Unity Media Group

O U T D O O R E V E N T S You know summer is offi cially here when Groove on Grove hits Jersey City again. The free music festival kept the tradition alive with its Cinco de Mayo-themed kick- off party in downtown Jersey City on May 7. Attendees got to sip on fresh sangria, snack on local eats, and listen to home- grown music from Segunda Quimbaba, MAS ALLA, and DJ George Soul Fern. Local musicians and businesses will keep the party going every Wednesday for the rest of the season from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Grove Street Plaza. Groove on Grove has been expanding since its debut in 2008 and has gained a reputation as a go-to event for anyone, from families with young children to great- grandparents and everyone in between. You don't have to cross the river to ex- perience a worthwhile music festival this summer. The weekly event is free to enter and all food and drink vendors are local, so the money you do spend is benefi ting the community, which was the main rea- son for starting the event in the fi rst place. "We're here to serve the community and help out business owners," said event or- ganizer Rachel Sieg. Jersey City is ever by Lauren Scrudato changing – new restaurants and busi- nesses seem to pop up every week. But Groove on Grove remains a highlight event of the summer and a great reason for residents to gather and bond in one place. Groove on Grove is also the best way for local bands and entertainers to gain more exposure. This year, Groove on Grove has more sponsors than ever, from Goldman Sachs to the local regulars, along with new bands and vendors to keep people excited about coming back year after year. Another way to entice both return- ing attendees and new ones is by hosting themed nights like Kids Night or Rock N' Roll Night throughout the summer. As for the future, the goal of Sieg and fellow organizers is to keep improving Groove on Groove and making it bigger and better every year. www.facebook.com/grooveongrove Groove on Grove Highlights Best of Jersey City

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