NRCA Announces August Dates for Free Summer Sounds Concert Series

Live Music every Wednesday Night and Sunday Afternoon at Hudson Park Band Shell 

The sound of music will be heard all along Long Island Sound in August as the New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) presents its annual summer concert series at the historic Hudson Park band shell.

After being sidelined last year due to COVID the Summer Sounds Concert Series will enter its 14th season with an eclectic lineup of musicians performing everything from Top 40 hits to mellow jazz, classical opera, Latin, salsa and even a little classic rock. In all, music lovers will get to hear exciting live music at 7:30 pm at Hudson Park on 4 consecutive Wednesdays, plus 4 Sunday afternoon concerts at 3 pm.  In addition, NRCA will present an afternoon of Shakespeare at The Armory with the Lawn Chair Theatre Company’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Queen” on Sunday, July 25^th..  This original production is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream using the music of Freddie Mercury and others. The play is free thanks to Twining Property’s sponsorship.

As always there will be food trucks on site for all events offering meals and snacks for sale. In addition, the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse will once again offer free yoga in the park every Wednesday before the concerts. Instructor Angela Derecas Taylor will offer a free class suitable for people of all abilities from 6 to 6:45 pm.

The Summer Sounds concert series is presented by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, in partnership with the New Rochelle Dept. of Parks and Recreation, and co-sponsored by Webster Bank and Twining Properties.

 “We were so disappointed to have to cancel the season last year,” says Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of NRCA, “so we couldn’t be more excited to be back at Hudson Park, and to help introduce a new community space at The Armory.”

Bill Zimmerman, Commissioner of New Rochelle’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation, says the city is proud to continue the summer concert tradition. “We’re so grateful to our sponsors. The continued support of  Webster Bank,  and now Pratt Landing,  has made it possible for us to continue bringing these wonderful free concerts to the community.” For more information visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org.

Hudson Park is located at 1 Hudson Park Road in New Rochelle; limited parking is available at the marina. The Armory is located at 270 Main Street. In case of inclement weather please telephone the Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 654-2087 or check the New Rochelle Council on the Arts Facebook page for cancellations.

The full Summer Sounds Concert Series schedule includes:

Sunday, August 1^st : WAYNE HENDERSON JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Come out and enjoy some of the finest jazz artists of today right here in Westchester County! Band leader Wayne Henderson (on drums) will be featuring jazz pianist John Colianni along with Ron Wilkins on trombone, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Nick Biello on saxophone and Marco Panascia on bass.

Wednesday, August 4^th : GENTLEMEN OF SOUL performing a blend of musical styles ranging from Top 40 hits and Soul to R & B, rap and disco.

Food truck: Pizza Vitale and Mikey Dubbs

Sunday, August 8^th :  MONICA UHM  A singer-songwriter known for her catchy tunes, intelligent lyrics and quirky live banter, Monica Uhm calls her musical style a “kitchen-sink twist on Americana.”

Wednesday, August 11th : LADIES DAY JAZZ ENSELMBLE playing jazz standards and original compositions by classic and contemporary jazz women. Food truck: Leila’s Empanadas, Mr. Softee

Sunday, August 15^th : JANUARY JANE NYC-based alternative pop trio January Jane’s neon-drenched take on both modern and ’80s-influenced pop/rock has already earned them a horde of loyal fans.

Wednesday, August 18^th :  CARLOS JIMENEZ MAMBO DULCET celebrating Latin sounds

Food truck: Tecas Tacos and Mikey Dubbs

Sunday, August 22^nd : BEN CLARK Singer-songwriter Ben Clark plays rock, jazz and hip-hop. An Indiana native, he appears regularly at Brooklyn’s Way Station as well as venues like Joe’s Pub, Shrine, LIC Bar and Leftfield.  

Wednesday, August 25^th : SWAY classic rock.

Food truck: Walter’s Hot Dogs and Mr. Softee

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) was created by the New Rochelle City Council in 1975 to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts. For four decades NRCA has worked to fulfill that mission by sponsoring art exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series. In addition, NRCA has sponsored public art — like the popular NRNY Murals downtown — and created ArtsFest, while helping to build relationships between the arts, the business community and city government. The NRCA website www.newrochellearts.org  is the “go-to” place for information about the arts. Membership in NRCA is open to artists and non-artists alike, with members receiving invitations to networking events and studio tours. For more information visit NRCA on the web at www.newrochellearts.org.  NRCA’s programs are made possible, in part, by ArtsWestchester with funds from Westchester County Government, the City of New Rochelle, and the support and participation of NRCA’s  membership.