70 N Ridgewood Rd, South Orange, NJ
Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm
Matthew Friedman is a musician, singer and performer known best for his role as Billy Joel aka the Piano Man in the First National Touring Company of Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's acclaimed musical, Movin' Out. According to the Daily News’ review of Movin’ Out, “the Piano Man, played in the production I saw by the marvelous Matthew Friedman….Friedman's knockout rendition of ‘Goodnight Saigon’ truly takes your breath away.” And now, with his band STILETTO, comprised of veterans of the Movin’ Out production and, depending on availability, members of Billy Joel's own touring band, he pays tribute to his musical hero by playing Billy Joel's music with the authenticity, appreciation and hard-driving energy that it deserves.
Celebrating its 19th season, the highly anticipated 2011 Free Concerts in the Park Series returns this summer at Flood’s Hill in Meadowland Park, South Orange. For five consecutive Wednesday nights starting July 6th at 7:30 pm , some of today’s top performers will present free outdoor concerts ranging from blues, pop, and reggae to salsa and rock n’ roll. See complete line-up below. Audiences are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket along to relax and listen. The rainsite will be South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ
This year’s program is co-presented by the Village of South Orange and SOPAC. “When the Village invited SOPAC to co-present this year’s series, we jumped at the opportunity!” exclaims Michael Bollinger, Executive & Artistic Director of SOPAC. “We hope to see all of South Orange and our neighbors up on Flood’s Hill each and every week. And, of course, up on their feet dancing!” The 2011 Free Concerts in the Park Series is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.