We caught up with Tim Goldrainer, lead vocalist and The Menus co-founder, to find out about what audiences can expect from the concert.
“I can tell you this. It’s going to be a blast as always. We’re going to play everything from Frank Sinatra to Van Halen. It’s a lot of high energy, and we interact with the crowd,” said Goldrainer.
“We love Middletown, and we love the people there. They always show us the love, and we reciprocate as much as we can,” he said.
He said it’s familiar music with a twist, “The variety of music you’ll hear at a Menus show goes all across the radio dial.”
With an extensive set list, the band covers a wide range of songs from Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Guess Who, Blood Sweat and Tears and Queen to Bad Company, The Clash, Jethro Tull and Johnny Cash.
“You’re waiting to see the next thing that’s going to happen, because there’s never a dull moment on our stage,” Goldrainer said.
The Menus combine a collection of classical favorites with zany stage antics and an array of colorful costumes. Wednesday is also Tutu Night, so audiences can come to the concert dressed in their favorite tutu. Tutu’s will be on sale on site the night of the concert for $3.
“It’s nothing but positivity at The Menus show. No one has a bad time. Our friends can expect to have a great time with great music, a lot of comedy and a lot of fun,” Goldrainer said.
Along with Goldrainer, the band is comprised of Brandon Ryan, Jimi Orwig, Stephen Chiodi and Jonathan Grooms. John Stanley serves as the group’s stage manager, working as a lighting technician and on visual effects.
Tim Lewis, co-chair of the Broad Street Bash said The Menus are one of the most popular bands to play the concert series.
“It’s always the biggest regular Bash show of the year as far as attendance, so we love that. I just love The Menus, because they’re great people. These guys love what they are doing, and they’re fantastic entertainers,” Lewis said.
He said when the band plays in Middletown, they take the time to socialize with the people there. When they’re on break, they are shaking hands and talking to everybody.
“If Tim Goldrainer sees somebody out in the crowd, that isn’t smiling, he’ll climb down off of the stage and make them smile. That’s the kind of thing they do. Not only are they awesome musicians, it’s entertaining,” Lewis said.
Broad Street Bash showcases both local acts and regional headlining bands at Middletown’s summer block party. The concert series features the bands, a variety of food vendors, activities and games for children.
The make-up/rain-out date for the Nick Netherton Band and Heather Roush concert will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Coming up in the fall, this year’s Monster Bash will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.
How to go
What: Broad Street Bash to feature The Menus
Where: Central Avenue and Broad Street at Governor’s Square Park
When: 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9
Cost: Free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
More info: www.LongLiveTheBash.com
Menus band info: www.TheMenus.org
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