Rockland-Bergen Music Festival | Press and Media

Press and Media

The Inaugural Rockland-Bergen Music Festival

MyBergen.com - June 14, 2014

On June 29th, 2014, New Jersey/New York fixture Joe D'Urso will present the first-ever Rockland-Bergen Music Festival on the borders of Rockland and Bergen counties in Tappan, New York.

"I've been thinking about doing this for some time as I felt the Rockland and Bergen counties were underserved when it came to something like this" says D'Urso. "Also, with Pete Seeger's recent passing, it was the catalyst to get me to finally commit to organizing this particular festival which also coincides with my 50th birthday in late June. I think you could say that mortality was a motivation! I had the opportunity to work with Pete a few times over the years and his inspiration, along with Harry Chapin's and Bruce Springsteen's, run deep in me."

The day-long festival boasts more than 20 performances on two stages including legends of the New York and national music scene. Featured on the Glow Stage, hosted by Anything Anything's Rich Russo, will be Willie Nile, Marshall Crenshaw, Jesse Malin, James Maddock, Tom Chapin, John Eddie, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan and McMule.

The Seeger Stage will host The Levins, Tim O'Donohue, Arlon Bennett, Chris Brown, Kevin Cronin, Bobby Mahoney, Joe Rapolla, Peter Elkas, Anthony D'Amato, Alice Leon, George Romano, Rob Dye, Over The Line and Bobby DiBlasio.

"I have been very fortunate to work with many of the 22 artists performing," D'Urso explains. "A few of the folks on the bill have been mentors to me over the years and helped me out when I was starting out...There are a good handful of younger artists or artists who people don't know yet that music lovers will be very happy to discover."

The festival will also feature reasonably priced local food and beverage vendors such as Jack Ford, Tequila Sal Y Limon, Denise Marie Catering, and Sixpoint Beer.

As a major proponent of charity and board member of WHYHunger and Light of Day, Joe D'Urso is involving multiple organizations in the Rockland-Bergen Music Festival. "At this point in my life, it's just part of my DNA. I hate to waste any gathering and not have someone learn about a cause or organization." Portions of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit WHYHunger, Light of Day, Homes For Heroes, Dan Sullivan Foundation, the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan, Orangetown Auxillary Police, and the Rockland County Widows & Orphans Fund.

Tickets: Advance Ticket Price: $42.00 (inclusive of all taxes/fees). Day of Ticket Price: $50.00. Current High School/College ID Price: $20 day of only. Free Admission to all children 12 and under. Free Admission to anyone born in 1964 (Celebrate with Joe D'Urso! - Proof of ID required).

Parking: Free Parking � Suggested donation of $5 to WHYHunger/Light of Day

Hours of Event: Rain or shine. Gates open at 11:00 am. Music begins at 11:30 am. Music ends at 7:15 pm.

Blankets and chairs welcomed. No outside food, beverage, pets, coolers or knapsacks. Tailgating is not allowed in German Masonic Park.

For more information, visit RocklandMusicFestival.com.