Dance to songs of the ’60s, ’80s

MUSIC. Sons of Cream, the Travelin’ McCourys and John Oates will play separate shows at the Newton Theatre.

| 11 Aug 2024 | 04:50

Looking for a weekend filled with live music and unique events? Sussex County has you covered, from Sunset View Farm’s nostalgic Flower Power 60’s Dance in their flower fields to a CSNY tribute and a performance by the legendary John Oates of Hall & Oates.

Friday, Aug. 16

Singer-songwriter Mike Herz will deliver his heartfelt, acoustic-driven songs starting at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette House, 75 Route 15.

At the same time, visitors are invited to groove to iconic ’60s tunes at the Flower Power ’60s Dance at Sunset View Farm, 27 Pierce Road, Lafayette, while enjoying the farm’s renowned flower fields. The event includes dance lessons, contests and free flower bouquets, with ’60s-inspired attire encouraged.

Mark Coulter will bring his soulful covers and original songs to McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, also at 6 p.m.

The DeLear Brothers will offer a unique blend of acoustic music spanning various genres, including folk and traditional Irish, at 6:30 p.m. at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta.

Also at 6:30 p.m., Tequila Rose will rock the Jefferson Township Municipal Complex, 1033 Weldon Road, as part of the free Summer Gazebo Concert Series. If it is raining, the concert moves to Jefferson Township High School.

At 7 p.m., Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., will host an ’80s Dance Party, featuring ’80s Revolution, a band known for its energetic performances covering hits from Madonna, Journey, Michael Jackson and more. Tickets may be purchased online at bluearrowfarm.com

Alternative artist Flora Algera will showcase her genre-blending sound with a strong Americana influence at 7 p.m. at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St.

Saxophonist Jerry Vivino, a member of the Max Weinberg 7, will perform as part of Sparta Arts’ Summer Concert Series, bringing his rich jazz and R&B repertoire to life at 7 p.m. at Dykstra Park, 4 Mohawk Ave.

Up-and-coming artist Dan Ramos will take the stage at Earthman Farm, 132 Drew Road, Sussex, at 7:30 p.m. He draws inspiration from blues rock and acoustic singer-songwriters.

At 8 p.m., Sons of Cream, featuring Kofi Baker and Malcolm Bruce - sons of Cream’s Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, respectively - will headline a show at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., with their electrifying renditions of Cream’s legendary music.

The night wraps up with karaoke at 9 p.m. at O’Reilly’s, 271 Spring St., Newton, offering everyone a chance to take the stage.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Richard Meier kicks off the day at 10 a.m. with a performance at the Sparta Farmers Market, 89 S. Sparta Ave.

Blue Arrow Farm hosts a special tribute to the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with Wooden Ships at 1 p.m. This all-female tribute band adds a unique twist to the iconic harmonies of CSNY, promising a fresh take on the classic tunes that defined an era.

Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, will be celebrating its fifth annual Bourbon, Bluegrass and BBQ event starting at 2 p.m. The Fermenters Trio will perform from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Bunker Boys from 7 to 10 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Chris Donnelly takes the stage at Lafayette House with his acoustic selections.

Chris Fantasia will be performing at McQ’s Pub starting at 7 p.m.

Twisted Ginger, known for its rock covers with a twist of saxophone, will play at Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, also at 7 p.m.

The Travelin’ McCourys bring their innovative blend of bluegrass and contemporary music to the Newton Theatre at 8 p.m. This band, featuring Ronnie and Rob McCoury, sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional bluegrass. Their performances are a dynamic mix of old and new, appealing to a wide audience. Tickets start at $29 and are available online at skypac.org

Omar Mendez will be playing acoustic at O’Reilly’s at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18

Angry Erik’s Brewing, 4 Camre Drive, Newton, will feature Mauro Melleno performing a blend of folk rock and light piano rock. The music begins at 2:30 p.m., providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxed afternoon of craft beer and live tunes.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

The mid-week live music scene kicks off at 4 p.m. with Danny C’s Summer Concert Series & Hot Rod Cruise Night at Blue Arrow Farm, featuring a performance by the rock band Vinyl Tap, offering classic hits and lively tunes.

Sean Henry continues his weekly show at 5 p.m. at McQ’s Pub, delivering his signature acoustic sound.

At 6:30 p.m., head over to the Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, for a karaoke night hosted by Ray Sikora, where you can enjoy or participate in an evening of singing.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Starting at 6 p.m., the Homestead Rest, hosts an open mic night, inviting local musicians to perform in a laid-back and supportive atmosphere. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., John Sheehan will perform an acoustic set at the Early American Tavern, 9 Main St., Sussex.

Singer-songwriter Julia Kirk, known for her soulful acoustic covers spanning genres from R&B and soul to classic rock, will play at Krogh’s at the same time.

Also at 6:30 p.m., Mingo Lodge takes the stage at the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon.

For a special treat, head to the Newton Theatre at 8 p.m. to see John Oates, co-founder of the legendary Hall & Oates, perform “An Acoustic Evening of Songs & Stories.” Accompanied by a percussionist, cellist and pedal steel player, Oates will share his music and stories in an intimate acoustic setting. Tickets start at $59 and may be purchased at skypac.org

Send information to Stefani at themicnj@gmail.com