The lineup for the 2011 version of the Downtown Sounds concert series has been announced, this year, once again maintaining the series tradition of kicking off the Friday before Independence Day and ending the last Friday in August.
The concerts, which take place at the Downtown Village Square, are free. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Opening the series, on July 1, is Soul Sound Revue. This singing, dancing, multi-instrument ensemble has proven fans-favorites over the years and is making its fourth appearance at Downtown Sounds.
The rest of the program is as follows:
July 8: Losers Lounge – a tribute show based in New York City paying homage to the pop music greats of the past.
July 15: and his trio – the 90-year-old, Glen Cove resident and legendary jazz pianist, who was part of Louis Armstrong’s All Stars. Also performing are The Jumpers, a multi-genre orchestra that has played at major venues throughout the east.
July 22: , former saxophonist for Billy Joel and proprietor of Cove City Sound Studios; along with his son, singer/songwriter/guitarist . Also performing are the Young Rebel Goombas, self-styled “tropical rockers.”
July 29: Dr. K’s Motown Revue, recreating the legendary songs and the memories that for years are the legacy of the Motown Sound.
Aug. 5: La Bola, a dozen-piece Latin orchestra, specializing in Cuban “timba” music.
Aug. 12: Big Shot, a Billy Joel experience, of which Joel himself is quoted as saying: “they had a hard time convincing me it wasn’t me.”
Aug. 19: Beginnings, a tribute ensemble devoted to the band Chicago’s timeless classics that defined a generation.
Aug. 26: Funk Junkies, a 13-piece band that provides a taste of the funky soul side of music.
National Grid, and Rallye Lexus have been named title sponsors for the 2011 concert series. The series is a collaboration between the – the program’s organizer – the City of Glen Cove and the sponsors.
“With support from leading businesses such as our title sponsors, I expect this series to continue to grow and eventually become a destination event for everyone throughout the New York area,” said Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi.
“We are fortunate that Downtown Sounds has a cooperative of title sponsors,” said Francine Koehler, executive director of the Downtown BID. “The opportunity for top line publicity, coupled with these organizations’ commitment to the community, clearly demonstrate the teamwork and high level of cooperation that goes into producing such a far-reaching cultural event.”
The trio of title sponsors, this year, is an expansion of the single title sponsorship last year and represents an ongoing business interest in the series, which began in 1997 as “Jazz on the Square.” Over the years, the concept has evolved to accommodate the wide variety of musical styles, evident in this year’s lineup.
