Van Pelt family, Jimmy Mazz to perform during ‘Concerts in the Park’

A one-time Johnston tradition is coming back in a big way.

Erika Van Pelt, the famed Rhode Island native who reached the Top 10 of television’s iconic show “American Idol,” will perform inside Johnston War Memorial Park on Friday evening, July 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Van Pelt, though, won’t be alone.

She’ll be joined by her father Dirk, sister Sarah and brother Collin for the two-hour performance, which will kick off the Johnston Community Center Association’s (JCCA) Concert in the Park series. The show is free and open to the public.

The second concert is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature singer/entertainer Jimmy Mazz. He has over 30 years of experience and does everything from Frank Sinatra to hits of the ’50s, and he can even belt out hits that legends like Lou Rawls, Bobby Darin and Elvis Presley made famous.

“We are looking forward to two great nights of family entertainment,” said Glenn Carroll, president of the JCCA. “Please, bring your blankets, chairs and family and enjoy two great nights of free music.”

Carroll, along with vice president Mark Gilmore and the JCCA committee, is excited about reviving the once-popular Concert in the Park series.

“It’s something the [Johnston] Recreation Department used to do years ago,” Carroll continued. “We, the JCCA, wanted to do something special for the community this summer. We met and decided to bring the concert series back.”

Just how, though, did the non-profit JCCA land the Van Pelts and Jimmy Mazz, who does a Las Vegas style geared particularly to the night’s audience?

Back on Saturday evening, June 21, Judi Graham – who doubles as a board member of the JCCA and Johnston Memorial Cancer Events – met Dirk Van Pelt at the JMCE’s award-winning Campfires for Cancer, which raises money to continue its effort to battle cancer that strikes children.

“We knew it was Erika’s father,” Carroll offered. “We knew he had a son and daughter who also perform. But we didn’t know what the chances would be of getting Erik and her family together.”

Dirk Van Pelt’s response, Carroll said, “was sweet music to our ears. He was more than happy to do it, providing of course, Erika and his family had an open night.”

Carroll, the JCCA and the recreation department aren’t alone in their excitement and enthusiasm for the July 25 performance.

“Mr. Van Pelt told us that that will be the first time in a long, long time that the four Van Pelts will actually perform together,” Carroll said. “And we’re certainly proud to be able to present this great musical family.”

While Carroll wasn’t exactly sure that the Van Pelts will do together, he’s explained that Erika Van Pelt’s debut album she released in 2013 allows herself to express her deep appreciation for soul, rock, blues, funk and pop.

More importantly, Carroll and the JCCA committee have learned, “Erika loves performing a lot in the local area. We are all looking forward to the start of something that will continue in years to come with perhaps more concerts in the park.”

Erika Van Pelt, born Dec. 12, 1985 in Providence, makes her home in South Kingstown. She’s a graduate of CCRI and the famed Berklee School of Music. She achieved high musical honors while being selected to the All-State, All New England and All-Eastern States Choirs.

She began singing in her church choir at age seven and is a founding member of the a cappella group SoundCheck. After college she launched her own company, VP Entertainment, a full-service mobile DJ service, and became an independent contractor with Kaleidoscope Kabaret while performing throughout New England.

As for Jimmy Mazz, he knows how to command an audience.

“Jimmy’s unique in-character tribute to legendary performers like Dean Martin is second to none,” a spokesperson offered. “He can portray Dean’s signature look, swagger and that ultra smooth vocal style as he brings – and sings – Dino’s great songs.”