(DEAL PARK) - The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) hosts the “Up on the Roof” Vogel Summer Concert Series on the outdoor upper deck at Bell Works in Holmdel with an impressive variety of Broadway stars and favorite local musical artists. With limited socially distanced seating, the venue offers a full bar and menu provided by Bar Bellà and Bell Market. 

On June 16th, “American Idol” alum and two-time Tony-nominee Constantine Maroulis will perform original songs and favorite rock songs with his band. At the Axelrod, Constantine appeared as Berger in the 50th anniversary concerts of Hair. On Broadway, he received his first Tony nomination for creating the role of Drew in Rock of Ages. He also appeared opposite Deborah Cox in Jekyll and Hyde and produced the revival of Spring Awakening, for which he was nominated for his second Tony. Last summer he released his new album Until I’m Wanted.

Following on June 24th will be The Wicked Divas, starring two of Broadway’s favorite witches from the blockbuster musical “Wicked,” Alli Mauzey and Dee Roscioli, who will sing songs their favorite Broadway musicals. 

The Weeklings, the popular Beatles inspired band that originated in New Jersey and has gone on to national acclaim, will perform on July 15th. 

Tony-nominated Broadway star, from the original company of “Rent” and “Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida,” Adam Pascal will perform on July 29. 

Returning to the Jersey Shore by popular demand, The Doo Wop Project, five guys from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” and “Motown the Musical” accompanied by a five-piece band, will perform shows on the weekend of August 7 and 8. “American Idol” favorites and Broadway stars Ace Young (“Grease” and “Hair”) and Diana DeGarmo (“Hairspray”) will take the stage on August 12, and the Shore’s most popular Motown tribute band The Motor City Revue will create their authentic musical magic on August 26. Most shows are presented at 5:30 PM and 8 PM but check the schedule on the website. 

Paola Zamudio, the Creative Director of Bell Works, is “…extremely excited to bring Broadway to the Metro burb this summer. After the year we have all had, it is so relieving to see music and art back at Bell Works—something we all need, to stay inspired.” 

APAC has been a member of the Bell Works community since winter 2020, in a studio which houses the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy and its ballet company the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater. 

“The Bell Works Team is grateful for the partnership with Axelrod Performing Arts Center,” continues Zamudio, “…I am over the moon to welcome local musicians, performers, and artists to our space to engage with our community, and enhance this ecosystem that we have all created. Let's dance…and all that jazz!" 

APAC is also offering shows at the newly restored Arthur Pryor Bandshell on the Asbury Park Boardwalk on Wednesday nights. We began the series with a special concert featuring the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra playing the music of Asbury Park’s legendary bandleader Arthur Pryor. The band is led by its founder and Asbury Park native Rick Benjamin, who was a student at Julliard when he discovered thousands of Pryor scores abandoned in a warehouse in Asbury Park. Tim McLoone, of the Iron Whale, the restaurant that provides food and beverage service for the Bandshell, enthuses, “As a musician myself, I could not be more excited about finally activating the Arthur Pryor Bandshell and with that brilliant music. This is just the start of a brand-new era of live music on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.” 

Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel. The Arthur Pryor Bandshell is located at 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. Tickets for all shows are available for purchase online or by calling  732-531-9106, ext 14