WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — If you actually sang that phone number (777-9311) as you read it, then you know Morris Day and the Time, the group that epitomized cool as they sang and danced their way through the ‘80s.
With his zoot suit, pompadour and ever-present mirror in which to admire his own reflection, Morris Day kept his listeners dancing and singing to songs like “Jungle Love,” “Cool” and “The Bird.”
As a kid, Day developed a strong relationship with another aspiring Minneapolis musician, bonding because of their own unique talents. One brought his glamorous, androgynous style and soulful R&B. The other brought self-confident streetwise funk. They grew up and performed together as kids — but it was Day’s performance in the movie “Purple Rain” that helped connect him forever to the musical genius who at one time called himself the Artist Formerly Known as Prince.
On Friday, July 22, Morris Day is bringing the funk and old-school R&B to Mercer County Park in West Windsor. The Park Commission is expecting this concert to be one of the highlights of the year.
“We are very excited to bring Morris Day to Mercer County,” said Park Commission Executive Director Aaron T. Watson. “He and Prince made a profound impact on our musical culture during the ‘80s, and after 40 years in the business, Morris Day is still putting out hits. Getting him on our schedule was a big win.”
The $5 Friday Summer Concert Series at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds began July 8 with the Earth Wind and Fire Tribute Band and runs through Aug. 26.
Morris Day tickets are available at https://mercer-county-parks.ticketleap.com/morris-day/. Tickets are $15 per person and there will be a $5 parking fee.
For information on the concert series and free movie nights, which begin the first Saturday in August, go to https://mercercountyparks.org/#!/festival-grounds-events/.