FAIR HAVEN, LITTLE SILVER: DOCK YOUR POD

ShirleysTim McLoone and the Shirleys kick off an August series of free outdoor concerts in Little Silver this Sunday. Local power popsters the Wag, below, close out a concert series on the Fair Haven dock on August 23. (Photo below by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

the wag 062114Even as back-to-school merch hits the stores — and several of the area’s summer concert series prepare to fold their temporary stages — at least two towns on the greater Green are refusing to call it quits. In fact, beginning this weekend, they’re just heating up.

In Fair Haven, Saturday evening marks the first in a new slate of August concerts presented by the borough on the municipal dock at the north end of Fair Haven Road. The pier — repaired and renovated in the wake of Superstorm Sandy — will be the setting for a trio of 7 pm events that commence with an appearance by the Lads.

In Little Silver, the borough hosts a new August series with a new outdoor venue: the “Butch” Ryser Memorial Patio, located behind the municipal building overlooking Borough Field. A three-week schedule kicks off Sunday with a big show by a prominent local resident — renaissance guy Tim McLoone — and his big ten-piece band the Shirleys.

The year-round project from the musician, coach, philanthropist, restaurateur, running entrepreneur, radio host and Holiday Express frontman brings its “dynamic blend of rhythm and blues, classic rock, country, Broadway, with a healthy dose of ‘girl group’ attitude” to the Ryser patio stage beginning at 7 pm.

It’s back to the Fair Haven dock next Saturday, when the coolbreeze sounds of the Lakewood Jazz Trio lap at the banks of the Navesink, while Middletown-based power popsters The Wag close out the short season on an upbeat note with a set of original music a week later on August 23. Call (732)747-0241 x216 for weather updates and details.

The Little Silver series resumes on August 17, when Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why bring their blend of pop, funk, R&B, reggae and surf rock back home to the Shore after touring the country promoting their fifth album, It’s Only Change. Closing out the summer season on August 24 will be the locally based teen rock group the Stone Bullets, hot off a well-received appearance at the Stone Pony. Remember to bring those lawn chairs and blankets, and call (732)842-2400 for updated info.