For the seventh year, Jenkins Construction Company of Middletown is the presenting sponsor of Music Month at Ballard Park. The series includes four free concerts by a diverse group of bands including The Navy Band Northeast, The Ubiquitones, the Toe Jam Puppet Band and Chelley, Bill & Dyl.
The series opens on Wednesday, July 6th when the Navy Band Northeast performs from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Navy Band Northeast performs free public concerts highlighting musical selections meant to inspire patriotism and entertain audiences of all ages. The ceremonial band will open with twenty minutes of patriotic music followed by a performance by Navy Band Northeast’s rock band, Rhode Island Sound, playing everything from classic rock to today’s Top 40 hits. This is Navy Band Northeast’s first performance at Ballard Park.
Also making their Ballard Park debut, is The Ubiquitones on Wednesday, July 13th from 7 to 8:30 pm. Their motto, “Johnny Cash to The Clash. George Jones to the Ramones” accurately captures the wide breadth of music this talented group of musicians performs – classic rock, roots, blues and outlaw country with some swing and surf music sprinkled in. The band features Greg Burgess on guitar and vocals, Steve Burke on keyboards and vocals, Dean Cassell on bass, Klem Klimek on sax and vocals and Mike Warner on drums and vocals. All four have performed or currently perform with well-known Rhode Island bands including John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, NRBQ and Roomful of Blues.
Jenkins Construction’s Music Month series features a double header on Wednesday, July 20th with a 10 am concert by the Toe Jam Puppet Band and Chelley, Bill & Dyl taking the stage from 7 to 8:30 pm. Celebrating their tenth appearance at Ballard Park, the Toe Jam Puppet Band encourages kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, shadow puppetry and storytelling. One of Newport’s favorite bands, Chelley, Bill & Dyl returns to Ballard Park on the evening of the 20th from 7 to 8:30 pm. Whether singing the blues, rock, reggae or pop, Chelley Smith always ties the melodies together with style and soul while Dylan Roy on bass and Bill Cote on guitar offer audiences a swinging good time.
All of the Jenkins Construction Music Month concerts will be held in Ballard Park’s quarry meadow off of Hazard Road. Seating for all concerts is on the grass so event goers are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chair on which to sit. There is rugged terrain so sturdy shoes are also recommend. Picnic dinners are welcome and parking is available on Hazard Road. Allow fifteen minutes to park and make your way into the quarry meadow.
Jenkins Construction Company of Middletown, RI offers its customers a myriad of construction options from small “handyman” projects to custom built, multi-story homes. Its mission is to provide its customers with the best building experience — whether it is new construction or home restoration — at the best value. All of the company’s employees are committed to the highest level of professionalism, quality workmanship and fastest response times.
Jenkins Construction Music Month is one of a series of free events held at Ballard Park this summer. The series is also sponsored by Kiki Finn, Nina Bestoso Poanessa, the Rhode Island State Senate and Ken and Tia Scigulinksy with support from KVH Industries, Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare Foundation, Heatherwood Rehabilitation & Health Care and Salve Regina University. Friends of Ballard Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting and maintaining Newport’s Only Nature Preserve. Cultural events and educational programming help to advance stewardship of the park and decrease negative park activities.
Visit www.ballardpark.org or call 401.619.3377 for more information.