The day was hot, and there was a burst of rain before the concert start time, but it turned out to be a beautiful evening in Marine Park – a perfect night for Caribbean island music to be played, enjoyed and celebrated.
On Wednesday, June 17th, families came with rolling carts filled with snacks and beverages, blankets and dance moves. This concert was the first in a series of beloved Marine Park Summer Concert Series sponsored by Assemblywoman Jaime Williams.
Millennium Development’s Abe Stark Steel Pan Orchestra opened and wowed crowds by playing tunes that had concertgoers singing along with their “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and enjoying every second. This talented orchestra consists of senior citizens from the Abe Stark Older Adult Center, located at 103-15 Farragut Road, that practice and play for the love of the art.
Williams welcomed the crowd and announced the official start to the concert series with Caribbean Night. What better way to start the summer and Caribbean Heritage Month but with a steel drum band and a selection of island music.
DJ Chinee took over the evening by playing a collaboration of some popular and all-time favorite Caribbean and Reggae music. Hardworking volunteers from Marine Park Alliance handed out raffles, calendars and lollipops, and Williams walked around and greeted community members.
Williams along with sponsors Marine Park Alliance, Kings Plaza, Nick’s Lobster House, Sotheby’s International Realty and others in partnership with NYC Parks, Millennium Development and the Marine Park Community Association make these popular summer concerts possible.
Cantor Shea Rubenstein, vocalist, will be performing on Wednesday, June 24th, at 6:30 p.m. (with a rain date of Thursday, June 25th) on the lawn near the bocce courts. These free concerts are open to all neighborhoods and communities. Bring your friends, family, a chair, blanket and a camera to record the memories! For more information, call 718-252-2124.
