From Montville Soccer To Hot New Sound

On July 4th, the hot new sounds of Montville band, “Take A Chance,” will open an evening of musical celebration at the fifth annual Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular and Fireworks. The popular event, hosted by The Jerry & Dolores Turco Medical Rehabilitation Center and Lincoln Park Healthcare (JDT), will mark the band’s professional debut.

The four middle school musicians make music, and their band, a priority.

“We’re serious, but we’re fun,” explained lead vocalist Dylan Byrnes, a 6th grader at Lazar.

Drummer, Matthew Moldawsky, explained that the groups’ genesis began on a Montville soccer field.

“He told me he played classical piano and bass,” Moldawsky, a 7th grader, said about teammate, Chancellor “Chance” Mazzo, an 8th grader. “And I said, ‘Wow, I’m looking for a piano player.”

The two then tapped 8th grade classmate and fellow Lazar Jazz Band member, Gregory Costeas, to play guitar and bass. They also brought in Mazzo’s cousin, Byrnes.

“He’s been singing since he was born,” said Mazzo of Byrnes. “We have always performed.”

Together the four decided they would “Take A Chance,” a play on Chancellor Mazzo’s name, and a band was formed.

Influenced by Bruno Mars, The Beach Boys, Ozzie Osborn, and, according to Moldawsky, “every kind of music in between,” the group describes their sound as “PopAMetalClass” in homage to current pop, classic rock and heavy metal. For the Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular they are planning a bit of Star Spangled Hendricks, current favorites and danceable classics.

“Take A Chance” premiered at Lazar last month. With the help of their music teacher, Miguel Bolivar, and their parents, the group organized a Lazar fine arts fundraiser, and gave a performance.

“When I arrived, the building staff had only set up 40 chairs,” recalled Mazzo’s dad, Bud. “I said, I think we’re gonna need a few more.”

After moving 200 chairs from the cafeteria to the auditorium, “Take A Chance” performed before more than 250 people. Over $1,500 was raised, and a matching corporate grant was promised, bringing the band’s earnings for Lazar’s fine arts program to $3,000.

Byrnes’ mom, Robyn, and her brother, Bud Mazzo, are natives of Lincoln Park. The siblings are excited for “Take A Chance” and are looking forward to seeing the band perform in their hometown.

“Take A Chance” will perform at 7:00 p.m. and be followed by “Rock Hard” at 8:00 p.m.

“Rock Hard” features the vocal talents of Susan Thomas-Byrnes, a Lincoln Park native, and former Miss New Jersey. Thomas-Byrnes has as a professional singing career that spans more than twenty years and has taken her around the world. Montville resident, Tom Tsilionis on Bass, Steve Massa of Peekskill, NY on Lead Guitar, and drummer Bob Stanton of Long Valley will accompany Thomas-Byrnes.

“Rock Hard” covers Def Leppard, Ratt, Poison, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Lita Ford, Quiet Riot and AC/DC. The band plays the best of 80’s Big Hair Rock.

“We play the music that makes people want to sing along,” Thomas-Byrnes said.

In addition to FREE music, the Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular will host a Dunk Tank, Carnival Games, Face Painting, Novelties and an Extravagant Fireworks Display, complete with patriotic music and professional sound.

An array of food and beverages, including beer, will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Admission to the JDT Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular and Fireworks is FREE and open to everyone. FREE off-site parking will be available at the Lincoln Park Town Hall, Chapel Hill School, Lincoln Park Elementary School, Lincoln Park Middle School, First Reformed Church, St. Joseph’s Church, and the NJ Transit Station at Main Street and Comly Road.  FREE shuttles will run every half hour from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. to transport guests to and from JDT.

JDT is situated on 37 acres of rolling hills overlooking 100 acres of protected woodland. The state-of-the-art complex is comprised of a series of four cutting-edge medical rehabilitation centers, including Lincoln Park Renaissance and the brand new JDT Villas. The elegant JDT Medical Rehabilitation Center and Villas specialize in short-term sub acute care, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Lincoln Park Renaissance provides residential and respite care in an artistically appointed atmosphere. JDT is located at 503 West Pine Brook Road, Lincoln Park.

In the event of rain, the Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular and Fireworks will be postponed to Friday, July 5 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

For complete information regarding the Lincoln Park 4th of July Spectacular, please visit www.jdtrehab.com, or contact Vincenzo Manzella at JDT Medical Rehab Center, 973-696-3300, extension 3704.