(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- With the country caught up in the midst of a global pandemic and a divisive presidential campaign; a major historical milestone lays all but forgotten: the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment (granting women the right to vote). Woodbridge Township has not forgotten and is celebrating women with an all female free outdoor concert series on Wednesday evenings. The diverse musical offerings feature such female luminaries as Amy Helm, Joanie Madden (of Cherish the Ladies fame) and Susan Werner.
Bill Brandenburg, artistic director of the long running Woodbridge Wednesdays series explains: “The series has always been very diverse and has included really strong female artists like Amy Helm, Eilen Jewell and Catherine Russell. Several years ago, I had the idea that an all female series with those type of acts could easily be as strong as any series we’ve ever presented and although nobody would blink at an all male series, an all female series would probably generate lots of attention.” Suffrage brought us Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Blanche Calloway, all breaking the gender barrier, paving the way for the female musicians appearing Wednesdays this summer on the lawn of Woodbridge High School.
The lineup kicks off on July 8 with gospel and R&B influenced Liz Vice. July 15th sees a co bill with dobro player Abbie Gardner (of Red Molly) and singer/author Zara Phillips. Amy Helm brings her roots influenced sound on July 22. Award winning traditional Irish pipe and flute player, Joanie Madden (founder of Cherish the Ladies) arrives with her Irish All Stars on July 29.
August begins with roots reggae band The Big Takeover taking over the stage on August 5. Susan Werner, singer/songwriter who’s tunes crossover folk, rock and Broadway appears on August 12. Americana groups Bobtown and The Honey Dewdrops co bill on August 19. Blues singer Daniele Nicole brings her band on August 26. The series closes with American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh performing her original tunes along with rock/pop standards. Tristan can also be seen in the Linda Ronstadt Experience in the Country Sunday series. Special guests will open many of the concerts. Full listings, bios and other information is available online.
Country Sundays pay homage to country music in all its incarcerations including Americana and Bluegrass, starting with an enthusiastic tribute to Zac Brown by ZBTO on July 12. NJ country rockers Kinderhook appear on July 19 with their mix of original and classics. Devotees of The Allman Brothers will revel in the sounds of Live at the Fillmore on July 26. Jet Weston and His Atomic Ranch Hands bring their blend of Hank Williams and classic country tunes on August 2. Paying tribute to Jerry Garcia on the 25th anniversary of his death, DeadGrass will showcase their unique bluegrass interpretations of the Grateful Dead songbook. Local country rock favorite, Southern Steel plays their salute to Southern Rock on August 16. The THE BAND Band honors the great Bob Dylan with an evening of his work on August 23. Panama Dead brings the foot stomping music of the New Riders of the Purple Sage on August 30. Closing the season on September 13 is the Linda Ronstadt Experience, who's faithful sound blew away the crowd last season.
Continuing Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac’s tradition of five nights a week of free outdoor concerts, Oldies Monday, Tribute Tuesday and Local Band Thursday round out the offerings. In order to allow for social distancing, all concerts this year will take place on the spacious lawn of Woodbridge High School. Beer, wine and food trucks will be available. For all the lineups and more information, visit http://woodbridgeartsnj.org.
