The Camden County Library System is celebrating the long-awaited summer of 2014 with its second annual Summer Music Festival. Seven groups and two solo artists will offer 17 different performances. The shows are scheduled throughout the county with each of the library’s eight branches hosting at least two programs.
The festival will span a wide range of musical forms, tastes and styles with everything from classical, jazz, Irish music, American standards, Broadway show tunes and more.
The Haddonfield Cello Society will kick off the festival at the Haddon Township branch library Wednesday, June 18 with its “Song and Dance” program including dances and songs from around the world along with popular tunes for a sing-along and musical commentary. The group will later visit the Voorhees branch on Wednesday, July 9. Both shows start at 7 p.m.
The festival will continue with performances by different artists scheduled throughout the summer at the following branches and times:
New Earth Trio
Bass player Charles Williams, pianist Charles Davis and drummer Abe Speller are back for a second summer. Blending contemporary music and modern style with the smooth backdrop of classic American music, the group provides a special brand of soft jazz.
South County: Friday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Merchantville: Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 p.m.
Haddon Township: Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m.
Joyful Noise
Joyful Noise is a chorus of 45 adults with physical and neurological challenges and acquired brain injuries. The ensemble fosters an atmosphere of community, acceptance and teamwork in which members can discover their voices and express themselves through music.
Merchantville: Wednesday, June 25, 7p.m.
Gloucester Township: Tuesday, July 15, 7 p.m.
Mark Carroll
The library welcomes back Mark Carroll, a seasoned performer of traditional Irish music who plays the Celtic harp, Uillean pipes, hammered dulcimer and many other instruments. Carroll’s music will lift your heart and spirit.
Voorhees: Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m.
The Gabriels
The Gabriels are a popular quartet who have played at a variety of venues throughout South Jersey. They play music from the Great American Songbook including Irving Berlin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett as well as some Dixieland and show tunes.
Bellmawr: Monday, June 30, 7 p.m.
Ferry Avenue: Saturday, July 12, 1 p.m.
Merchantville: Wednesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m.
South County: Friday, August 1, 7 p.m.
Meg’s Melodies
Two- time Parent Choice Award winning singer/songwriter Meg Russell draws in her audience with her upbeat interactive songs for children and adults alike. Meg’s music is highly entertaining. She always teaches a lesson within her songs while warming the hearts of her audience and captivating the children’s attention.
Bellmawr: Wednesday, July 23, 3 p.m.
Camden County College Jazz Ensemble
The student musicians of Camden County College will perform a variety of jazz favorites and standards.
Voorhees: Saturday, July 19, 1 p.m.
Ferry Avenue: Saturday, July 26, 1 p.m.
Mainstage Center for the Arts
The whole family will enjoy an evening with the locally renowned Harmony Show Choir from Mainstage Center for the Arts of Blackwood. Their musical revue contains a mix of styles including Broadway, Disney, gospel and country.
Gloucester Township: Tuesday, July 29, 7 p.m.
Symphony in C
Enjoy chamber music performed by some of the world’s top young artists. One of only three professional training orchestras in the country, Symphony in C supports tomorrow’s well rounded orchestral musicians.
Nilsa Cruz-Perez Downtown Branch: Date and time to be determined.
Directions and phone numbers for each branch can be found on the web at www.camdencountylibrary.org/locations-hours. Register online at www.camdencountylibrary/events or call the branch library.
