Union County Kicks Off Summer Arts Festival With Bon Jovi Tribute

Press release from Union County Office of Public Information and Communications:

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to launch the 2025 Summer Arts Festival with Never Say Goodbye, a Bon Jovi tribute band, performing live at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday, July 9.

“We’re kicking off the Summer Arts Festival with a bang—and who better to get the party started than a Bon Jovi tribute band right here in the heart of New Jersey?” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you first heard Bon Jovi when the songs were new or became a fan later in life, their music is the perfect soundtrack for summer, especially here in the Garden State.”

Formed in 2003, Never Say Goodbye began by playing local venues and has since toured across the country. The band features Woodbridge native and lead guitarist Petey Vee as Richie Sambora, and vocalist Jesse Samay as Jon Bon Jovi, backed by a group of top-tier industry musicians. Together, they deliver a set packed with authentic Bon Jovi hits spanning over four decades.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on July 9 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. A free yoga class by Satsang Yoga in Westfield will be offered before the concert at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase. All Summer Arts Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival is provided with support from the Union County Education Association.

For more information about the Summer Arts Festival, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer25 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

This press release was produced by the Union County Office of Public Information and Communications. The views expressed here are the author’s own.