McCarter Concerts in Palmer Square

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 at 4:00PM

Street Beat Brass Band

Seen on ABC’s "Good Morning America", NBC, CBS, and NY1, Street Beat has officially represented American culture on multiple international tours. An opening act for the New York Philharmonic, the band has been covered in the New York Times, NY Daily News, Queens Tribune, and more. New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Fellow Jeff Fairbanks leads this strolling band of handpicked veterans of Broadway, Frankie Valli, and Count Basie touring bands. Influenced by the multiculturalism of NYC, Street Beat plays a wild diversity of brass-based music, from New Orleans Jazz to Polka, Mexican Banda, Gospel, Klezmer, and Funk.

SUNDAY, MAY 2 at 4:00PM

October Rose

October Rose is a unique country duo featuring Leanne Weiss & Derek Allan. Since their formation, October Rose’s momentum grows stronger by the day. “Heartbreak Song”, the emotional song that started it all, gained critical acclaim and traction on the country music charts. With a rigorous schedule of performing all over the US, the duo continues to win audiences over with their energetic stage performances. They’ve already opened for acts like Jake Owen, Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, High Valley, Tyler Rich, and Jordan Davis. 

SUNDAY, MAY 16 at 4:00PM

Pat Guadagno

Deeply rooted in the historic Jersey Shore music scene, Guadagno’s artistry was featured in the Award-winning Showtime series "Californication" and found an audience on satellite and broadcast radio. As band leader and Musical Director for MeTV’s "Big Joe Henry Variety Show", Guadagno has released five albums filled with musical surprises including collaborations with Grammy Award-winner Keb’ Mo’ and Dove Award-winner, Steven Delopoulos. His unique interpretations of inspirational artists’ work are prominent in his recordings and onstage, where he has created reverent, theatrical productions honoring the music of Tom Waits, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan.  

SUNDAY, MAY 23 at 4:00PM

The Suyat Band

Steadily building a reputation as one of the most consistently fun live acts on the East Coast for the past six years, the seven-piece Suyat Band delivers high-energy hits from yesterday and today with rock-solid musicianship and warm-hearted Aloha spirit. 

Led by its namesake, Hawaiian-born Matthew Suyat, a champion at the Apollo Theater and "American Idol" Top 24 Finalist, the band has performed at historic venues including NYC's BB King's, Stephens Talkhouse, and NJ's Wellmont Theater. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 at 4:00PM

Moroccan Sheepherders

Whether they’re playing in NYC or along the beach, everyone — from hipsters, to bankers, to parents, to kids, to partygoers — will get into the loose, improvisational groove of this group. Their music is a heady mélange of genres from tribal ambient trance to blue-eyed blues-rock. The foundation of their sound draws on African, Latin, and traditional rock influences, creating a driving rhythmic landscape. The beats they craft come straight from the deep core and ancient past of our ancestors. The Sheepherders take classic covers and originals to another dimension. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 at 4:00PM

Random Test Reggae

Since 1999, Random Test Reggae has been rocking New Jersey with music heavily coated in Caribbean traditions. With members hailing from all over the Caribbean, the group brings a cache of authentic reggae and calypso rhythms in true West Indian fashion. Random Test Reggae takes you on a musical journey that pays tribute to pioneers in reggae and soca music — from the early days to today, staying true to the real roots and culture. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 at 4:00PM

Ritmo Caliente

This terrific Latin orchestra plays a large variety of music including Latin salsa, Latin jazz, merengue, ballads, waltz, and songs from the fifties - oldies but goodies in a Latin salsa beat with English words. Some of the band's favorites are Lady in Red, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Some Where, and Sealed With A Kiss. The band has played in Japan, Europe, and all over the continental U.S. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 27 at 1:00PM

Esteem All Stars

The Esteem All Stars are a fun, exciting band performing your favorites from the 50s to today! Get up and dance to the best pop, rock, oldies, R&B, and swing music. They have played countless corporate events, festivals, concerts, and at many top universities including Rutgers, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and many more. EAS plays a wide range of what's new and what's classic. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 27 at 4:00PM

Jeiris Cook Trio

Living in Sparta, NJ, Cook is a father of three boys, husband, producer, and R&B artist. He hails from the south and has deep musical roots there. Coming from a long generation of both musicians and vocalists, his singular talent captures and harnesses those skills through his original songwriting and vocal delivery.