Felix Hernandez, The Family Stone & More Set for 2015 Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City, Beginning Today

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), in collaboration with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, is proud to announce the 2015 Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City line up. Beginning July 9th, the series will offer attendees a taste of what they can expect to hear on NJPAC's main stage during the 2015-16 season. Featuring some of the hottest artists from the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, pop, reggae, Latin music, funk and world music, the free concert series runs from 5-9pm each Thursday night. Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is made possible through a collaboration between NJPAC and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and their mutual dedication to providing the community with access to enriching resources, including exceptional entertainment.

"This concert series is just one way that we are able to continue our mission of providing New Jersey's diverse population with access to the world's greatest artists," says NJPAC CEO, John Schreiber. "We are thrilled to be hosting this series again, now in its seventeenth year."

The free, outdoor concert series draws close to 3,000 attendees each week and takes place in Theater Square every Thursday in July and August for eight open-air concerts.

"The concert series brings the community together for the love of music," says Linda A. Willett, Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and member of the NJPAC Board of Directors. "Horizon is committed to supporting cultural organizations and programs that entertain and enrich the lives of our fellow residents." The Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City free concert series is made possible through generous sponsors Chase, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Barnabas Health, Richmond County Savings Foundation, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Newark Downtown District.

The series kicks off July 9th at 5pm with the return of the popular Rhythm Revue Dance Party with Felix Hernandez (classicsoul.com), complete with a dance floor and all of the classic soul and R&B favorites heard each week on Hernandez's popular radio show, Rhythm Revue. Rhythm Revue, now in its 29th year, airs on WBGO-FM and has been heralded by New York magazine as the "Best Radio Show" in the Big|Brave Apple.

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2015 Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City
Thursdays Nights, July 9-August 27
5-9pm in NJPAC's Theater Square

July 9: Rhythm Revue Dance Party with Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez's Rhythm Revue returns to kick off NJPAC's annual Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City free outdoor concert series. Now in its 29th year on the New York City airwaves, the live classic soul, disco and funk show is heard Saturdays on WBGO Jazz88.3.

July 16: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic perform "PFunk" hits including "Atomic Dog" and "Flashlight" This revolutionary R&B machine is recognized for contributing to the rise of funk-inspired rap.
Opening Act: Spinna

July 23: Eric Roberson
This Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, and pioneer of the independent movement in R&B and soul, performs songs from his latest album, The Box, and other favorites ("Picture Perfect," "Mark on Me").
Opening Act: Angela Johnson

July 30: The Family Stone
The Family Stone presents a set of classic hits like "Everyday People," "Dance to the Music," "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and "Family Affair," led by saxophonist Jerry Martini, founder of Sly & the Family Stone, and trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, a member of Sly & The Stoners in 1966.
Opening Act: Milo Z

August 6: Motor City Revue
Motor City Revue will have you dancing and singing to songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and others. This all-star ensemble faithfully re-creates that signature Motown sound and takes audiences on a journey back to where it all began.
Opening Act: Valarie Adams and The Dimension Band

August 13: The Golden Era: Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Soul Sonic Force, T-La Rock, Rob Base, Fearless Four and Sticky and the Hoods, with Freak Unique Dance Crew and DJ Kaos
British-American rapper Slick Rick, known for hits "Children's Story" and "La Di Da Di" (with Doug E. Fresh), demonstrates his brilliant wordplay, dead-on pop culture references and hilarious one-liners. Presented in association with the Universal Hip Hop Museum

August 20: Jose Alberto "El Canario"
One of the most successful and respected vocalists on the salsa music scene delivers salsa dura at its best. His exquisite voice and ability to use highly melodious whistling skills as a soloing instrument continue to amaze on hits like "Sueño Contigo" and "Bailamos Otra Vez."
Opening Act: Michael Tate & 3D Ritmo de Vida

August 27: Alice Smith
Known for her four-octave vocal range and songwriting finesse, Grammy nominee Alice Smith was raised on gospel, pop, soul and a little go-go. Expect to hear an intoxicating mixture of pop-rock and R&B as she performs hits ("Fool for You," "Dream") and new material from the album She.
Opening Act: Steve Lovell & Friends

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Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is made possible by the generous support of the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to working alongside those who can help us improve our neighbors' health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Foundation's new funding pillars are Caring, Connecting and Creating. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, both of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information please visit www.Horizonblue.com/Foundation Other sponsors include Chase, BD, Richmond County Savings Foundation, Barnabas Health, Newark Downtown District and Blue Moon.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States and is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey -- where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey's Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over nine million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

NJPAC is located at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey; a short walk from the Newark Penn Station stop by Newark-bound PATH Train or Amtrak. For more, visit www.njpac.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC for more information. Get Social! Follow NJPAC on Twitter: @NJPAC | #NJPACmusic, Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC, and Youtube: NJPACtv.

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