By Levi Orlando
HOLMDEL – What if you could see your favorite singers and songwriters for free, while still enjoying the same big production energy offered by shows that might otherwise cost hundreds of dollars a ticket?
Thanks to the Garden State Arts Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation and PNC Bank, that benefit exists. Owned and operated by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the foundation has been bringing free, high-quality performances to the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. This spring, it celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Over the decades, the Garden State Arts Foundation has supported broadening access to great entertainment, with a variety of free performances. And starting this month, a new lineup of free shows will be presented.
The 2025 season kicked off May 17 with a performance by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The free events are designed to appeal to a diverse audience – from seniors seeking afternoon shows to younger crowds who enjoy the energy of evening performances.
One of the spring season’s highlights was a show at which legendary disc jockey Cousin Brucie joined singer Tony Orlando. Orlando, famous for his classic “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” and the star of the 1970s CBS television series “Tony Orlando and Dawn,” dedicated his performance to veterans, a cause close to his heart, said foundation commissioner Ron Gravino. He praised Orlando’s lifelong charity work with veterans through organizations like the Eisenhower Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express. Veterans and active service members enjoy special VIP seating at many foundation showings.
The foundation works with veterans in other ways, added Michael Dupont, president of the foundation. “We started an organization called Feeding Our Heroes with celebrity chef Guy Fieri,” said Dupont. “It helps food-insecure first responders and military vets. Events like the Orlando show feature VIP sections for veterans, accessible by submitting a form on the foundation’s website.
Despite increased production and talent costs for 2025, the foundation remains optimistic about expanding its reach, its leadership said. Gravino said production costs for the free shows range from $50,000 to $150,000 for the biggest events. Thanks to key partnerships with Live Nation and PNC Bank, plus sponsor and community contributions, the foundation continues to deliver world-class performances for free, he said.
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis with electronic tickets available through the foundation’s website at gsafoundation.org.
Here is the events lineup for September:
Herman’s Hermits, 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. The event features Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and the harmonies of The Association.
Malt Shop Memories III, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19, a celebration of doo-wop, pop and rock ’n’ roll from several groups and artists.
An Afternoon of Music and Memories, 1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29. Spend a soulful afternoon with the sounds of yesteryear from performers including Bob Miranda & The Happenings, Vito Picone & The Elegants, John Scupelliti & The Reactions, the Coda Band, and host and singer Rhett J.
The season will conclude Oct. 3 with another appearance by Cousin Brucie at 7:30 p.m. He will bring fans The Rascals 60th Anniversary Fan Appreciation Show, featuring Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish. Joining the celebration are fellow hitmakers Gary Lewis & The Playboys.
The article originally appeared in the September 4 – September 10, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
