Diamond Cycle celebrated the end of their 105th year with a free back-porch concert with the Watchung Mountain Riders band.
Diamond Cycle bike shop on Bloomfield celebrated the end of another successful season with a free back-porch concert at the Bloomfield Avenue shop. Watchung Mountain Riders performed for a few hours Friday night September 29th on the back porch in a surprise free concert. The impromptu concert was the delight of many who were heading home or who were downtown for a night out.
Most of the listeners said they had no idea the band would be playing but were pleasantly surprised. Barbara from Montclair said she heard they were here from a friend on facebook, she grabbed a few beers and come out to enjoy.
The weather was a perfect 74 degrees and the midtown parking lot served as a perfect backdrop and natural amphitheater. Craig Cornell, Owner of Diamond Cycle, said the concert was his idea, just a big thank you to the community, his staff, friends, and neighbors for another successful season.
The band, Watchung Mountain Riders take their name from the set of three mountains here in northern NJ that bear that name, and they’ve been playing together since 2000. The band, Lead by Josh Kessler on guitar and vocals, includes Dan Hamilton on keyboards and vocals, James Collins on guitar and vocals, Delaynie Cusick on vocals, James Harr on bass and vocals, and Miguel Rodriguez- drums vocals.
We asked Mr. Kessler, what the connection was between the band and Diamond Cycle? “Craig is an amazing local business owner who supports music and the arts in Montclair. While none of us had previously known him, we were presented with an opportunity to perform on the Summer Solstice back in June as part of international Make Music Day. Thanks to our friend Claire, we were teamed up with Craig and Diamond Cycle for this event. That was how we got asked to play at his customer appreciation night on September 29th. We love what Craig does for the community and his continued support for a green environment. On top of that, he is just a really great human being and we are happy to call him a friend now.”
The surprise gathering had all the familiar and comfortable attributes of a back-porch gathering with well-worn friends, families, and friends-of-friends on a Friday night. Anyone passing by was welcome to pull up, relax and enjoy. There were those who pulled out chairs from their trunks and settled in.
Others came and then came back with a six-pack to share with new found friends. 60-year Montclairites stood shoulder to shoulder with transplants cradling some of Montclair’s newest residents.
The performance was enjoyed by everyone who stopped long enough to listen. Mr. Kessler considered the event a success. “As a band, we play music for enjoyment for us and others. Our number one goal is to try and bring a little light, happiness, and love to our friends and families. Anytime you can make someone smile, dance or sing it’s a beautiful thing. We did accomplish that so we look at this event as a success.”
Diamond Cycle bike shop is the current tenant at this location. The shop at 409 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ has been selling and servicing Montclair’s bicycle needs since 1912. The unbroken line of subsequent shops and owners is now in its 105th year. Craig Cornell is the current owner and custodian of the location and has been turning a wrench and delivering superior customer service for 29 years.
Watchung Mountain Riders will be performing at Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair on Valley Road doing a special winter run of three nights Dec 22, Jan 20, and Feb 24th.
Diamond Cycle is open year round as a full-service shop. This end of the season free concert for the community is not only a great way to thank the community it is also just another excuse to get new friends and old together on a Friday night and enjoy each other’s company over some good music… Thanks, Craig!
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