

AUGUST

Sunday 5^th 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Jersey Sound Pop & Oldies

Tuesday 14^th 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. NY Exception** Oldies

** DJ Omar will be providing sound and music during musical breaks of five concerts listed above.

Although parking is available at the Liberty House Restaurant, concert goers may also take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park. The concert is held on the lawn and concert goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

The renovated J. Owen Grundy Pier at Exchange Place not only boasts breathtaking views, but this summer will feature free concerts at during the Jazz for Lunch Music Series and the Summer Dance Fest which will run in July and August.

Co-sponsored by Goldman Sachs, the Jazz for Lunch Music Series features jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel music from Thursdays from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.

DATE ARTIST

July 12 David Robinson

July 19 Linda Ipanema

July 26 Leisa Brown w/ AM PM Band

August 2 Rumba y Fuego

August 9 Rich Reiter

August 16 Bryan Beninghove

August 23 Ginettaâ€s Vendetta

August 30 Mohammad Bilal

In its third year, the Summer Dance Fest Series which will be held every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. from July 12^th – August 9^th. The dance series, facilitated by the Kennedy Dancers, Inc., is open to the public and features live performances. The classes are interactive with the audience and everyone is encourage to participate. For more information, please call: 201-659-2190. Last year, there mini salsa, hip hop and Zumba classes were featured

All events are FREE and open to the public. For more information on the upcoming summer events, contact the Division of Cultural Affairs at 201-547-6921.

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The post Jersey City Offers Free Concerts and Dance this Summer first appeared on River View Observer.