The event will take place on JFK Boulevard East from 68th to 71st streets.
Various impersonators and singers will perform at 5 p.m., followed by the Duprees at 7:30 p.m.
The Duprees got their start in Jersey City in the 1960s, performing popular renditions of 1940s love songs.
Lt. Joel Magenheimer, his wife Debbie, Annie Setliff, and other supporters organized the inaugural event.
"They're pulling out all the stops and we're excited about it."
- Tommy Petillo of the Duprees
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The Duprees' performance cost the town of Guttenberg $7,000, but the rest of the acts were free. The organizers chose karaoke singers and impersonators from those who routinely perform at the Green Kitchen, a restaurant in the Galaxy Towers mall.
Singers from across the tri-state area will cover acts like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Roy Orbison.
"We took time out of our daily lives to put this together, [and the Duprees] are wonderful," said Debbie.
She added, "We never have anything for our age group. It's really nice to get everyone to join together like this."
Debbie said that for next year, they hope to have two major acts for the concert.
She said that she'd like to get Kenny Vance and the Plantones, since Setliff is a big fan.
Duprees are 'excited'
The Duprees, who tour extensively throughout the area during the summer, are "excited" about performing in Guttenberg, said Petillo.
He said that they have about 30 concerts booked for this summer and have already performed in Paramus, Rutherford, Union, Carteret, and Brooklyn.
The Duprees' hits 1960s when they were signed to Coed records. But the members have changed several times.
The last original member of the group, Michael Arnone, passed away in 2005. But the group's success has continued.
"It's the first year [Guttenberg] will be putting on a concert like this," said Petillo. "They're pulling out all the stops and we're excited about it."
Debbie said that concert-goers can look forward to meeting the group, as well as taking photos with them and receiving autographs.
Concert receives help
TD Banknorth, which has a location right next to Guttenberg's Town Hall, donated a large amount of bottled water for the event, according to Debbie.
Magenheimer said that a mobile stage and 300 folding chairs, owned by Hudson County, will be used during the event.
While there will be chairs and water available, Debbie suggested that guests should bring their own folding chairs and refreshments.
Local singers
The volunteer singers who were approached were more than happy to be a part of the concert.
One of them is Johnny Wactor, of Edison, N.J., a member of the group Iceman & Afterglow. The group also contains his sister Diane Wactor, and Diane Chisolm of Jersey City.
"I think it's wonderful," said Wactor. "Giving something to the community is great. [The block parties we used to attend] didn't cost us anything and we were able to get to see some great people singing."
Debbie, who has heard Wactor perform at the Green Kitchen, praised the impersonators who will be performing.
"If you close your eyes, you would swear it was the actual singer," said Debbie.
Other singers include Bob Vanderclock as Roy Orbison, who has won talent competitions in the past, along with Mario Cruz and Danny Carmona performing Frank Sinatra.
"I think we're going to hit the right audience here," said Cruz. "Guttenberg is a very nice, quiet town."
Great event for a small town
Vendors will sell hot dogs, snacks, and refreshments, including Mr. Softee.
Magenheimer said that traffic will be diverted away from the closed streets to avoid rush hour build-up.
"A summer event is good for the adults in town," said Magenheimer. "It's a nice thing to do for the residents in Guttenberg."
Comments on this story can be sent to TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.
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