It's been hailed by The New York Times as "Newark's town social" and it's the hottest music scene in New Jersey's largest city on Thursday nights in July and August. In celebration of its 20th anniversary season, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), in collaboration with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and M&T Bank, announces the return of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City free outdoor concert series.

NJPAC is pleased to announce the addition of M&T Bank as the presenting sponsor this year which, along with ongoing support from Horizon Foundation and other sponsors, helps underwrite the program costs. M&T becomes the newest member of NJPAC's Co-Chair Circle, representing one of the organization's largest sponsors, and will also collaborate with NJPAC Arts Education in the fall to bring additional music education opportunities to K-12 public school students throughout the state.

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Attended by thousands of music and dance fans who enjoy great entertainment under the stars, Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is presented at no cost to the community in NJPAC's Chambers Plaza

An exciting lineup of diverse musical artists is in place for the anniversary season, every Thursday through Aug. 24, with a stellar array of established artists and rising stars, performing music ranging from soul and hip-hop to the grooves of Latin and jazz. This year's headliners include Septeto Santiaguero (July 27); Tower of Power (Aug. 3); Louis Prima Jr. & The Witnesses (Aug. 10); Black Sheep / Das EFX (Aug. 17), and Talib Kweli (Aug. 24).

"There is something magical about how music brings the community together," said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation. "Horizon is celebrating our 85th anniversary this year and we remain fully committed to the great city of Newark. More than 3,000 of our employees come to Newark every day to work. They have become invested in the city and donating thousands of volunteer hours for community projects in Newark. Horizon has contributed millions of dollars to non-profit organizations for health and cultural programs throughout Newark and Essex County."

"We have a long track record of supporting events that contribute to the quality of life in the communities we serve," said M&T Bank Regional President Tom Comiskey. "Sounds of the City has become a familiar sign of summer in Newark and we look forward to working with NJPAC to present this free concert series and other programs that benefit the entire community."

The eight-performance series also offers food and beverages from popular food trucks on the plaza, as well as an open-air bar. NJPAC's acclaimed restaurant, NICO Kitchen + Bar, will be open during performances.

Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is made possible through a special collaboration between NJPAC, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and M&T Bank. Generous sponsors also include BD, RWJ Barnabas, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Inc., Newark Downtown District, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers Newark.

In the event of inclement weather, scheduling advisories may be found at njpac.org

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