Sound Affair was the only performance during the Marine Park Summer Concert Series rescheduled due to weather, and it was fortunate that this outstanding show was moved to Wednesday, August 26th, because concertgoers filled the lawn and beyond in anticipation. The weather was perfect for one of the final concerts before Marine Park bids farewell to summer and the beloved gatherings.
The charismatic band known as Sound Affair has played and thrilled crowds in Marine Park before, and their performance was worth rescheduling. They played fan favorites like “Rockin’ Robin,” Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” and “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan. People of all ages were dancing in whatever standing room was available.
Burt Bell, saxophonist and singer, stunned people with his vocal range and moved concertgoers with his velvety sounds and skillful mastery of the sax. The difference in his vocal range when he sang Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” compared to “Sway” by Michael Buble was incredible.
Singer Annie Tirone also had an impressive singing range and stole the show with several songs including Connie Francis’ “Where the Boys Are” and “Jolene,” her tribute to the late Dolly Parton. Bell and Tirone’s voices blended beautifully during duets like one-hit wonder, “More Today Than Yesterday.”
Bass guitarist and singer, Bruce Gordon, had a distinctive voice. Charles Fiumano, guitarist, and drummer Phillip Shimmel helped to elevate every sound, voice and note. While the band covers songs from other artists, they put their own sound and spin to every song on their playlist.
These amazing concerts are free, open to the public and hosted by Assemblywoman Jaime Williams. Williams along with sponsors Marine Park Alliance, Kings Plaza, Michaels of Brooklyn, Marine Park Hardware, Chrysalis Archaeological Consultants, Sotheby’s International Realty and others in partnership with NYC Parks, Millennium Development and the Marine Park Community Association make these favorite summer concerts possible.
The final summer concert will be Disco Night with Scott Yahney on Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn near the bocce court. Bring your friends, family, a chair, blanket, a camera to record the memories and maybe a sweater! For more information, call 718-252-2124.
