RUTHERFORD (July 29, 2009, 12:55 p.m.) — Although summer officially started last month, the real summer fun can be found in the Borough of Trees.

The Rutherford Downtown Partnership and The Leader Newspapers are sponsoring "Dining Under the Stars," where outdoor tables will line Park Avenue — which will be closed from Paisano's restaurant north to Ames Avenue — almost every Thursday in July ( the final date will be the 30th). Local restaurants will serve patrons both inside and outside their establishments. And strolling musicians will entertain the guests from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Some of the restaurants participating include Eros Café, La Reggia, Rutherford Pancake House, Mambo Tea House, Dunkin' Donuts, Village Gourmet, Mignon, Yamada Sushi, Dairy Queen and The Risotto House, among others. For more information visit www.rutherfordnjdowntown.com.

Following up a hearty meal under the stars, local may want to partake in The Prospect Music Series hosted at the Rutherford Congregational Church which offers jazz, folk and classical music presented by area artists. The series started July 10 with a classical marimba concert featuring Payton MacDonald.

On Aug. 7, the series will feature Up Town Flutes, a group that includes New York City Opera flutist John McMurtery; as well as composer of one of this year’s Nat’l Flute Assoc. official works, flutist Elise Carter; and flute faculty from Drew University, Caldwell College, and William Paterson University. The group spans the entire flute family: piccolo, C flute, alto flute, and bass flute, and achieving a rich variety of timbres.

The Sept. 18 concert will feature baritone Casey Molino Dunn with a vocal program of art songs plus opera and musical theatre selections in collaboration with keyboardist Justin Wallace.

A Nov. 6 concert is also booked for two of the instrumental ensembles from William Paterson University’s Music Department.

Call Robin at 201-321-2756 for advance tickets or they can be purchased at the door. Adult tickets are $7, senior and student tickets are $5. Series tickets for four performances are $25 and $18. On-site babysitting is available for $10 per child.