The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - Area Residents were grooving as they shared the love of music at the third annual “Livingston Love-In” that was held at the Livingston Towne Center on Friday evening.

The community event featured the music of youth bands who shared their abundant talents. The event also featured children’s crafts and booths by local merchants and vendors.

Mo Menzel, President and CEO of MoFiddles located in the Livingston Center was instrumental in organizing the program. She said, “The event started as an idea I had to have young people focus on others. When the recession was at its worst, I felt music would be an easy and free way of bringing this idea to focus. As it happens, the township was looking for ideas for its Healthy Community, Healthy Youth Initiative of programs.”

This week, Livingston is having its 17^th annual Youth Appreciation Week which started on May 21 and lasts until May 28.  The “Love-In” is one of the week’s events and it is the largest youth music festival in town.

Livingston Township, the owners of the Town Center, Onyx Equities and several local businesses have lent their support to the “Love-In.” Jake price, the event’s Media Director said, “I’m really glad that the sun is out. There are a lot of people here.” He was pleased that bands including Cash Cash, Brick+Mortar, Audio Insight and many more were there to entertain the attendees.

212 Green, a Pop-Soul band from New York City engaged the audience. Their band is comprised of 3 siblings, Riley, age 13, Kyra, age 15, and Tori, age 17. Riley said he felt that performing at the event was “exhilarating and fun.” The same enthusiasm was shared by Drew Katsock who performed with his band Reverse Order. He was there with the other members of his group, Frank, John, and Cruise.

Katsock said, “It’s a good atmosphere. There is a variety of music and it is a good place to play and get exposure.”

The event was very well attended throughout the afternoon and evening. The audience included children, teens and adults who enthusiastic about the program. Mark and Rebecca Konstandt of Livingston were there with their children. Mark said, “We live down the block and wanted something to do for the kids.”

The Art Council of Livingston, which has a gallery at the Livingston Center, was on hand for spin art, tie dye tee shirt art, and face painting. Children who came to the “Love-In” lined up to take advantage of the Arts Council’s offerings. Among them were Awstin Evans who enjoyed face painting done by Naomi Schwarz and Jessie Carchia who made a colorful tee shirt. Children also were treated to balloon art by Tom E. Boy from the Cole Bros. Circus.

With such a large turnout and the support of the community, it is hoped that the Livingston “Love-In” will continue as an annual event as part of the “Youth Appreciation Week” of programming for young people.