SOMERS POINT — The musical city by the bay will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a two-day concert at William Morrow Beach off Bay Avenue — the first with music from the UK and the second, all American.
Mayor Dennis Tapp said June 25 that the city, with help from the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, Somers Point Business Association and city Historic Society has organized for live music July 3-4.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. each day, there will be food trucks, vendors, giveaways and T-shirts available. At 6 p.m. July 3, the British Invasion Band, along with local concert violinist Kate Wyatt, will perform selections from English performers.
“That is going to commemorate all the British songs,” Tapp said.
“July 3 we were still under British Rule,” City Council President Kirk Gerety pointed out.
On July 4, Born to Run Down the Dream will play American songs, such as those from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and others. Recent Miss New Jersey contestant Molly Pugliese will be singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” to kick off the performance.
The free events end at 9 p.m. Tapp said all of the funds to host the concerts have been donated by the sponsors.
After the concert July 4, attendees will be in the perfect location to watch fireworks off Ocean City and other towns, something the city also is getting free of charge.
“You might see fireworks in three or four different locations,” Tapp said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff