South Orange Summer Nights

Summer is Back!

Summer Concerts and Moonlit Movies are Wednesday night programs collectively known as South Orange Summer Nights and this year they are bigger and better than ever!

Flood’s Hill in South Orange is the place to be each Wednesday evening all summer long. Beginning in July, enjoy programming on our summer stage.

As the evenings get longer in July, music takes center stage, complete with free concerts, food trucks, arts activities and games for the kids.

In August come the popular movies; bring your blanket, your family, and your friends and enjoy the show!

All in all, its a summer of free programming for all to enjoy.

Programs are subject to change. In the case of inclement weather, activities will be canceled.

South Orange Summer Nights is jointly produced by the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs and South Orange Performing Arts Center. (SOPAC)

Are you interested in helping to sponsor South Orange Summer Nights? Contact recreation@southorange.org for more information.

Our 2023 Summer Concert line up is here!

Concerts in the Park

Concerts are held Wednesday evenings in July starting 7:30PM at Floods Hill in Meadowland Park.

Wednesday 7/5 - Essex Funk

Essex Funk is a dynamic R&B, funk, and soul cover band made up of long-time community members spanning generations. Established in 2019, they quickly made a name for themselves with their tight rhythms and unforgettable performances. Their music brings people of all ages and backgrounds together and creates an atmosphere of celebration that is infectious. Their setlist features classic hits and modern favorites that keep the party going all night long. Members of the band include singers Faith Taylor who performed at NYC Sweetwaters, local Backspin band and released the album Imani songs of Faith. Kiyomi Taylor and Nigel Finley Columbia Class of 2013 and founding members of the MotherFunkers band. Kenny Vaughan is featured and has original songs on Boomerang, House Party and Sesame Soundtracks and they feature rapper and hype-man Norman “Skip” Burns. Musicians Jonathan Glasser, Steven Feldman, Lawrence Allen and Brian Swisher have performed in MAPSO community bands for over 20 years combined. Special guest, Don Braden saxophonist is featured and toured with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hanes and Freddie Hubbard. Their irresistible energy and incredible musicianship, Essex Funk is the funkiest band in town, guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Wednesday 7/12 - Gravy Train

Gravy Train is a three piece acoustic trio from Hoboken, New Jersey. These three friends have been playing together for the past 13 years all over New Jersey and specialize in multi-part harmonies and an infirmity for 90's music. They cover a wide variety of tunes from classic rock to music from the present day. They have been a regular fixture at the Fox and Falcon in South Orange and love playing music for people. They played the South Orange Summer Music concert series two years ago and are very excited to be back for this season.

Wednesday 7/19 - Water Towers

Water Towers is SOMA’s indie rock cover band. While often venturing into soul, pop or whatever the crowd desires, their sweet spot is indie rock tunes with multi-part harmonies.

Wednesday 7/26 – Blues People

BLUES PEOPLE is a NY/NJ blues band featuring...KELTON COOPER (vocals/guitar), MIKE GRIOT (bass), RON THOMPSON (keys) and GENE LAKE (drums). Early comparisons to the Meters, Luther Allison, Keb Mo' and Buddy Guy are starting to roll in! Having released two promotional singles in 2022 ("The Skin I'm In" and "Troubled Times"), the band is busy in the studio finishing up their much-anticipated 2023 debut album "Troubled Times". These seasoned veterans have certainly paid their dues; as individual side men, they have supported a who’s-who of touring “A-listers”, including Sue Foley, Josh Smith, Kool & the Gang, Ruf’s Blues Caravan and Michael Hill’s Blues Mob… just to name a few. Blues People musically explores the effects of the blues on modern American culture on many universal levels... and is a modern chronicle of four "real-life blues brothers" living in THIS time in America... while surviving the NY/NJ-Metro urban landscape.

Moonlit Movies

Moonlit Movies are held Wednesday evenings in August starting 8:00PM at Floods Hill in Meadowland Park.

August 9, 8:00PM - Lightyear

August 16, 8:00PM - DC League of Super-Pets

August 23, 8:00PM - Minions: The Rise of Gru

August 30, 8:00PM - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish