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June 30, 2004

"Forrest Gump" is Featured Film in Free Outdoor Music-and-Movie Series

Primitive Soul is a band Forrest Gump would very probably like.

Middlesex County residents can experience both the real band and the fictional film character on July 15 at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park in Sewaren, as Woodbridge Township and the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders present the first of three free music-and-movie pairings at Sewaren Summerfest.

The music begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the feature film showing at 8:30 p.m. Free refreshments are provided by Royal Albert's Palace.

"Our Movies in the Park series was so successful last year that we wanted to bring it back with something extra," said Woodbridge Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "This year we'll show movies and present live local bands."

Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson and was the sleeper movie hit of 1994, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor. The film captivated audiences with its optimism, freshness and emotional honesty as it follows the adventures of a naive yet wise Southerner whose love for his childhood girlfriend never falters through a generation's worth of social turmoil and personal growth.

Currently promoting its new CD, Devotion, Primitive Soul is a Bridgewater-based quintet that switches musical styles as often as Forrest Gump encounters watershed historical events and personalities.

Drummer-vocalist Dave Hartkern is the son of New Jersey trombone legend Bud Hartkern. Bassist-vocalist Mike Wiggins has recorded with Marvin Gaye and Junior Walker and the All Stars, toured worldwide with several Motown acts and is now part of the Phillips Metropolitan Church Choir of Newark. Vocalist-guitarist Alan Grant, a 20-year veteran of the New Jersey music scene, has composed for film and television and is a member of Holiday Express, a music therapy group that performs for the needy during the winter holidays. Violinist-mandolinist-keyboardist-vocalist Steve Toll has gigged with Phoebe Snow, Paul Butterfield, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin and jazz greats Philly Joe Jones and Count Basie. Percussionist Yusef Ali has worked with Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, Andy Bey Quartet, Jazz Prophets and Oluwaseyi Modupe Afro-Cuban Folkloric Music.

Sewaren Summerfest is presented in conjunction with the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee of Woodbridge Township. Musical performers appear through the Music Performance Trust Funds arranged by Locals #204-373 and #746, American Federation of Musicians.

Sewaren Summerfest continues July 22 with Gibbler and The Wizard of Oz and July 29 with TJ & The Crests and Peter Pan. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. For more information call 732-596-4048.

To arrange an interview with Primitive Soul,
or to obtain additional photos or promotional material
call (908) 595-9948 or (732) 247-7200 ext. 518
or email: adg@words-music.net