College welcome's The Sheps to "Thursdays on the Green"

NEWTON-Due to popular demand, Sussex County Community College will again present the a capella group, The Sheps, at "Thursdays on the Green." They will offer a rhythm and blues performance on June 30, at 6:45 p.m., on the College Green, rain or shine. The performance is free and open to the public, who are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair. The Sheps are one of the most popular a capella groups on the New York-New Jersey circuit today, and have the credentials to prove it. The five-part vocal group consists of original members, Tommie Shider and Richie Camacho, along with Charles Coleman and Johnnie Barlow, who all reside in New Jersey. Tommy Lockhart, the fifth member, lives in New York. The Sheps also have a reputation as back-up forces for such greats as Pirkle Lee Moses, leader of the Eldorados, Otis Williams, leader of the legendary Charms, and Ray Wooten, leader of the Mellow Moods, to name just a few. With all this going for them, they still find the time to turn out original songs. Whether they perform with or without accompaniment, a great show is always in store, because they really love what they are doing. The mission of The Sheps is to bring musical enjoyment to people who dig the sound of rhythm and blues, and they never retire from their quest to keep the music alive. The group concentrates mainly on obscure R&B songs that have been long forgotten, even by the original artists themselves, such as "How Long" by the Five Keys, "Tormented" by the Heartbeats, and "Where Are You" by the Mellow Moods. In fact, the name "The Sheps" was derived from none other than the late great James Sheppard, leader of the Heartbeats, and Shep and the Limelites. They are a true R&B a capella group, digging deep into the roots of R&B music to perform songs that other groups do not. They are truly committed to keeping the R&B sound and songs of the fifties alive. "Thursdays on the Green," the summer music and entertainment series at Sussex County Community College, will continue throughout the summer. The remaining events include: July 7 n Cornerstone Playhouse (songs from the musical "Man of La Mancha") July 14 n Kit McClure Band (big band music) July 21 n Sound Bytes (all-acoustic folk music) July 28 n New Philharmonic of New Jersey Brass Quintet "Thursdays on the Green" is supported by sponsors, including Lakeland Bank, James Alexander, and the Hampton and Newton Rotaries. All of the performances are free and the public is invited to attend. Each performance begins at 6:45 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase, with proceeds from concession sales benefiting scholarships at the college. For further information, call the cultural affairs hotline at 973-300-2116, or visit www.sussex.edu.