STATEN ISLAND — From a Beatles cover band to a roundup of local rockers, a series of free summer concerts in parks around Staten Island are ready to entertain the borough this summer, officials said.
The 2014 "Sunset Concert" series will kick off on July 10 and run every Thursday night until Sept. 4, officials announced Thursday. In addition, officials said the annual "Back to the Beach" celebration will take place at Midland Beach on July 12 and 13.
“There are still a few fun things a family can do for free in New York City — and the Staten Island summer concert series is one of them,” City Councilman Vincent Ignizio said in a statement. “They are a great way to enjoy the warm season on our borough’s beautiful parks and beaches, with live entertainment and the people you love."
The event was funded with $5,000 each from Council Members Ignizio, Steven Matteo and Debi Rose's discretionary funding, and there will be three concerts in each of their districts during the summer.
"The summer concerts have become a staple on Staten Island and I’m excited to be able to continue this tradition," Borough President James Oddo said in a statement Thursday.
The "Back to the Beach" celebration will run from noon until 8 p.m. The event, held with The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, will have food, live music and vendors at the Midland Beach Promenade.
"Many Staten Islanders look forward to Back to the Beach," Oddo said in a statement. "It's a pleasure to be able to bring this event 'back' with the Bini Fund."
The "Sunset Concert" series will run every Thursday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dates and location are listed below, and the borough president's office said band lineups are subject to change:
► July 10, Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, Lovemedo and The Brake Brothers Band
► July 17, Westerleigh Park, Rachel Isaac’s Band and Airtite
► July 24, Historic Richmondtown, London Fogg and Screaming Broccoli
► July 31, Conference House Park, Breaktheway and The Prettiest Meltdown
► August 7, Clove Lake Park, Gifford’s Lane and James Santarella
► August 14, The Children’s Park and Splaza in Midland Beach, The Silas Knight Project and The Plastic Soul Band
► August 21, Bloomingdale Park, Angelica Jade and Radio Daze
► August 28, Corporal Thompson Park, TBD
► September 4, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Charlie Poveromo and the Staten Island Community Band
