Celebrating 50 Years Of Summerfest In Jersey City

By: Jordan Coll

A jazz-like calypso atmosphere filled the air of Liberty State Park, as neighbors spread picnic blankets beneath the gaze of Lady Liberty, celebrating the 50th anniversary, Summerfest remains rooted in the laid-back, community-first spirit that has defined it for generations.

Amid the easy grooves and sing-along sets, the summer-long festival honors the city’s deep musical roots, with performances by veteran jazz acts that nod to its legacy as a jazz hub. Once a key stop on the circuit for legends and up-and-comers alike, Jersey City continues to keep its rhythm alive, one guitar solo at a time. 

“Coming out here, you are just meeting a vast amount of different people, I would take my kids out here when they were younger, it feels motivating!” said Deirdre Baker-Tims to New Jersey Urban News, who drove all the way out from Plainfield with her mother. “We just had a bad storm, so we are out here enjoying this summer, come on out!”

Food vendors who participated in the event included Lady G Empanadas and Carvel Ice Cream, with trucks stationed on the side. Parents could be seen with their kids all gathered to tune in on the genre of soulful jazz.

Jersey City Free Public Library also set up a station to give away free books to the community to support the arts in the city, said Mandy Decker, an outreach coordinator for the library. 

“We hope to see more of our neighbors over the next month of concerts,” said Decker.

The fest is held on Tuesdays and Sundays throughout July and August, showcasing a sharp mix of soul, jazz, funk, R&B, Latin, Americana, and gospel performances from top national acts and standout local bands. 

Every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at North Cove Field, the series delivers musical comfort food with depth—crowd-pleasing sets that blend pop, funk, soul, and contemporary country. 

Free shows run through August 17, turning the city into a stage for Jersey’s deep musical roots. 

The fest is part of Jersey City’s Summer in the City series, which includes two other events: Berry Lane Music Fest (Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Movies in the Park (various days, with movies starting at 8:30 p.m.).

The jazz stars were out on July 15 with The Anthony Fuscaldo Group, a quartet group, which kicked off the groove. Anthony Fuscaldo is a homegrown guitarist whose playing is equal parts elegance and exploration in the genre. With a tone as smooth as dusk and a repertoire that stretches from Brazilian bossa to French gypsy swing, Fuscaldo brings a borderless sensibility to every note. 

“It was great to see families and kids come out to the concert, one of the great things about performing here is that we get to touch lives through Jazz,” said Fuscaldo, to New Jersey Urban News at the event. “Bringing people together and sharing our music out there to the community makes it worth it!”

Other artists lined up for the SummerFest event include Widely Grown (July 20), with singer-songwriter James Calleo expected to showcase funk and Southern-rock style genres. Additional groups include Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly (July 27), featuring a gospel and blues-themed performance.

The city’s crown jewel, Liberty State Park, has been a spot for residents, families and tourists alike. The park has served its community since 1976, when it first opened as an official park for members.

The free festival honors the vision of the park’s founder, Morris Pesin, according to his son, Sam Pesin, who spoke on stage before the event’s participants.

“Liberty State Park is a free people’s park, and Summerfest is a perfect way to bring people together to enjoy its unmatched open space and scenic beauty. We are proud to be part of this partnership that honors 50 years of music, community, and public access,” said Pesin, president of Friends of Liberty State Park.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to update information about the Summer in the City series.