Riverside Blue Grass Plays for a Crowd in Weeden Park

Sweltering heat didn’t keep close to one hundred people from gathering at Weeden Park last night to hear the sounds of the "Riverside Blue Grass."

Attendees strolled into the shaded enclosure with lawn chairs in hand. Chatter between folks ranged from the upcoming vacations to produce prices at the local farmers’ market.

This is the 11th anniversary of Music in Weeden Park and "it's the community at its best," according to Howard Nelson, board president of Lawrenceville Mainstreet.

“We want to create a laid back atmosphere with superior-quality music and food,” said Nelson. 

Every summer for 10 weeks, area bands play for audiences in the park while local restaurants cater the event. While the prices for food are reasonable, the cost for the music is free.

“We want to make certain that programs are as close to free as possible in order to make it available to everyone,” said Nelson.

This week’s local restaurant was  Leonardo’s II whose storefront is along Business Route 1. The menu items for purchase included vodka rigatoni and the crowd favorite: a Chicken Parmesan sandwich for $6.

The band, Riverside Blue Grass' roots run deep in the Lawrenceville community. The violinist and bass player are both faculty members at The Lawrenceville School.

Steve Hendershott, the mandolin and fiddle player for Riverside, and his wife, Jill, coordinate all of the performers for Music in Weeden Park.

Members of Lawrenceville Mainstreet point out that this event is not government funded and is purely volunteer-driven.

“Everyone is welcome. It’s a great way to see friends every Thursday,' said Nelson. "You can come and enjoy a nice evening and feel connected to the community.” 

For more information or to give a donation, visit www.lawrencevillemainstreet.com.