Woodbridge Wednesdays Free Concerts 

2019

7:30 PM

Parker Press Park •  400 Rahway Avenue • Woodbridge, NJ

 

Next

Event

Willie Nile • Sept 1, 2021 • 7:30 PM • Free

A Buffalo, NY native and longtime New York City, West Village resident, Willie Nile has been one of the best kept secrets in Rock N’ Roll since the release of his self-titled album in 1980. Upon hearing the record, Pete Townsend was so impressed that he enlisted Willie to open for The Who on the second leg of their North American Tour in the summer of 1980. This release also prompted New York Times music critic Robert Palmer to call Willie "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years."

Willie’s last release, “Children of Paradise”, was selected as one of 2018’s top five albums by Sirius Radio’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage. The record’s first single “Seeds of a Revolution”, was chosen as one of the top twenty songs of the year. A powerful piece reminding us that the nation was built on the strength and diversity of its immigrants, “Seeds” was described by morning host Michael Desbarres as being as socially relevant to today’s fractious political climate as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s 1970 classic “Ohio” was to the turbulent times of the Vietnam War era. Add “All Dressed Up and No Place to Go” and “Earth Blues”, two full on rockers drawing attention the challenges associated with climate change to the mix, along with the lyrical genius of the soulful ballads “Have I Ever Told You” and “Lookin’ For Someone” (a tribute to his dear friend Andrew Dorff) and it is easy to see why the Associated Press praised it as Willie’s best effort to date.

Rolling Stone listed “The Innocent Ones” as one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” The anthemic single, “One Guitar” from that album was the “Top Pick of the Week” in USA Today.

Woodbridge Wednesdays is an eclectic free concert series sponsored by Woodbridge Township and generous local businesses.

Concerts take place in beautiful Parker Press Park. Come early for the Woodbridge Farmers Market and stock up on edibles before the show. Come hungry, and enjoy the food trucks and food vendors. Come thirsty and sample the wares of local brew pub, JJ Bittings (wine is available ).

Bring the whole family! Dogs on leash are welcome. All Woodbridge Parks are smoke free. The park is barrier free for wheelchair users.

Free parking is available both in front of the park and at the Woodbridge Train Station, accessible via the tunnel under the tracks.