Maplewoodstock Turns Ten

This year's concert will be better than ever -- with a surprise closing act.

  Maplewoodstock may be five months away, but plans are heating up to make this -- the event's 10th anniversary -- one for the history books. "It will be bigger and better than ever," said organizer Gary Shippy. "We are going to spend more money on our closing acts." The word around town is that Joan Osborne will close Sunday's show, a rumor that Shippy would neither confirm nor deny. He did say that a relatively unknown but "fun, lively, danceable" act was expected to close on Saturday. What can be confirmed are the following details: Finally, it is sure to be one of the most fun weekends you can possibly have without leaving Maplewood. Maplewoodstock is completely free, and the event is funded by sales of T-shirts, food and merchandise; …

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Maplewood to Keep Mayor and Chickens, Change Parking -- and Possibly Gain a Park

Recap of Township Committee's final meeting of 2012.

  Tuesday night's meeting of the Maplewood Township Committee, the last of 2012, featured a packed agenda. Here is a brief recap of some of the key votes and discussion items:

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Carolyn Maynard-Parisi

11:21 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Marlon Brownlee comment, part 2: It's also worth noting that despite the fact that the sole stated reason for selling alcohol was to raise additional money, they did not do so last year....they actually lost money doing so. So even the economic rationale doesn't add up. In this year's proposal, the projected expenses for the "beer garden" are less - because there will be less security - but we …   more ›

Maplewoodstock Draws Crowds Despite the Heat

Crowds gathered to hear music and dance despite the 100 degree temperatures.

Hot temperatures over the weekend didn't dampen the spirits of the fans who attended Maplewoodstock. Maplewood's annual music celebration brought out crowds to picnic, dance and listen to various styles of music during the festival. At first it appeared the turnout would be light, but once temperatures started to drop, more people came out. Though thunderstorms threatened, they never arrived. Performances included, Vendors selling arts and crafts lined the shady side of the park near the train station selling goods such as jewelry, clothing, toys and artwork.  Food vendors were selling many enticing dishes.  Indian, BBQ, Seafood, and sweet treats were among the many choices.  People were drinking fresh lemonade, fruit punch and water …

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Chris Dickson

6:11 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012

The Beer Garden rocked! No, I was not a Bouncer ...   more ›

Still Cool at 100-Degrees - Maplewoodstock Schedule

The full band lineup, hours and location.

Being cool has never been a problem for the many musicians who have played Maplewoodstock. Staying cool, however, might be the biggest challenge of all during this weekend’s festivities at Memorial Park. With temperatures expected to be as high as 104-degrees on Saturday, Maplewoodstock staff are urging people to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and seek shade when they need it. Festival organizer Gary Shippy said the staff will be prepared for the intense heat. Plus, that this year the public will have more options for refreshment than ever before. “People will find the shaded areas, the sangria and the beer garden,” he said. Furthermore, they are drawing walkways to improve crowd control to make for a more orderly, comfortable …

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NJ Country Singer to Rock Maplewoodstock

Rachel Allyn will provide a new sound to the festival.

Sussex County-based country singer Rachel Allyn is one of many artists adding some welcome musical diversity to Maplewoodstock this weekend. The singer, who combines authentic Nashville experience with shrewd Northeastern taste, is set to play a little after 2 p.m. on Sunday. Not your average NJ country artist, Allyn, 23, actually lived and performed in Nashville for four years while she was in school at Belmont University, studying music. “Even though it’s country music, everyone seems to connect to it,” she said. “It’s a different perspective on country. You can tell I’m not from the South.” Since she graduated in 2011, Allyn has been working all over New Jersey, building a fan base as a full-time musician. As she continues working, …

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The Weekender

The Weekend: The Best Things in Life Are Free

Enjoy a host of free local events this weekend to celebrate the best of summer

Maplewoodstock, a bicycle ride, outdoor concerts, a gardens tour – some of the best things in life (and summer) are local this weekend, and most are free!  Read on for a list of exciting events happening in our area during the next few days that won’t be a drain on your wallet. Slather on some sunscreen, pack a bottle of water and head out for a good time! Maplewoodstock Maplewoodstock is the grooviest 2-day music and arts festival in our area. Memorial Park will be transformed as the weekend features bands such as Chris Berry and Panjea; James Maddock; Ollabelle; and Shamekia Copeland. The festival includes food and arts vendors, a KidsZone and lots of fun with your neighbors. Free; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Maplewood Sombike: …

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This Week in Maplewood

There are lots of fun things happening around town. Here are just a few to get you started.

There are lots of activities coming up in the week ahead. Here are just a few to get you started:    

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Blue Plate Special Makes Maplewoodstock Debut

The popular eatery will close this week to prepare

Locals will have to look a little harder this week for their favorite coffee and those memorable muffins. The Blue Plate Special will close from Monday, July 2 through Monday, July 9. However, loyal diners can get their BPS fix at  Maplewood's July 4th Celebration and at Maplewoodstock. The restaurant will offer many fan favorites at Maplewoodstock along with summer favorites, including lobster, corn on the cob and, of course, ice cream!

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Are You Groovy Enough for Maplewoodstock?

Be a part of the behind-the-scenes action that makes Maplewoodstock rock.

Maplewoodstock, Maplewood's premiere summer music festival, returns to town on July 7 and 8. As the lead sponsor, HK Community Fund will provide the event with volunteers to make it run smoothly. HK is looking for around 50-60 people to perform the following tasks, according to an email it sent to Patch: Volunteers will work in shifts of 2 1/2 - 3 hours -- but multiple shifts are encouraged. Shifts begin at 10 a.m. and end when the park is cleaned each night. Some volunteer work is required on Friday evening to help set up. All volunteers will receive a groovy volunteer t-shirt. This is a great opportunity for teenagers to become involved. "I am taking volunteers as young as 6th grade and scheduling them for the earlier time slots," said …

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Kidstock Rocks Maplewood

Think Maplewoodstock is the last word in hip local music festivals? Now the kiddie set will have its own version.

The South Orange Maplewood Chapter of Mothers & More will present the first annual Kidstock on Saturday June 2 from 1-3 pm at Clinton Elementary School. The event will feature live music by Sister Sing Sister String, StingRay of StarFish, flamenco dancer Toni Messina, and singer/guitarist Maggie Kraus, among other local musicians and acts. A student dance troupe from Lydia Johnson Dance will also be performing. Add a bounce house, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy, and you've got yourself a hot, happening way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Local businesses such as Artistic Laminations, Other Mothers, and Macaroni Kids will have tables, and Watchung Pediatrics will have information on sun safety. The first fifty grown ups will …

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