More Summer Fun for the Dog Days of August

There’s still time to enjoy free summer concerts at the Hudson Park band shell: The New Rochelle Council on the Arts has four more free events planned as we head into the “dog days” of August.

Next Wednesday, August 17th Ben Clark and the Long Shadows will be here, straight outta Brooklyn where they appear regularly at the Way Station as well as venues like Joe’s Pub, Shrine, LIC Bar and Leftfield. Featuring singer-songwriter Ben Clark, the group plays rock and jazz. Food trucks on site will be The Cookery Dough Nation, a mobile extension of The Cookery restaurant that features a handcrafted. wood burning oven designed to deliver artisan pizza on the go, and Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ices and Ice Creams.

Then on Friday, August 19th the NRCA presents a Friday Night Live @Hudson Park special feature, ‘Sup, a showcase of emerging bands from local schools and colleges. The lineup featuring the Ben Barnett Trio, the Jacob Harelick Groove, and Pronoia. The food truck will be the popular Walter’s Hot Dogs.

On Wednesday, August 24th the Firey String Sistas will be at Hudson Park. This chamber jazz ensemble has performed its brand of world music and jazz at cutting edge venues; frontwoman and cellist Nioka Workman has played with everyone from Kanye West and Jay-Z to Alvin Ailey American Dance Company and the Joffrey Ballet. Other group members include Mala Waldron, daughter of jazz great Mal Waldron, on piano and vocal with Marlene Rice (violin), Melissa Slocum (bass), and Karina Colis (drums). The food trucks that night will be Melt Mobile, offering delicious gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with local artisanal breads, imported local cheeses and fresh, organic meats and produces, plus Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ices and Ice Creams.

Finally, on August 31st The Kootz Band wraps up the Summer Concert Series playing pop rock favorites of the ‘60s through ‘80s. Food trucks for the finale include local favorites Tecas Tacos, POW Burger, and Uncle Louie G’s Italian Ices and Ice Creams.

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 People’s United Bank. This year’s concerts feature an upgraded sound system from Sound Associates, a leader in the field, plus improved lighting and state-of-the-art restroom facilities, thanks to a $100,000 NRCA received from an anonymous donor. Bill Zimmerman, Commissioner of New Rochelle’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation, says the city is proud to continue the summer concert tradition. “The support of Webster Bank and People’s United Bank has made it possible for us to continue to bring free concerts to the community.” For more information visit the NRCA website at www.newrochellearts.org or telephone the Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 654-2087.