End-of-Summer Concert at Pelham Bay Park

Here's a little something from Jimmy Vacs' office for you all to add to your calendars for next Friday:

Council Member James Vacca, the Bronx Council on the Arts, and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation will host an End-of-Summer Concert on Friday, August 28, at the main lawn of Pelham Bay Park (Middletown Road and Stadium Avenue entrance).

The concert, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will feature the acclaimed, high-energy dance/party band Just Nuts, performing hits from the’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, as well as patriotic standards. Remember to bring beach chairs and blankets. For more information, call Phil Cardone of the Bronx Council on the Arts at (718) 931-9500, ext. 35.

~ErLu

2nd Week of Outdoor Concerts at NYBG a Downgrade

This week's NY Botanical Garden Outdoor Concert Program featuring choral music by vocal ensemble Quarternity was a bit of a letdown due mostly to the unfortunate weather. Some foreboding storm clouds and stray rain drops forced the concert to move indoors to the Ross Lecture Hall. The concert series loses much of its appeal if you are not able to soak in the peaceful environs of the gardens at dusk. The stuffy indoors location also meant no sipping vino - the horror! Additionally, the performance by Quarternity was a bit too quirky for our liking. They sang beautifully, but hearing only vocalists with no musical accompaniment can get pretty boring after a song or two. These concerts are usually perfect for children when they are held outside, but the lecture hall location didn't suit little ones who want to move around or make a bit of noise. The no-nonsense crowd definitely didn't seem like they'd appreciate any babies trying to outdo the rousing melodies of Quarternity! The show did seem to be a hit with most other attendees though - the hall was full to capacity and had standing room only. Although for us tonight's concert did not compare to last week's (classical guitarist Mattias Jacobsson and violinist Kristin Leet on the lawn by the Mosholu entrance), it was wonderful as always to be able to just spend a dreary Thursday night strolling around the gardens after normal closing time. We have high hopes for next week's final summer concert - jazz with the David Grossman Ensemble. Did anyone else attend this concert? Your thoughts?
~ErLu

Outdoor Concert in One of New York's Great Green Spaces

Tonight there will be a choral concert held on the Conservatory Lawn in the NY Botanical Garden. The Garden is extending its hours beyond 6pm to allow the public more time to enjoy the beautiful Henry Moore sculpture adorning the verdant grounds until November, and of course to take in the concert, which begins at 7pm.

Normal entrance fees apply, but I must say that the Garden is absolutely breathtaking at dusk. