Government shutdown forces Freedom Fireworks Festival, featuring Kool and the Gang, to move

by JAY LUSTIG

Kool & the Gang will perform at the Freedom Fireworks Festival in Jersey City, July 4.

Jersey City’s fourth annual Freedom Fireworks Festival is moving from Liberty State Park to Exchange Place, since the park is indefinitely closed, due to the government shutdown.

Beginning at noon, July 4, the festival will feature bands and children’s entertainers all day, along with carnival rides, a beer garden and other attractions — including, of course, fireworks at sundown.

Known for his such as “Celebration,” “Joanna,” “Ladies’ Night” and “Jungle Boogie,” Kool & the Gang got its start in Jersey City in the ’60s, and still features original members Robert “Kool” Bell (bass), Ronald Bell (tenor saxophone), George Brown (drums) and Dennis Thomas (alto saxophone).

In other news, Gov. Christie has moved his family’s July 4 party to Liberty State Park. (Just kidding!)

For information, visit freedomandfireworks.com.

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