Thursday, July 24-Sunday, July 27

The Lincoln Park Music Festival kicks off with the two-day Jazz Series that starts on Thursday, July 24, 5:30 p.m. with the opening of 'Music Speaks' an annual Photography Exhibition and reception that showcases music through an unorthodox medium. The exhibition is curated by Tony Graves and features photography of contemporary, classic and fusion Jazz Greats Nnenna Freelon, Santana, Jimmy Heath and many others by various photographers, the exhibition will run until September 1st. The Opening Reception will be held at the Grand Opening of Lincoln Park's green mixed-use buildings at the Washington Street Townhomes, 450 Washington St..

On Friday, July 25 from noon-5 p.m. in Lincoln Park the Jazz Music Series continues with An Afternoon of Jazz, hosted by Amiri Baraka with Carla Lillian and Stan Meyers, and Sheila Anderson of WBGO featuring amazing performances by the James Moody Quartet featuring Cyrus Chestnut, John Lee and Dennis Mackrel, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble presenting a tribute to the late saxophonist-composer Johnny Hodges, the TS Monk Band with special guest Alyson Williams, and a tap dance performance by Newark's own Maurice Chestnut.


Later the same day from 6-9 p.m. is the Gospel Music Festival: An Evening of Gospel with hosts Dr. Albert Lewis and Toya Beasley featuring inspirational performances by Grammy award winners The Clark Sisters, Blue Note Recording Artist Elisabeth Withers, JC Thompson and Beyond Blessed, 'Queen of Gospel Energy' Dawn Tallman, the St. James Dance Ministry and the 2008 'Newark Idol' Winners.


On Saturday, July 26 from noon-9 p.m. is the House Music Festival with host Shelton Hayes featuring performances by Rochelle Fleming of First Choice, Cece Rogers, a Lincoln Park Music Festival exclusive A Tribute to the Incomparable Sylvester featuring Marc Sir Dane, Dawn Tallman and Susu Bobien, with additional performances by Charvoni and Teddy Douglas with Margaret Grace. Also, DJs Joaquin 'Joe' Clausell, Hippie Torrales, Naeem Johnson and Omar Abdallah will be spinning throughout the night. Also on Saturday, the Green and Clean Live Painting Exhibition with the Gantalism Group will take place from 1-6 p.m.


On Sunday, July 27 from noon-8 p.m. is Old School Hip Hop: 31st Anniversary of the Rock Steady Crew with host Crazy Legs featuring dynamic performances by KRS-1, Buckshot, Craig G and Marley Marl, Termanology and DJ Statik Selektah, Sadat X, Grand Master Caz, Soul Sonic Force, Positive K, A-OK, Akrobatik, Skyzoo, Double Barrel and more.

In addition to the music and art events during the weekend is an Organic Farmers market, Green Sustainable Marketplace, Art and Craft vendors and food vendors will take place Saturday and Sunday from noon-8 p.m. Also, FREE for the kids will be skateboard, golf, basketball and Double-Dutch Clinics on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

For more information please visit www.lpccd.org or http://www.myspace.com/moaamevents or call (973) 242-4144.

[ more information ]