Arts & Entertainment
Ready For a Taste of the Tropics? Jimmy & the Parrots Concert In the Park
Jimmy & the Parrots return on July 13th
It will be "island time" at the Pleasant Valley Park on Tuesday, July 13 when Jimmy & the Parrots, return to Bernards Township for the Summer Concert Series in the Park.
A perennial favorite each summer, Jimmy & the Parrots are known for their special blend of "Trop Rock," a blend of tropical island music and classical rock n' roll. The four-man band, Jimmy Maraventano, his son Jimmy Jr, and two friends Lance Hyland Stark and Hal Selzer, have been playing together for 9 years.
"My son and I started playing for friends back in 1998 after attending a Parrot Head concert," Jimmy said. Parrot Heads is the term used to describe Jimmy Buffet fans. "While we do play a lot of Buffet tunes, we also play Paul Simon, Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen and our own original music. We like to mix it up. Our music is for all ages and all musical tastes."
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Jimmy & the Parrots appear at a variety of regional venues, both public and private. Many of their summertime gigs are in the NJ, PA and NY area. They also make frequent trips to the Caribbean ("a good way to keep our island flavor fresh") performing in Jamaica, St. Kitts, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Of course Key West, FL is always a favorite.
"We are excited to be returning to Bernards Township," added Jimmy, "Its like being home. It's always good to be home with our friends and fans."
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The concert starts at 7 p.m. Audience members and fans are known to arrive dressed for the occasion in Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops. "People love to get into the spirit of the music. We have people dancing and singing. We've even had congo lines. We're a good time band, just to have fun."
There is plenty of parking beyond the pool area at Pleasant Valley Park. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, a picnic dinner and plenty of cool, summer iced drinks.
The Jayne Hannigan Concert Series is sponsored by the Department of Parks & Recreation. The concert is free. Jimmy & the Parrots is the second Tuesday night concert and will be followed on July 20 by The 52nd Street Bank with "A Billy Joel Tribute" and Beatlemania Again, with "The Beatles Stage Show" on July 27.
