(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all music fans to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield for the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival to be held on Saturday, June 3 complete with a full afternoon of live music, children’s activities and much more. The event features performances by Naughty by Nature, Shady Street Show Band, Justina Valentine, Rob Base, and UNITY.
“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is our signature event that kicks off a whole series of free outdoor concerts, movies and other activities in Union County parks,” said Union County Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a legacy of conservation and public recreation that began in Union County back in the 1920’s, and continues going strong today.”
“Cedar Brook Park is a jewel in the crown of the Union County parks system and the City of Plainfield. When Rhythm and Blues comes to town, it’s great to see our residents and visitors enjoy getting together with friends and neighbors in this beautiful setting for an afternoon of music, community and healthy outdoor fun,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield.
This year’s Rhythm and Blues by the Brook event will run from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., with DJ BooKeem serving as MC throughout.
The musical entertainment begins at 12:00 p.m. with the group UNITY and continues with one of New Jersey’s top live performance ensembles, the Shady Street Show Band, at 1:00.
Named Best Soul act in 2014 and 2015 by the Asbury Park Press, the Shady Street Show Band includes a nine-piece band with a full horn section.
At 2:45 p.m. Justina Valentine will take the stage. Valentine is a multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter and model from Passaic County, best known for her singles Candy Land featuring rapper Fetty Wap, All The Way, and Unbelievable.
At 3:45 p.m. Rob Base will entertain. Best known for the multi-platinum 1988 hip-hop classic "It Takes Two," and providing a touchstone for the style known as hip-house.
And, at 5:00 p.m. Naughty by Nature will provide the day’s featured entertainment. Naughty by Nature is a Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio from East Orange.
Along with all the music at Rhythm and Blues by the Brook the free children’s activities include inflatables and a petting zoo.
The event also includes a marketplace featuring food vendors, a free car show by G-Wiz and new this year, a free health fair.
More information about Cedar Brook Park is available from the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.
