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POMPTON LAKES CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES TO RAISE MONEY
by Kim Harnett

POMPTON LAKES – In 2010, the Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge held its first “Rockin’ the Lake” event: a daylong festival of music, food, vendors and activities for kids, all in the name of raising funds for Elks’ charities. In 2011, they did it again, but they added several “mini-shows” over the course of the year.

First was a Christmas show in December. Then, they held an 80′s night in January. Next on the agenda? A “Southern Fried Jam” on Saturday, April 28.

This is another “mini-show” featuring New Jersey southern rock band, Southern Fury, and classic rock band, Iron Horse. IN keeping up with the southern rock theme for the evening, the food on hand will be such southern classics as fried chicken and barbecue brisket sandwiches.

So why did the Elks change their approach to the event?

“We want it to keep getting bigger and better,” says Michael Garbe, Elks member and chairman of the “Rockin’ the Lake” events. To that end, hosting several mini-shows over the course of the year raises funds that are put to use for the big event, being held this year on August 4th.

In the past, the Elks have had a number of smaller, local bands playing over the course of the day. This year, while there will be several bands, the lodge has decided to bring in a headlining band to anchor the event. That headline band will be Kix, a hard rock/heavy metal band who achieved their greatest success in the area of the hair bands, in the late 80′s and early 90′s.

While the August 4th event will be true to past events, with live music, food and vendors, the mini-shows are adult-oriented. Held at night, inside the lodge, there is still food available, as well as drink. Admission is 18 and over, and the music is the main event of the evening.

The past two mini-events enjoyed a good turnout, and Garbe hops for the same at the Southern Fried event.

“It’s all for a good cause, ultimately,” says Garbe.

Proceeds from the penultimate “Rockin’ the Lake” in August will go to the Elks’ Camp Moore in Haskell and the New Jersey Veterans home in Paramus. The Elks’ Camp Moore is a free camp for kids with disabilities.

“The total cost of the program is supported by the New Jersey Elks, with no cost passed to the family. There are 600 to 700 camper-ships provided each summer,” says Garbe.

The New Jersey Veterans home in Paramus is one of three state-operated nursing homes for veterans.

“Around-the-clock medical and nursing care is provided by a full-time staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and trained nursing assistants. Rehabilitative services such as occupational and physical therapies, speech therapy and recreational activities are provided under the direct supervision of licensed therapists. A wide range of other medical services are also offered,” according to nj.gov.

The addition of mini-shows to the roster has enabled the Elks to expand the audience for their music events by holding more frequent, themed shows, as well as growing their summer festival with the addition of a well-known band that will help to draw a crowd.

For more information on either the upcoming Southern Fried Jam event or the summer “Rockin’ the Lake” festival, visit facebook.com/rockin-the-lake or www.rockinthelake.org.

Tickets are available for purchase at ticketleap.com, at the lodge, or on the day of the event – provided it has not sold out.

To become a sponsor, vendor or make a donation, contact Michael Garbe by email at rockinthelake@aol.com or by phone at 973-634-5815.

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