Music at the Pool, Movies in the Park

In an effort to prove that "the best things in life are free," the Maplewood Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is launching its summer series of concerts by the pool and movies in the park.

The free Music by the Pool starts tonight (well, it's free except for that pool fee...). Some of Maplewood's best musicians will be playing every Wednesday night through August 3, from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. at the , starting tonight with Jim Buchanan and company. Here's the schedule:

• July 6 - The Jim Buchanan Jazz Band
• July 13 - Smooth Blues
• July 20 - The Dixie Cats
• July 27 - The David Easton Band
• August 3 - The Jimmy Lee Ramblers

Movies in the Park at the Memorial Park Amphitheatre (across from the Maplewood train station) will be featured on two dates: 

• Friday, July 22: ET The Extra Terrestrial (Rain Date Saturday, July 23)
• Friday, August 26: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory — the original 1971 musical film starring Gene Wilder! (Rain Date: Saturday, August 27)

The movies are free and start at 8:30 p.m. The Department of Recreation asks that you leave strollers, pets and alcoholic beverages at home.

Both the concerts and movies are sponsored by the Maplewood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.