In partnership with
Enjoy music outdoors this summer
Summer is in full swing, and Union County has never sounded better, from Cranford’s Thursday night Summer Sounds at Eastman Clock Plaza to Westfield’s expanded Sweet Sounds Downtown series to Summit’s Sweet Sounds every Thursday and Friday. We’re spotlighting the best live music lineup of the season alongside two new Roselle Park coffee spots, Salento House Coffee and Penstock Coffee Roasters, to keep you energized.
And for jazz aficionados, if you drive just a little further outside Union County, on Saturday, July 12, the Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival will be taking place at Monte Irvin Park in Orange. It’s an all-day event (11:00 AM–9:00 PM) combining live jazz, health resources, and a lineup of food trucks for family fun.
So whether you crave Americana, eclectic genres, or soulful jazz with local flavors, there’s something for every music lover this summer in Union County.
Here’s a new poll for you…
What's your favorite genre for live music?
In this issue, we’re featuring live music events taking place around Union County and beyond. We’re happy to be partnering with Gregory Burrus who is a passionate cultural producer and community advocate known for curating vibrant jazz festivals, organizing inclusive neighborhood events, and crafting compelling artist stories.
As founder of Gregory Burrus Productions, he leads initiatives that blend live music, community wellness, and faith-based engagement- most notably through a number of projects like Orange Jazz, Health and Food Truck Festival, Bradley Beach Jazz Festivals, Cranford Summer Sounds, Jesus and Jazz, Clements Place, Morris Museum Back Deck and North 2 Shore Festival amongst others. With a talent for live music promotion and storytelling, Gregory uplifts diverse voices while fostering meaningful connections across Northern NJ and beyond.
Some of the events produced by Gregory are listed at the end of this week’s issue. Be sure to check them out.
New Coffee Shops in Roselle Park
Salento House Coffee
111 E Westfield Ave, Roselle Park
Inspired by rich Colombian coffee traditions, Salento House Coffee brings freshly roasted, hand-selected beans to Roselle Park. Whether you're craving a velvety cortado, a refreshing batido, or a warm empanada, this cozy spot blends authenticity with a welcoming vibe. Favorites include their pour-over, cold brew, and guava pastries—perfect for a morning pick‑me‑up or afternoon chill sesh.
Penstock Coffee Roasters
123 Chestnut St, Roselle Park
Meet Penstock Coffee Roasters, Roselle Park’s newest cozy caffeine hub! They just had their ribbon cutting ceremony this past week. This is their second location in addition to their original location in Highland Park. Known for responsibly sourced beans and award-winning roasts, this spot is perfect for your morning pick-me-up or a chill weekend hang. Think rich lattes, pour overs or a smooth cold brew.
🍽️ Heard of a new restaurant in your neighborhood? Let us know about it.
Email us at [email protected]
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Food & Drink
Burger & Cake Bliss
July 11, 2025 – Cooking Thyme, 710 South Avenue West, Westfield
Cooking class for kids ages 10-17.Learn to Wok
July 11, 2025 (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM) - 1 South Avenue East, Cranford
Explore the versatility of the classic Chinese wok in this hands-on workshop at Little Fox Kitchen.South Indian Dosa Party: Vegan Special
July 12, 2025 (5:00 – 7:00 PM) - 31 Woodland Avenue, Summit
Dive into South Indian cuisine at Passion for Spices Cooking School.We’ll Always Have Paris
July 12, 2025 (5:30 - 8:30PM) - Little Fox Kitchen, 1 South Avenue East, Cranford
Prepare classic French bistro fare under the guidance of our chef instructor.Palate pleasers include Soupe à L’oignon,( French onion soup) Entrecôte (pan-grilled steak ) Pommes Frites (twice fried fries) Frisée Salad with Dijon-Mustard Vinaigrette and Lardon, and Profiterole au Chocolat (Profiterole with French vanilla Ice cream, Belgian chocolate and fleur de sel)
Pizza and Italian Language Night
July 17, 2025 (5:30 - 7:00PM) - Farinolio, 12 Bank St., Summit
As you enjoy your slices, you’ll be guided through useful Italian phrases for dining, ordering, and traveling — all served with a side of cultural curiosities.August 14, 2025 (6:30 PM) - 431 North Avenue West, Westfield
Journey to the foothills of the Vosges at Chez Catherine’s Alsacian Wine Dinner, where a four-course feast is expertly paired with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris selections.
Arts & Culture
Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival
July 8, 2025 (7:00 - 9:00PM) – Quimby Street & Foundation Park, Westfield
Tap your toes to live bands at this free summer series.Summer Series in Union Center
July 9, 2025 (6:30 - 9:00PM) - Stuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton), UnionStuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton) will come alive with live musical performances, giant outdoor games, local vendors, restaurant specials, and much more!
