2012: "WHEN MUSIC WAS MUSIC" WEEK 5 OF 8

"Sonny" Battiste and her husband Joe have been at all of my Sunday Kuser Farm summer music concerts. At our July 29th session, Sonny's husband Joe snapped this photo of Sonny and me as we sing a song remembering
"THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH."

2012: PREPARING FOR ANOTHER KUSER CONCERT SEASON

Following are the dates and times of the 2012 Kuser Farm Gazebo concerts entitled,

"THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH."

Mark your calendars:
July 1,8,15,22,29 from 6 to 8 P.M. August 5 and 12 from 3 to 5 P.M.
Each week will feature "spotlight" songs, recalling the music of the "Gay 90's," 1940's, 1950's 1960's, 1970's, Classic country and western including "hillbilly" songs, Broadway, songs of faith, and other selections from my repertoire of over 600 songs. As referenced above, this presentation is a community event and should not be compared with the professionals such as my friend "Dick Chimes' Polka Band," "Benny Snyder," "The Lamplighters," and other much more professional entities who appeared here over the years. The township can no longer afford the high cost of these very talented professionals. Perhaps the professional musicians will return in the future when this bleak economy will allow for the luxury of hosting them. Look at these weekly presentations as an old fashioned sing and dance along you remember when you sang with the family at that old upright piano of your youth!

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy
looks like a great lineup.Wish I could attend. Out here our mixed choral concert is May 19and 21. Called "heartfelt songs" to include religious works,beach boys,over the rainbow,yesterday, Me,I get to sing one of Franks songs"young at heart"
We number 4 0 women and men mostly old geezers. I think aunt Louise would be proud of both of our concerts.Her boys cover the east and west.Lee

Friday, May 11, 2012

Lee:

So sorry you are way out in California. How I would love to have you next to me at the Kuser gazebo as we do our magic! I have just been tweaking my computer music files and arranging them in order of my preferences. I will be doing many of the songs we did in choir, including DRIFTING AND DREAMING, YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC, NOW THE DAY IS OVER, and countless other songs from an era that will never be duplicated. I also do Sinatra, especially like to sing MY WAY, many Beetles songs, also Neil Diamond, Roger Whittaker, Englebert Humperdinck, Pat Boone, and countless other artists who sang songs with understandable lyrics. As usual, great to hear from you.

Tommy

2012: PREPARING FOR ANOTHER KUSER CONCERT SEASON

Following are the dates and times of the 2012 Kuser Farm Gazebo concerts entitled,

"THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH."

Mark your calendars:
July 1,8,15,22,29 from 6 to 8 P.M. August 5 and 12 from 3 to 5 P.M.
Each week will feature "spotlight" songs, recalling the music of the "Gay 90's," 1940's, 1950's 1960's, 1970's, Classic country and western including "hillbilly" songs, Broadway, songs of faith, and other selections from my repertoire of over 600 songs. As referenced above, this presentation is a community event and should not be compared with the professionals such as my friend "Dick Chimes' Polka Band," "Benny Snyder," "The Lamplighters," and other much more professional entities who appeared here over the years. The township can no longer afford the high cost of these very talented professionals. Perhaps the professional musicians will return in the future when this bleak economy will allow for the luxury of hosting them. Look at these weekly presentations as an old fashioned sing and dance along you remember when you sang with the family at that old upright piano of your youth!

1992: BRING BACK THE GOOD OLD DAYS!

ABOVE: 2010 ADVERTISEMENT FOR TOM GLOVER'S SUMMER
SING-ALONG PROGRAMS

The announcement that the Summer concerts at Kuser Farm Park were to begin for the summer of 1992 proved just how troubled our economy has been over the past 10 years or so. Tom Glover's replacement programs over the past 7 years are sadly lacking the professional performances we had back in the day. My friend Dick Chimes, Benny Snyder, the Lamplighters and other professionals are sorely missed. The gentleman from the Trenton Brass Quintet commented to me a few years ago that my "canned" music was anything but professional. I certainly don't need to be reminded of that fact, but hey, it sure beats no summer music at all!

Harold wrote:
If the Trenton Brass Quintet has such a problem with your brand of entertainment, maybe they should volunteer to stop by and perform free of charge.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY, HAROLD.

TOM GLOVER

2011: THE SUMMER IS FLEETING-HOW TIME FLIES!

