Thompson Performing Arts Series To Bring Lots Of Soul To Doylestown's Central Park

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The 2025 Thompson Performing Arts Series continues on Wednesday, June 18 at the C&N Amphitheater in Doylestown's Central Park with a lot of soul.

"The Senational Soul Cruisers" are scheduled to take the stage at 7 p.m. for a free outdoor concert featuring the sounds of classic soul, disco, R&B and Mo-Town from the 60s, 70s and 80s

The Sensational Soul Cruisers are not just another 11-man vocal harmony group with horns.

"While it is still sometimes possible to find a band featuring a similar lineup of instruments, it is unlikely that you will ever find another that performs with as much energy, passion, talent as these guys," says their website.

From their humble beginnings rehearsing in Freehold Borough at the chicken coops on Route 33 to the basement of the Cycle Shop on Throckmorton Street, the band has come a long way from its “Eddie and the Cruisers” days to become one of New Jersey’s best-kept "soul" secrets.

Under the tutelage of legendary Jersey Shore sax player Screamin’ Steve Barlotta, who has been the captain of the soul cruise for over 30 years, the band has progressed from the recesses of a dingy basement to over 200 performances a year while capturing the true essence of the Jersey Shore sound and its true R&B roots.

In addition to live music, the Thompson Performing Arts series includes a weekly beer garden provided by Warwick Farm Brewery and a variety of food trucks.

2025 Concert Schedule

• June 18 - Soul Cruisers (Old School, Classic Soul, RNB, Motown, Disco)
• June 25 - Jesse Garron (Tribute to Elvis)
• July 2 - Lights Out (Frankie Valli Tribute)
• July 9 - AM Radio (60s and early 70s)
• July 16 - River of Dreams (Billy Joel Tribute)
• July 23 - Legacy (Dance Cover Band)
• July 30 - Frontiers (Journey Tribute)
• August 6 - Stevie Mac (Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks)
• August 13 - Rock this Town Orchestra (Swingin' Through the '50s and '60s)
• August 20 - 80's Revolution (80's Dance, Fun)
• August 27 - Bigg Romeo (Dance Cover Band)
• September 21 - Cherry Lane Band (Rock n' Roll with a Blast of Soul at the Food Truck Festival)

Central Park Construction Alert

Parking at Central Park continues to be reduced due to the ongoing park improvement construction project, including a new Community Recreation Center, playing court complex, parking expansion/realignment and bathrooms. Construction is anticipated to be nearing completion by mid-summer.

Lots fill up quickly at Central Park. The township suggests arriving early and carpooling when possible. Township staff will be on hand to assist until the lots are full. Click here for a map of authorized concert parking areas in and around the park. The lot adjacent to the amphitheater is not open to general parking and will be limited to handicap, designated band members, designated sponsors and authorized township vehicles only.

Additional parking will be available for concert parking beginning 5:30 p.m. at Kutz Elementary School. A moderate trail walk will bring concert goers into the park behind Kids Castle (adjacent to the C&N Amphitheater).

Need A Ride? Catch the DART

The Doylestown DART Bus will be making the rounds with several scheduled stops to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend. At the conclusion of the concert, the bus will return riders to heir pick-up locations.

BUS No. 1:

• 6:00 pm - ACME market (Doylestown Shopping Center)
• 6:05 pm - Center Square Towers (555 N. Broad Street)
• 6:10 pm – Broad and Union (Parking Garage DART stop)
• 6:15 pm – State and Main Street
• 6:20 pm – Child Lane and Old Butler Pike (Colonial Heritage)
• 6:30 pm – Central Park

BUS No. 2:

• 6:00 pm – Grundy Hall
• 6:30 pm – Central Park

BUS No. 3:

• 6:00 pm – Grundy Hall
• 6:15 pm – Metropolitan
• 6:30 pm - Central Park