City launches Family Fest Concert Series in all Five Wards

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Executive Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism Gwen Moten, announced launch of “Family Fest – Positive Music Matters” outdoor concert program on Thursday, August 11, at 6 p.m., at the corner of Chadwick and Hawthorne Avenues, in the City’s South Ward.

This five-week concert program will be held at sites in all five of Newark’s wards, to showcase young artists, entertain residents, and empower them with positive and supportive messages and social commentary. All concerts begin at 6 p.m., with an hour of jazz, followed by an hour of hip-hop, and an hour of House Music. See below dates and locations (Rain date for all concerts will be the following day):

• Thursday, August 11: Corner of Chadwick and Hawthorne Avenues (South Ward)
• Thursday, August 18: Peter Francisco Park (East Ward)
• Thursday, August 25: Elmwood Park (North Ward)
• Thursday, September 1: Hyatt Court (Central Ward)
• Thursday, September 8: West Side Park (West Ward)

“We are working to use the inspiring power of music to send positive messages to our residents of all ages, which will promote neighborhood unity and to transform the lives of at-risk persons, most importantly our youth, who draw their messages and ideas from these musical forms. It also will showcase our home-grown talent, and their examples of dedication to achieving positive success will inspire our youth to do the same in their lives. I congratulate our partners on developing this initiative and look forward to joining my neighbors at these concerts,” Mayor Baraka said.

There will be performances by jazz, Hip Hop, and House Music artists, as well as comedians and gospel singers. These will include:

• Doitall Du Kelly (host)
• Roxanne Shanté (host/performer)
• DJ Young Fresh (DJ)
• Flipside (band)
• Nucci Reyo (gospel rapper)
• Talent Da Comedian (comedian)
• Dres From Black Sheep (performer)
• Brother Haz (Gospel Rapper)
• Melle Mel (performer)
• Freedom Of C &C Music Factory (performer)
• Smif & Wesson (performers)

Actor and producer Du “DoltAll” Kelly, known for the movies “Boiler Room” and “Notorious,” and Positive Community Magazine, are partnering with the City’s Division of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services to produce the concert series.