Above is a photo of the sign announcing my 2011 summer concert series which was placed at the intersection of Newkirk and Leonard Avenues back in the late spring by the folks at the Hamilton Township sign shop. Were it not for Jessica Robinson Purdy in the department of recreation, this program would not have been possible. Many thanks to Walt Hughes from Hamilton Buildings and Grounds, and loyal attendee Joe Battiste, both of whom took the time to help me with setting up and dismantling the equipment. Thanks also to Foreman "Bobby DiPastina" and the guys at Kuser Park for the use of the township staple gun to post my "PARKING" signs which effectively led people away from parking along the roadway. This year, and throughout these many years, there has always been a question of publicity. I am in a strange situation along that line. I do have my "Sentimental Journey" Trenton Times column to publicize the event, but there are many citizens who opt for other news sources. This website and www.hamiltonnj.com are also publicity sources, but unfortunately the majority of visitors in the over 70 generation are not into computing. I did see public service listings for the event in the Times in 8 point type. For for those of us who are "optically challenged," it was largely overlooked by senior citizens and those approaching senior status. Were I more financially endowed, I would have placed small 1 or 2 column inch display ads in the local press which would have undoubtedly added to the number of attendees at the park. My thanks to Allie Ward and Joe Emanski at http://www.mercerspace.com for the nice article published in last month's edition of the "HAMILTON POST.". Many visitors read that article and attended the events. Overall, attendance was very satisfactory before a very appreciative audience. Even though these past summer Sundays were in the mid to high 90's, we got by without a rain cancellation. Those in attendance were what I call "folks in the nickel seats" who are music lovers, and really enjoy 2 hours of listenable, singable, but most importantly, spiritually uplifting music. To all who followed these musical programs over the years, thanks! It has been fun. For me, it was the comments I received from the WWII veterans and numerous members of the "Greatest Generation" who attended over those weeks. They told me how they enjoyed "their" music. For them it was a spiritually uplifting experience as they recalled the era in which they grew up. They are the reason for this volunteer effort. May God bless them.

2011: TOM GLOVER'S KUSER PARK SUMMER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES

I had intended to photograph the left side and the right side of the folks who attended the June 26th sing along program I am presenting at the Kuser Farm Gazebo. Unfortunately, the right side shows only a few of the attendees who choose to sit away from the main stage of the gazebo. When I swiveled to the left to photograph the other half of the area where most of the folks were sitting, "Shutting down; low battery" came on the screen of my little Canon "PowerShot" SD 630. However, you can see by the numerous autos that are parked in the background, you can see that we had a very nice turnout. A pleasant two hours went by far too quickly.

2010: DON'T MISS SONG STYLIST BOB ORLOWSKI THIS SUNDAY!

My Sunday Kuser Park Gazebo programs have ended, and this Sunday from 6 to 7:30 PM Bob Orlowski will keep the spirit of great music alive as he sings the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat "King" Cole, and all those vocalists we will never forget. It promises to be another evening of great music and bittersweet nostalgia. Hope to see many of my local visitors there!

JoeZ said...

Hi Tom: Bob is my second cousin, my grandmother and his grandmother lived next door to each other on Home Ave. My grandmother's last name was Orlowski. His dad was Henry and a Trenton Police officer, his brother' band played at my wedding back in 78. Nice to see his picture now and wishing him the best.

SUNDAY'S KUSER GAZEBO PROGRAM CANCELED

Unfortunately, my Sunday, July 25 Kuser music program was a complete washout. I am quite aware that these summer storms come and go quite rapidly. Around 3:30 or so, as the clouds thickened in the west, I knew that there would be a period of rain. There sure was! I made up a few "EVENT CANCELED; WET GROUNDS" signs, but wasn't really sure I would need them. At 5PM, I drove over to the park with the signs, not sure that I would use them. It was still drizzling, but the skies to the west were brightening and I knew that before long the sun would be shining, it cooled down considerably, and as I walked around the grassy area I noted that the grass was quite wet in the shady area under the trees where visitors sit. A trip to the gazebo sealed the deal. The floor was still holding puddles from the torrential rain. Having a bit of experience in radio-TV, and computers and the hazards attending them, I decided to cancel the program. I wasn't about to stand on a damp or wet wooden floor holding a mike and diddling with sound controls in a hazardous environment. 200 pound guys like me holding a microphone makes a great electrical conductor!
The "EVENT CANCELED; WET GROUNDS" signs were posted on the two entrances to the park and also on the center column of the gazebo. Being quite familiar with the wonderful folks who attend my programs, I know that there were a number who went to see if the program was on. Sorry to have disappointed you, but we'll be back in what I understand is to be a very nice weekend.
(Weather permitting in fickle Central Jersey, of course!)

2010: HERE COMES WEEK 3 OF "MUSIC FOR A SUMMER NIGHT"

Two down, seven to go! Join me on Sunday, July 18 from 6 to 8 PM as we travel through the years with the music and nostalgic memories we grew up with. Yesterday, a very lively crowd joined in singing the songs we all loved, but seldom hear in today's noisy musical enviornment. Weather permitting, this coming Sunday, we'll be singing and dancing to the great songs from World War II, the Gay 90's, and the 40's through the 70's. We'll be singing the songs of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Andy Williams, Patti Page, Neil Diamond, the Everly Brothers, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, Billy Joel, and many of our favorite easy listening and easy to dance to music. Admission is free, convenient parking a few steps behind the gazebo. Bring a folding chair or blanket and spend a wonderful nostalgic evening.

