Music will rock guests at Olde Freehold Day
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Members of the Olde Freehold Day committee say everything is set to go for the big event on Aug. 6. The annual family outing at Lake Topanemus, Pond Road, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Committee member Rich Kane said organizers are hoping for another good turnout at the lake. This year marks the third annual Olde Freehold Day in its second life. The event was held for three years in the 1970s before being shelved for 25 years. It was revived in 2003.

The goal of the event is to give families a chance to have an old-fashioned family outing at a reasonable price.

The fun and entertainment revolves around the lake, which has been brought back to life through the efforts of the Lake Topanemus Commission, a joint effort between Freehold Borough and Freehold Township. The borough owns the lake, which is in the township.

The event will feature inflatable rides, paddle boats, row boats and canoes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

A full day of musical entertainment is on tap, featuring a performance by one of the area’s top show bands, the Sensational Soul Cruisers.

The sounds of Motown and classic disco will be brought to life by the 11-man group that is fronted by four soulful vocalists who pay homage to classic performers from the Motown era.

Saxophone player Steve Barlotta said the band sticks to its rock and roll and R&B roots. Barlotta founded the band in 1993. The Sensational Soul Cruisers evolved from the Cruisers, a 1980s band that played Jersey Shore clubs and had its roots in Freehold.

Barlotta said he remembers practicing with the Cruisers, which was founded by lead singer Eddie Testa, of the borough, in homes on Center Street “back in the day.” He also remembers playing with groups such as Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and the Spinners. Testa eventually left the band and Barlotta worked on bringing it to where it is today.

“We are journeymen playing music that is a dying art form,” he said. “It’s the classic music of our time.”

Also appearing will be the Lee and Sheri Acoustic Duo. Lee Deedmeyer, of Howell, has been in charge of the entertainment at Olde Freehold Day since it returned in 2003. Many people know Deedmeyer as the vocalist and guitarist of the band he owns and leads, Mission Dance. Sheri Gilmore, of Jackson, was the female voice that rocked Mission Dance until she left the band three years ago.

The duo’s repertoire includes songs by Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge, the Beatles, the Eagles, Dido, Sheryl Crow, the Foo Fighters and Three Doors Down.

Music will rock the event all day starting with Classic Memories (11:15 a.m. to noon), followed by Lee and Sheri (12:15-1:15 p.m.), the Tony Terrel Caribbean Band (1:30-2:30 p.m.), the Sensational Soul Cruisers (2:45-3:45 p.m.) and Jim Murphy and the Pine Barrons (4-5 p.m.). DJ Chopper will keep guests entertained between the live performances.

New to the event this year is karaoke with DJ Johnny on its own stage.

Some parking will be available at Lake Topanemus Park. Additional parking will be available at the Monmouth County Court House, Monument Street, Freehold Borough. Shuttle buses will run to and from the lake all day from the courthouse.

The rain date for the event is Aug. 7.