(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 29, 2024, you can celebrate the Arts Institute of Middlesex County's inaugural FolkLIVE series featuring live performances by Gospel icon Hezekiah Walker and rising sensation, Jekalyn Carr and other local talents at Monument Square Park! This is a FREE performance series for all ages exploring diverse histories, traditions, and stories that make our County culturally rich.

With roots dating back to the foundation of our nation, Gospel music has been traditionally passed down through generations. This genre has carried African American stories and communities through slavery to the present day and has been a vital vehicle for political and social change. As Koryn Hawthorne said “There are no ceilings to this Genre. Gospel music is made for ALL people inside and outside the church.

The day’s lineup includes Valerie Adams, Mistress of Ceremony, DJ RunTheFade, DJ for the day, Tangie Cobb, Lenore Davis, David Cross, Tawanda Muslim, The Jenkins Brothers, Jekalyn Carr and Hezekiah Walker.

Monmouth Square Park is located at 2 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  In the case of rain, this event will be held inside the Grand Ballroom of the Heldrich. First come, first serve—500-person limit. Bring a chair for extra comfort!

Featured food vendors: Delta’s Soul Food, Crazy Corn, Jamaica Taste, Pies by Ms. Lisa, NicaSoul and McGriff’s Catering. Each vendor will give away meals to the first 100 guests!!

Schedule of performances:

* 2:00 Valerie Adams

* 2:10 Tangie Cobb – Lift Every Voice and Sing

* 2:15 Lenore Davis

* 2:30 David Cross

* 2:45 Twanda Muslin

* 3:15 The Jenkins Brothers

* 4:00 Jekayln Carr 

* 5:00 Hezekiah Walker

PARKING: special rate is 30% off between the hours 1:00pm – 7:00pm. Reserve your space now! Participating parking decks include: Morris Street (70 New St.) New Street Deck (134 New St.) Gateway (7 wall St.) Wellness (95 Kirkpatrick St.) Lower Church (90 Church St.) Transportation assistance provided by RIDE. Shuttle services will run every 30 minutes from each parking deck. For more information (support 24/7) 732 – 236 – 7546.

Complimentary Parking is available at:

Lord Stirling Elementary School, 101 Redmond Street

Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts,199 Paul Robeson Blvd.

AC Redshaw Elementary School, 216 Livingston Avenue

Roosevelt Elementary School, 83 Livingston Avenue

McKinnley Elementary School, 15 Van Dyke Avenue

New Brunswick High School, 1000 Somerset Street