2010: WEEK TWO OF "MUSIC FOR A SUMMER NIGHT"

One down, eight to go! Join me this Sunday afternoon July 11 from 6 to 8 PM as we travel through the years with the music and nostalgic memories we grew up with. You'll be singing an dancing to the great songs from World War II, the 40's through the 70's. We'll be singing the songs of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Andy Williams, Patti Page, Neil Diamond, the Everly Brothers, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, Billy Joel, and many of our favorite easy listening and easy to dance to music. Admission is free, convenient parking a few steps behind the gazebo. Bring a folding chair or blanket and spend a wonderful nostalgic evening.

1994: KUSER SUMMER CONCERTS

How times change! I don't think I missed a single Kuser Park summer concert as instituted by the Rafferty administration back in the early years of Kuser Farm Park. In the ensuing years, the township budget went to hades and we are left with a huge deficit. The Gilmore administration terminated the Sunday concerts due to the overtime required to pay the township employees, security police, and last but far from least, the expense of paying professional musicians, all of which most certainly was a budget buster.

2008: WEEK 2 OF THE 8 WEEK KUSER CONCERTS

THE SECOND WEEK OF OUR EIGHT WEEK SUNDAY

"THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH"

PRESENTATION AT THE KUSER FARM GAZEBO ON SUNDAY (7/14) WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. THE PARKING AREA WAS NEARLY FILLED WITH CARS AND THOSE IN ATTENDANCE HAD A GREAT TIME SINGING AND LISTENING TO "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH." ONCE AGAIN, WHEN THE CROWD FILED OUT AT 8 PM, THERE WAS NOT ONE SINGLE PIECE OF LITTER ON THE GROUND. A TRIBUTE TO MATURITY!

2008: SUNDAY KUSER FARM MUSICALE

OUR FIRST WEEK WAS A WASHOUT. RIGHT AROUND 5 PM WHEN TOM JR. AND I WERE TO GO SET UP THE SOUND EQUIPMENT AT KUSER, THE SKY OPENED UP AND WE HAD A DOWNPOUR THAT LASTED FOR AROUND 40 MINUTES; JUST ENOUGH TO GIVE US A VERY WET ENVIRONMENT.

I HOPE TO SEE SOME OF THE VISITORS TO THIS

WEBSITE THIS SUNDAY. BE SURE TO STOP IN AND SAY HELLO.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO ANY AND ALL LOCAL AREA RESIDENTS FROM HAMILTON, TO TRENTON, TO EWING, TO LAWRENCE "AND BEYOND."

2008: HERE COMES SUMMER, 2008!

THIS FROM ONE OF MY LOYAL RETIRED FLORIDA RETIREES. THANKS TOM!
I'm sure many like me wish they were close enough to attend your sing alongs. As it is we enjoy your web page. Thanks for the memories.
Tom Reed
Miami FL
mimareed@aol.com

THE ABOVE SIGN HAS BEEN POSTED ALONG LEONARD AND NEWKIRK AVENUES ADJACENT TO KUSER PARK WHERE MY SON TOM AND I WILL ONCE AGAIN PRESENT SUMMER SUNDAY AFTERNOON MY MUSIC AND SINGALONG PROGRAM, "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH." I HOPE TO SEE SOME OF MY MANY WEB VISITORS AT THE MUSICALE. BRING A LAWN CHAIR AND ENJOY!

2008: BACK TO THE FUTURE? NO! MAKE THAT "BACK TO THE PAST!"

BACK TO THE PAST....YOUR PAST!

ONCE AGAIN THIS SUMMER,

TOM GLOVER AND TOM GLOVER

(YUP; TWO OF US!)

WILL BE BRINGING MUSIC AND

MEMORIES BACK TO THE KUSER PARK GAZEBO

EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON FROM 6 TO 8 P.M.

WE'LL BE GOING BACK TO THE MUSIC OF THE

30'S, 40'S, 50'S, 60'S, AND EVEN SOME 70'S!

THE PROGRAMS BEGIN ON JULY 4TH WEEKEND (SUNDAY, JULY 6).

SING-ALONG TO THE SONGS YOU GREW UP WITH!

AS THE SONG SAYS, "DANCE TO THE MUSIC!"

THERE WILL BE NO RAIN DATES.

SUMMER 2008; MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2008: LADIES & GENTLEMEN: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

ONCE AGAIN THIS SUMMER, MY SON TOM AND I WILL BE BRINGING "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH" TO THE MATURE MUSIC LOVERS WHO ATTENDED KUSER FARM PARK LAST YEAR. I HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU ONCE AGAIN, AS WE SING SONGS WITH:
1) LYRICS THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND,
2) SINGALONG SONGS GALORE
3) SONGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO DANCE.
4) A DANCE FLOOR JUST INVITING YOU TO CUT A RUG!

2008: LADIES & GENTLEMEN: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

ONCE AGAIN THIS SUMMER, MY SON TOM AND I WILL BE BRINGING "THE MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH" TO THE MATURE MUSIC LOVERS WHO ATTENDED KUSER FARM PARK LAST YEAR. I HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU ONCE AGAIN, AS WE SING SONGS WITH:

1) LYRICS THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND,

2) SINGALONG SONGS GALORE

3) SONGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO DANCE.

4) A DANCE FLOOR JUST INVITING YOU TO CUT A RUG!

2007: KUSER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES