HOWELL – The sound of familiar songs filled the Monmouth County Library’s Howell Branch, bringing residents together for an hour of music, memories, and community.
Rhythm N’ Sound performed a “Musical Revue,” offering a free concert that featured popular music from the 1940s through the 1980s. Around 25 people attended the event, which included classic standards, doo-wop, rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, disco, and classic rock.
For many in the room, the concert was more than just an afternoon performance. It was a chance to hear songs connected to different times in their lives, enjoy the company of neighbors, and experience live music in a welcoming community space.
“We try to bring in a variety of programs – something for everybody,” said Debbie Bagchi, branch manager. “We have children’s programs, adult programs, music programs, art programs and science programs. We thought people could cool off in the library today and enjoy some fun music.”
Bagchi said events like the concert help introduce the library to people who might not otherwise visit.
“These kinds of events bring in people who don’t normally come to the library,” she said. “They might stop by just to enjoy the music, but while they’re here they may find something they’d like to check out, sign up for a library card, or tell their friends about the fun event they attended. Music usually attracts a pretty good crowd.”
The Howell branch typically hosts a couple of special events each month. Upcoming programs include another concert in August, an adult coloring night next week, and a writers group meeting.
The setlist included a wide range of crowd favorites. Rhythm N’ Sound performed Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” The Temptations’ “My Girl” and “Get Ready,” Dion and the Belmonts’ “A Teenager in Love,” Elvis Presley’s “Fools Rush In” and “All Shook Up,” and Neil Sedaka’s “Calendar Girl.” The Concert concluded on a patriotic note with Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
Throughout the performance, audience members could be seen smiling, clapping, singing along, and even dancing. The familiar melodies created an easy connection between the performers and the crowd, with many songs drawing visible recognition from those in attendance.
Lead singer Frank Resola, a Jackson resident, helped guide the audience through the afternoon with energetic vocals and a warm stage presence. Frank is also a former school counselor and coach in the Freehold Regional School District, giving him strong ties to the local area.
“Rhythm N’ Sound has been together for almost 22 years,” said Resola. “We perform at a lot of libraries, senior centers, and senior living facilities. We love performing, and our audience members love the music because it brings back so many memories. It’s therapeutic as well as entertaining.
“I’ve been performing since I was a kid. My father was a musician, and my uncle was in a popular band called The Fanatics, which toured throughout North Jersey. Music is in my blood,” he said.
“We have a repertoire of more than 300 songs, so we try to change things up from performance to performance. For me, it’s all about seeing the smiles on the audience members’ faces,” he said.
Resola was joined by Ray Ruiz of Monroe, who provided vocals and keyboard accompaniment. Together, the two musicians created a lively atmosphere that transformed the library meeting space into a small concert venue.
At two different points, the performance became even more personal when they invited a member of the crowd, who was also a friend of the band, to join them for a few songs. These moments added to the informal, community-centered feel of the afternoon and showed how the concert was not only something to watch, but something to take part in.
The event also showed how libraries continue to serve as gathering places beyond books and traditional services. For one afternoon, the Howell Branch became a space where multiple generations could share music together. Among those in attendance was Tom Egan of Farmingdale, who came to the concert with his 6-year-old grandson.
“We had heard about the concert and were excited to see what was happening at the Howell Library. Plus, we’re leaving with a bag full of books,” said Egan. “We really enjoyed the music. Every song brought back great memories. I’m of that generation, so hearing the Beatles song they performed was a wonderful trip down memory lane. This was my first library event, and I would absolutely come back for another concert like this. It was wonderful.”
The intergenerational element was part of what made the concert stand out. Songs that became popular decades ago were enjoyed by longtime fans, while younger attendees had the opportunity to hear them performed live in a relaxed setting.
As the final song ended, the afternoon had the feel of a simple but meaningful community moment. Residents had gathered inside the library, shared familiar music, and left with a reminder of how powerful songs can be in bringing people together.
Through events like the Musical Revue with Rhythm N’ Sound, the Howell Branch continues to provide residents with free opportunities to connect, reflect, and enjoy local entertainment close to home.
Rhythm N’ Sound is scheduled to perform its next free concert at the Manalapan Library on Saturday, July 18, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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