Yonkers Downtown BID to Kick Off Sixth Annual, Popular “Jazz, Blues & More at Dusk” Concerts

June 29, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:    Frank Pagani               
                Thompson & Bender
                (914) 762-1900, ext. 24


Yonkers, NY (June 29, 2012)  For the sixth consecutive year, the Yonkers waterfront will be filled with the cool sounds of live jazz, blues, rock, salsa and more as the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District presents its highly popular,  Free “Jazz, Blues & More at Dusk” Summer Concert Series.

Starting today and continuing through August 31, the Yonkers Amphitheatre will come alive with performances by some of the New York metropolitan area and country's top jazz and blues artists on10 consecutive Fridays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.  If it rains, the concerts will be staged at the Yonkers Pier.

The series is made possible by the Yonkers Downtown BID and the support of
its sponsors —Domino Sugar and Sound Associates Inc.

Steve Sansone, Yonkers Downtown BID Executive Director, said: “We are thrilled to bring back the “Jazz, Blues & More at Dusk” concert series. With great music and a fabulous setting by the scenic Hudson River, it’s not surprising why these concerts are a huge hit. The concerts are also a great way to start a summer weekend. Many make a night of it by enjoying the many diverse dining venues that the downtown offers.” The schedule is:

June 29:   An Evening with Jerry Dugger:  This versatile and highly talented guitarist, singer/songwriter and recording artist will perform a cool selection of jazz, blues, funk and R&B numbers.

July 6:         The Johnny Hirsch Band:  One of New York City’s most intriguing solo artists, Johnny Hirsch, will lead his standout band as singer/saxophonist fusing elements of rock, funk, jazz and skat singing.

July 13:   Willie Villegas Y Entre Amigos:  No newcomer to the U.S. salsa scene, Willie Villegas has played with such luminaries as Eddie Palmieri, and Tito Puente so get ready to dance to some very hot Latin music.

July 20:         An Evening with Annette St. John and DeForest Raphael:  Two acclaimed jazz performers will share the spotlight as Annette St. John evokes Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn but in a style and spark that are uniquely her own and Yonkers own balladeer,  DeForest Raphael, croons about his favorite topic - love.

July 27         The Joey Berkley Quartet:  The legacy of jazz giants Miles Davis,  
                     Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane have influenced tenor and
                     saxophone performer and composer Joey Berkley, who will lead
                     his virtuoso group in a contemporary jazz concert that will surely
                     grab the listener.

August 3:        TBA

August 10:   Joe Abba & The Identity Crisis:  Saxophonist/composer Joe Abba joins forces with the knockout, hip hop fusion band, The Identify Crisis, for an evening of over-the-top funk, rhythm and blues, jazz and pop.

August 17:     Lao Tizer:  Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer and his over-the-top band captivate audiences of all ages and musical tastes in seamless and soulful grooves, spirited improvisations and an extreme sense of melody. Lao visits Yonkers all the way from Hollywood, California.

August 24:   Vanessa Flabella:  Brazil is hot and so is Ms. Falabella’s talent as a singer. The native of Brazil will perform a contemporary mix of pop, jazz and R&B selections in English and Portuguese.

August 31:     TBA

                     
Other signature free outdoor events that the Downtown BID will be presenting through the fall are:

Evolution Arts, an afternoon of free exhibits of art by emerging artists from Yonkers and beyond—as well as music entertainment—will be presented at the Yonkers Waterfront Esplanade on the third Sunday of every month, continuing  July 15 (featuring works of art by the 55 Plus Artists Organization); August 19, September 16 and October 21.

The Sixth Annual “Main Street Film Series at Dusk” will be presented every Tuesday evening in August featuring screenings of popular motion pictures for the family.  The fun gets underway at 8 PM on August 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 86 Main Street which will be turned into an outdoor movie theater with a large outdoor screen and seats. Admission is free and so is the popcorn. Visit www.YonkersDowntown.com for schedule.  

The 20th Annual Yonkers Riverfest, an all-day extravaganza of free, fun events for everyone will be held on Saturday, September 8 from noon to dusk. Live entertainment, face painting, jugglers, children’s petting zoo, mini golf, classic cars, great food and more will be featured—clearly one of Westchester’s most popular outdoor celebrations that attracts about 25,000 visitors.

Also, City of Waterday Festival, Saturday, July 14 from 11 AM to 3 PM. A day of adventure along the Yonkers waterfront with free activities including live music performed by some of the area’s most exciting talents and kids’ activities. The BID is participating with the Municipal Waterfront Alliance and the Beczak Environmental Center in a day of celebration of harbors, waterways and the environment.

For more information, visit www.YonkersDowntown.com.

The Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront Business Improvement District was created to promote and implement the economic revitalization of the District and the City of Yonkers. The BID is also designed to maintain the downtown streets, contribute to public safety, landscape the district, market special events and create promotional opportunities to highlight the area. Additionally, the BID will preserve and encourage the cultural, historic, tourist and civic interest of the District and the City of Yonkers.