Sparta - Talented teens will be part of the free summer concerts in the park series this summer, according to the Sparta Cultural Affairs Committee. The committee is planning its season of the Dykstra Park events and the Sparta Youth Committee is participating by way of scouting local teen bands. The series kicks off on Friday evening, June 29, with Don Braden headlining. Season favorite Billy Hector will also appear this summer. Karl Latham, Committee Co-Chair and Musical Director promises, “There will be something to satisfy just about everyone’s musical taste, and a couple of surprises as well.” Committee member Mark Warrington organizes the teen events for the series. “In addition to hosting our traditional teen Battle of the Bands’ on Sparta Day,” he said “we are recruiting talented local teen bands to open the concerts and warm up the crowd for our guest artists.” The Sparta Cultural Affairs Committee will also sponsor a Student Film Festival that will showcase short films and commercials produced by high school and middle school students. Committee member and independent film maker Kim Uczkowski, came up with the idea for the project and she encourages young film makers from Sparta High School, Pope John High School, Sussex County Vo-Tech School and the Sparta Middle School to tap into their creativity and participate. There will be a screening of the films and prizes will be awarded at a special “Red Carpet” event. Details will be made available to the schools in early May. Programs will be distributed at each concert and each will include a list of all residents who wish to be known as “Friends of Sparta & Concerts in the Park.” Committee Co-Chair Toni Zimmer, hopes Sparta residents will add their names to the list and become a part of making the concerts a success. “A modest donation of $10 will help us tremendously,” she said “just about what you’d pay for a hot dog and soda at a movie.” Donations are tax deductible and checks should be made out to: Sparta Cultural Affairs Committee, re: Concerts in the Park, 65 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871. You can visit their website at www.SpartaArts.org.