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Sounds of a Summer Night: Music, Nature, and Community in Concert at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/29/2025

Sahara Moon

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to Reeves-Reed Arboretum and celebrate summer with their 2025 concert series, Sounds of a Summer Night! All performances will be held on select Wednesday evenings on the grounds of this non-profit public garden located in Summit.

The concert series reflects the Arboretum’s mission to bring people together through nature and the arts.

“There’s something magical about gathering in the garden as music fills the summer air. 'Sounds of a Summer Night' is more than just a concert series — it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the joy of shared experiences under the moon and stars.” - Jackie Kondell, Executive Director, Reeves-Reed Arboretum

The Arboretum’s 2025 summer concert line-up features the following:

Wednesday, June 25 – Reeves-Reed Arboretum is kicking off the Sounds of a Summer Night 2025 concert series with RAVE ON!, a cool little rock and roll band featuring the music of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, including favorite blasts from the past – That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Pretty Woman, Crying, Only The Lonely, and more. Come rock out in the garden!




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Wednesday, July 16 – The Arboretum is excited to welcome back Sahara Moon to the summer concert series. Sahara Moon is a singer-songwriter and artist from the NJ shore and is currently based in Nashville. Her soulful sound incorporates a mix of jazz, folk, and blues; similar to Norah Jones. She has shared the stage with The Marshall Tucker Band, Jake Shimabukuro, Robert Cray, and Gabe Dixon amongst others. She recently released a collaboration with her sister, Zinnia Moon, called “Seven Bridges Road” and has a live album coming in 2025. Her collaboration with Coldplay’s song, “Clocks,” has reached over ten million streams. Don’t miss her serenade in the garden!

Wednesday, July 30 – Take “A Musical Journey Through the Decades” with Gerard and Diane Barros. They will sweep you back in time with #1 hits of the 1940s, rock ‘n roll classics of the 50s, and cool sounds of the 1960s and 70s. Don’t miss this nostalgic night in the garden!

Wednesday, August 13 - Simple Gifts will bring folk music to the garden, introducing concertgoers to at least 12 bluegrass instruments! A spoons-playing workshop will take place before the concert, and spoon players will be included in a concert song. Simple Gifts, featuring Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon, has played at major venues including the Smithsonian, National Theatre, Lincoln Theater, Bethel Woods, and Longwood Gardens. Their latest CD, “Journeys,” won a Global Music Award. Don’t miss this fun and educational musical evening in the garden!

The Arboretum grounds will open at 6:00pm on these select evenings for concertgoers to picnic and enjoy the gardens. Performances will begin promptly at 7:00pm. Entry is free for Reeves-Reed Arboretum members and children under 3. Non-member tickets are $15 and students $5. Tickets are available at reeves-reedarboretum.org or at the entry gate on the evening of each performance. Student tickets must be purchased at the gate. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit, New Jersey.

All concerts are rain or shine, no refunds. In the event of inclement weather, the performances will move indoors. Check the Reeves-Reed Arboretum website for updates.

The Sounds of a Summer Night concert series is made possible in part by the following sponsors: The Summit Elks Lodge #1246 and the Emily Lafrinere Team/Compass Realty.

Celebrating 50+ years as a historic public garden and education resource, Reeves-Reed Arboretum engages, educates, and enriches the public through horticulture and environmental education, and the care and utilization of the gardens and estate. Open 7 days a week, the Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey State Historic Registers.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Toad the Wet Sprocket: Rings: The Acoustic Tour

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Here Come the Mummies

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


The Sixties Show

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Croce Plays Croce

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dead To The Core

Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