NRCA Announces Dates for Free Summer Sounds Concert Series
In New Rochelle the forecast this summer is sunny with a chance of music as the Summer Sounds Concert Series returns to Hudson Park. The beloved series of free concerts – presented by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) — kicks off Wednesday, June 24th at the historic Hudson Park band shell and features TWO nights of live bands and a curated selection of food trucks, Wednesdays AND Fridays at 7:30 pm.
The Summer Sounds Concert Series will begin its 19th season with The Counterfeiters playing dance party and pop favorites from the ‘70s to today, and finish on Friday, August 28th with local classic rock favorites Sway. In between the series will feature an eclectic lineup of musicians performing everything from Top 40 favorites to country, reggae and Motown, as well as Latin, funk and soul — even Klezmer jazz and swing. In all, music lovers will get to hear exciting live music at Hudson Park on 20 consecutive Wednesdays and Fridays.
As always there will be food trucks on site offering meals and snacks for sale; this year’s lineup features a variety of cuisines, from Cousin’s Maine Lobster and Ray’s Empanadas to Bona Bona Ice Cream. In addition, the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse and The Self Studio will once again offer free yoga in the park at 6 pm every Wednesday from June 24th to August 26th, with instructor Liza Tuck of The Self Studio leading classes suitable for people of all abilities. For details visit HPCGreenhouse.org .
In addition, NRCA will present live theater performances at the adjacent Wildcliff Mansion: The Red Monkey Theater Group will return to the historic ruins of Wildcliff with their production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, his classic comedy of love, betrayal, generational divides — and hope. Performances will include live music before the show for picnicking on the grass. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 per person.
And new this year New Rochelle 6th grader Max Boan will be conducting his “Christmas in July” book drives at the Summer Sounds concerts, collecting and sharing children’s books.
The summer concerts are one of NRCA’s major events: NRCA’s Summer Sounds Committee started working in January, sending out an RFP for bands and receiving more than 120 applications for just 20 slots. After listening to all of the audition videos the committee – co-chaired by NRCA Aboard members Margaret Chadwick and Dave Fabris — selected a variety of bands representing different genres of music. The committee also reached out to local food trucks to curate an eclectic mix for every taste.
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 sponsorship from the City of New Rochelle, Butterflies from Jodie and Friends of New Rochelle Parks.
A print copy of the complete Summer Sounds Concert Series calendar is being mailed to all residents of New Rochelle, and NRCA newsletter subscribers will receive weekly updates with additional information about each of the bands throughout the summer. For the complete concert calendar visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org.
Hudson Park is located at 1 Hudson Park Road in New Rochelle; limited parking is available in the lot behind the stage (for handicapped access) as well as at the marina. Parking costs $5 per car, but there is no charge for those with a Park Pass. To obtain a Park Passport visit https://www.newrochelleny.gov/295/Park-Pass
In case of inclement weather please telephone the Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 654-2087 or check the @NewRoParks social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
About New Rochelle Council on the Arts
The New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) was created in 1975 by the New Rochelle City Council to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts; in 2005 NRCA became a 501 ( C ) (3) organization. For more than 50 years NRCA has worked to fulfill its mission by sponsoring art exhibitions, public art, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series.