Hillsdale Concerts Start Wednesday

Hillsdale is pleased to announce that four concerts will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 18 and 25 and August 1 in Veterans Park. The Park is located at the intersection of Broadway and Hillsdale Avenue. has generously offered to be the alternate site in the event of rain. St. John’s will also host a fifth concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, in the church.

It all started with an inquiry from a Hillsdale resident at a mayor and council meeting in early May. It seems like everyone knows about budget caps and cutbacks. Elizabeth Ward was interested in knowing how these would affect the popular summer concert series. At that meeting Council Member Marie Hanlon formed a committee which includes Patty Hughes, Director of Recreation, and volunteer Elizabeth Ward to ensure the return of the summer concerts to Hillsdale. Mayor Max Arnowitz sent a letter appealing to local businesses for funding to maintain Recreation Department programs such as the concerts and Town Day.

Diamond Jim and The Gem’s, led by Hillsdale musician and drummer Jim Pfeiffer, launched the concert series on July 11 with an evening of classic rock and oldies. Jim has performed at Town Day, Demarest Farm barbecues and other local events and has a wide following.

Easy Listening featuring Stu Blank of Hillsdale, Ruby Salerno of Norwood and John Hartman of Westwood will perform on July 18 with a repertoire of Broadway show tunes, romantic standards and patriotic selections. Easy Listening has appeared at many venues in the Pascack Valley and beyond and is a proven crowd-pleaser.

Hillsdale resident Tom Bielan will grace the stage on July 25 with a program of acoustic favorites from the '50s to today. Tom has performed in Europe, Latin America and in more than 10 states in the United States and couldn’t be happier than to share his musical talents with an enthusiastic local crowd.

Alan Quinn has performed with his band at countless events in the tri-state area for more than 25 years. Alan specializes in the piano and trumpet and has performed in many Broadway shows, most recently with Jesus Christ Superstar, and backed up many legendary rock and disco acts. He will create a party atmosphere in town on August 1 with the Sounds of the '50s, '60s and '70s.

Founded in 1972, the French Boys’ Choir from Lambersart in northern France will mark its 40th anniversary with a concert at St. John’s at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. The choir has delighted audiences in more than 35 countries with its gift of music.

For the first time ever the 2012 concert series represents a partnership between the borough and local sponsors. They include Hillsdale Emergency Services – Fire Association, PBA and Ambulance Service Members, , Bergen Home Health Care, Care One, , , , , , , Demarest Farm, , , , , and residents Marie Hanlon and Walter Politzer. Their generous contributions will allow the beat to go on throughout the summer. The concert committee encourages everyone to make a night on the town by dining at one of the sponsoring restaurants, picking up a picnic supper to enjoy in Veterans Park or a bite to eat before you head home. Bring a chair or blanket and lots of family and friends to enjoy great music under the stars in downtown Hillsdale.

Editor's note: This article was supplied by Elizabeth Ward.

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