The Broad Street Bash runs every other week. This year’s concert series will showcase many local artists. Each concert typically attracts up to 2,000 attendees, with some bands like The Menus drawing close to 4,000 guests.
“Middletown is like the Muscle Shoals of Ohio, and there’s so much talent here. We are lucky to have that,” Baumgarten said.
Concerts will be held in Governor’s Square Park at the intersection of Broad Street and Central Avenue in Middletown from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The regular season lineup includes six scheduled shows on Wednesdays. There will be new signage this year for parking, so guests can follow the signs to parking areas. Bike parking will remain the same, and will be available off Main Street, on Central Avenue.
Each Broad Street Bash concert features the musicians and a variety of food selections, as well as activities for children. Crowds can also expect several surprises and themed nights throughout the season, such as a Tutu Night when The Menus play on July 17.
Baumgarten said Tutu Night has become an annual tradition in Middletown in honor of the different costumes the band wears on stage. Most everyone at the concert wears a tutu, including children. Tutus will also be available for sale the night the event at the Bash office.
Another highlight of the concert season will be on July 31, with 3 Peace and Terrapin Moon, a Grateful Dead tribute band. This is a tie-dye, luau-themed night. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly and the show will be dedicated to musician John (Johnny) Fugate, who passed away from a tragic accident in 2018.
The Aug. 14, concert will be the Honorary Woodstock Bash, which will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. A variety of local musicians will perform music from artists who played at Woodstock, such as Janis Joplin and The Who. Guests can dress in their favorite Woodstock gear and have a photo taken in the VW Photo Bus.
The concert series will include two special concert events. The City of Middletown Fireworks/Broad Street Blast on July 3 at Smith Park will feature David Victor, formerly of Boston. The Broad Street Bash season will conclude with the annual Monster Bash, Middletown’s city-wide Halloween party, on Saturday, Oct. 12.
HOW TO GO
What: Broad Street Bash
Where: Corner of Central Avenue and Broad Street at Governor's Square Park in Downtown Middletown.
When: Every other Wednesday, beginning on May 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The opening band typically plays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the headliner performs from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Most Bash nights, there will also be an artist/band playing during intermission/set changes.
Cost: Free. Food trucks will be on site, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
More info: Visit www.LongLiveTheBash.com and the Broad Street Bash Facebook page.
2019 Broad Street Bash lineup
May 22 — Hot Cargo, Ashley Robinson (during intermission) and headliner Miss Jacque.
June 5 — Doug Hart and Fred Gillespie
June 19 — The X-Toads and The Magnums
July 3 — City of Middletown Fireworks/Broad Street Blast at Smith Park, featuring David Victor, formerly of Boston.
July 17 – The Menus (with Rob Hoffman & The Influence during intermission and set changes.)
July 31 — Featuring music from 3 Peace and Terripan Moon (a Grateful Dead tribute band), the evening will pay tribute to musician John (Johnny) Fugate, who passed away in February 2018.
Aug. 14 – Honorary Woodstock Bash, celebrating the music of Woodstock with special guests performing throughout the night.
Oct. 12 – Monster Bash, Middletown’s city-wide Halloween party.
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