Billy Joel Tribute Band Comes to Pleasant Valley Park

Relive some memories with the songs of Billy Joel at the Concert in the Park on Tuesday, July 20.

Danny V's 52nd Street band will perform "A Tribute to Billy Joel." The 52nd Street Band is the longest running Billy Joel tribute band in the world.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Danny Vechesky first met Billy Joel while attending Albright College in Reading, PA. Already an accomplished pianist himself, Vechesky became hugely influenced by Billy Joel and began the tribute performance over 15 years ago.

Vechesky sings in the style of Billy Joel and is accompanied by five other musicians as he plays the piano. The band tours nationally and regionally.

This is the first time the 52nd Street Band will be appearing at the Concert in the Park series in Pleasant Valley Park.

Some of the most famous Billy Joel songs, in addition to his best known song"Piano Man," include "Uptown Girl," "Just the Way Your Are," "It's still Rock and Roll to Me," "Big Shot," "Movin' Out," "New York State of Mind," "Allentown," and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant."

An evening of Billy Joel is a nice change-up from the previous two concerts in the park. Residents have been treated to the marching band tunes of John Philip Sousa with the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band and the caribbean sound of Jimmy & the Parrots. "

We are mixing it up a bit," said Department of Parks & Recreation assistant director Sean O'Grady. "By providing a diverse selection of music we hope to appeal to everyone. Our next concert will be Beatlemania."

It's been hot in the park, but there are shade trees lining the field that offer substantial coverage. The Parks Department is conscious of the weather forecasts. Jimmy and the Parrots was moved to the William Annin auditorium due to predictions of storms.

Check the Department of Parks & Recreation website for announcements regarding change of venue, date, or time.

The concert starts at 7 p.m.