Never Say Goodbye: Bon Jovi Tribute
July 9, 2025 (7:30PM) - Echo Lake Park, Mountainside
Never Say Goodbye: Bon Jovi Tribute, beginning at 7:30PM with a yoga class before the concert at 6:30PM.July 10, 2025 (7:00 PM) - Kenilworth Public Library, Kenilworth
Come hear stories, melodic ballads, pennywhistle tunes, and jigs that reflect everyday Irish life. Lively music performed on a variety of traditional instruments will set your feet to dancing.
Westfield Community Concert Band: 113th Summer Series
July 10, 2025 (7:30PM) – Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
Bring a blanket for Broadway hits, Gershwin classics, and patriotic pops by the pond.Buddha Bash
July 10, 2025 (5:00 - 9:00PM) - Quimby St., Westfield
A wellness event for the soul featuring uniquely curated classes by Brassy Buddha Yoga studio.Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds
July 10, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00PM) - Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford
Mama D and Vexations will be performing this week.July 10, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00PM) - Various locations, Summit
The Promenade (next to the fountain, 426 Springfield Ave) - Blue SphereStarbucks (corner of Union Pl & Beechwood Rd) - Four The Record
Horse Trough (by Pizza Vita, 7 Union Pl.) - Itchy Ankle BoysMaison 53 (Springfield Avenue) - Candice Lee
Lyric Park (corner of Bank St & Beechwood Rd.) - The Burners
Union Summer Concert Series
July 10, 2025 (7:30 - 9:00PM) - Rabkin Park, Union
Nine Deeez Nite will be performing an exciting flashback of 90s nostalgia, from Pearl Jam to 'NSYNC, Snoop Dogg and Nirvana...the fun never stops!Summer Concerts at Rahway Library
July 10, 2025 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) - Rahway Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Tal Naccarato performs a solo acoustic set in the library’s intimate courtyard —perfect for an early-evening listening session.Scotch Plains Summer Concerts
July 10, 2025 (7:00PM) - Village Green, 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains
Simply The Best (Tribute to the Ladies of the 80’s)Paseo Music Series
July 11, 2025 (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM) - The Paseo, 1501 Main Street, Rahway
Sarah Teti is performing this week at The Paseo.Summit Street Sounds
July 11, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00PM) - Various locations, SummitThe Promenade (next to the fountain, 426 Springfield Ave) - Bossa 5
Starbucks (corner of Union Pl & Beechwood Rd) - Matt Mattheis
Horse Trough (by Pizza Vita, 7 Union Pl.) - Bud Ayres Trio
Lyric Park (corner of Bank St & Beechwood Rd.) - Circle Round The Sun
Union Place (in front of Jamie's Shoe Repair) - Jeirus Cook
Maple Street (next to Fiorino's) - Fast Forward EdwardTouch of Grey at Bull n Bear Brewery
July 11, 2025 (8:00 PM) - 425 Springfield Avenue, Summit
Join Bull n Bear for a Grateful Dead tribute night as Touch of Grey spins cult classics, with a full menu of comfort fare and seasonal draft pours.Legally Blonde - The Musical
July 11-20, 2025 - Summit Playhouse, SummitJuly 12, 2025 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) - Arts District Park (Central Ave & Irving St), Rahway
Vintage Property will be performing live this Saturday.10th Annual Roselle House Music Festival
July 12, 2025 – Warinanco Park, Roselle
Dance ’til dusk to NJ’s hottest DJs and house-music beats in a summer festival vibe.July 15, 2025 (7:00 – 9:00 PM) - Village Green, Summit
Summit’s Tuesday concert series opens with a Taylor-inspired sing-along that’s part tribute show, part community karaoke.Family Fun and Flix: Moana 2
July 15, 2025 (7:30PM) - Warinanco Park
The 2025 Family Fun and Flix in Warinanco Park kicks off with a showing of Moana 2.Other Events Outside of Union County
2025 Jazz – Health and Food Truck Festival
July 12, 2025 - Monte Irvin Park, OrangeFrisson Winds at the Back Deck
July 10 , 2025- Morris Museum, MorristownThe Fumos at the Back Deck
July 12, 2025 - Morris Museum, MorristownBria Skonberg at the Back Deck
July 17, 2025 - Morris Museum, MorristownLynette Sheard, Gatsby Reimagined at the Back Deck
July 24, 2025 - Morris Museum, Morristown
Farmers Markets
Looking for fresh produce? There is a farmers market for almost each day of the week in Union County with the exception of Tuesdays and Fridays.
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