By Laura D. Kolnoski
COLTS NECK – Now in its eighth year, the Colts Neck Rockfest will fill scenic Bucks Mill Park on Bucks Mill Road with the sounds of music on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, marking its transition from a one to a two-day event.
Free since it began in 2008, this year there will be a charge of $10 per car. The Colts Neck Business Association, the event’s primary sponsor, is being joined by both township fire companies, who will oversee parking and collect the fees. According to festival founder Steve Warendorf, a portion of those profits after costs will be donated to a charity chosen by the fire companies.
Over a dozen bands will play each day beginning at noon. Saturday’s last act, Hair Metal Time Machine, is scheduled to play 9:45-10:45 p.m., while Sunday’s last performance will be by the Matt O’Ree Band beginning at 7 p.m. The Moroccan Sheepherders will take the stage beforehand at approximately 8:20 p.m. Saturday, featuring festival founder Steve Warendorf, a long-time Colts Neck resident.
“My wife Michele and I started Rockfest to be a music-focused backyard barbeque,” said Warendorf, who also acts as event producer and stage manager. “The crowd has increased, mostly with returnees. Expanding to two days spreads out the crowd and allows us to have more acts that can play for longer periods of time.” Over 2,000 attended last year, he said. Bands play for free and sometimes get on a waiting list to perform, Warendorf said.
This year, acoustic acts will play for 25 minutes while live bands can occupy the stage for 45 minutes to an hour.
Aimed at audiences over 25, Rockfest showcases original and cover music by local bands from genres including rock, blues, Latin, Reggae and more. Food and merchandise vendors will be on site. Attendees are allowed to grill and bring coolers.
“It’s a mellow event and the sound is great,” Warendorf said. The use of a flatbed trailer to serve as the stage is donated by Sakoutis Brothers Disposal of Freehold and set up near the rear of the park by the ballfields. For more information, visit coltsneckrockfest.com.
