'Music & Munch' in Downtown Basking Ridge Next Week

The Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce (BTCC), together with Ridge Family Dentistry, will bring New Orleans jazz to the big porch at the dentistry office's building in downtown Basking Ridge next week for a "Music & Munch" experience.

The special outdoor music and lunch experience is scheduled to be offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. next Wednesday, June 26, on the porch of 44 S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge. 

"Music & Munch," will provide free music as performed by Ken Salvo and his New Orleans Ragtime Trio, said Al LiCata, executive director of the Bernards Township chamber.

LiCata said several downtown restaurants will prepare box lunches at different price levels that can be ordered that morning, to be ready when they arrive to eat while enjoying the free outdoor music.

Some seats will be provided, as well as an assortment of downtown benches are available, LiCata said.

Scheduled rain date is July 11.

LiCata said he would like to see the event become a regular series in downtown Basking Ridge.

"I came up with the idea to help draw attention to the downtown and its growing food service industry as well as provide visitors an opportunity to see all of what's offered in this commerce center in a relaxing and enjoyable way," LiCata said. He added he is working on other ideas to promote commerce in the area.

"We want to bring people to our commerce centers and this is a relaxing way for people to take a break from work, get a pre-ordered lunch they can pick upon arrival and listen to some great music courtesy of the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ridge Family Dentistry and Wabba Travel," which also is located in downtown Basking Ridge, said LiCata.

“When Al proposed this idea, we at Ridge Family Dentistry loved it," said Karen Witt, of Ridge Family Dentistry. She said the dentistry office enjoys allowing the centrally located building's wide porch to be used for the annual Caroling on the Green on Christmas Eve, and other community events.

"This is another way we can help bring people to downtown Basking Ridge. We were fully on board from the start,” Witt said.

Ken Salvo and his trio are scheduled to set up on the porch of the Dentistry and begin playing New Orleans-style jazz and ragtime music at noon, the organizers said. The Ridge Restaurant, across the street, is one of the restaurants offering box lunches for the event that can be ordered at 908-766-5701.

“This is a wonderful idea for downtown Basking Ridge," said Joe Canderozzi, owner of The Ridge. "It allows people to relax on their lunch time, listen to music, walk about our downtown and enjoy our food. We are very happy to support the Chamber on this program and hope many come out to join us,” he added.

“We encourage everyone to come out and grab a bite downtown and enjoy the music, the shops, the atmoshpere at our Music & Munch," LiCata said. "If there is ample interest, we will work to make Music & Munch a regular part of our annual chamber programing,” he said.

Information about the event or other upcoming Chamber functions and meetings is available from the Bernards Township Regional Chamber at 908-766-6755, or on the chamber's Facebook page. 

_ Linda Sadlouskos contributed to this story.