Sparta concert series continues with homecoming of ‘local hero'

Sparta - Patrick Fitzsimmons makes one of his periodic trips back to his hometown Friday, July 6 to headline the Sparta Concert Series. The singer-songwriter made a name for himself as a member of the New Jersey folk/rock band From Good Homes, who were signed to RCA Records in the late ’90s. From Good Homes released three recordings for RCA and toured nationally, sharing the stage with, among others, Bob Dylan, The Dave Mathews Band, Joan Osborne, and Bob Weir’s Rat Dog. Since the band’s demise in 1999, Fitzsimmons has concentrated on his prolific solo career. Recently he released his fourth CD, Live The Birthday Shows. Fitzsimmons’ performance will be preceded by a set from local band 3 Second Lead. Other Sparta Arts performances this summer include eclectic roots group Hazmat Modine, blues-rock guitarist Billy Hector, contemporary jazz group The Mark Egan Unit One, and award-winning Caribbean mallet master Dave Samuels and his group. In addition, a Teen Night featuring local faves Subcommittee, plus a Student Film Festival screening, round out the calendar. Led by world-hopping jazz drummer Karl Latham (Johannes Mossinger NY Trio, Slide Hampton, Clark Terry, Jon Faddis), the Sparta Township’s Cultural Arts Committee has made it their goal to bring world-class cultural talent to the area. This year’s concerts are being held at the convenient and beautiful Dykstra Park located in downtown Sparta. For more information, please go to www.spartaarts.org, www.patrickfitzsimmons.net, or www.purevolume.com/3secondlead. Concert Schedule July 6: Patrick Fitzsimmons July 13: Hazmat Modine July 20: Billy Hector July 27: Mark Egan Unit One August 3: Teen Night with Subcommittee August 10: Dave Samuels Group September: Student Film Festival Screening (exact date to be determined)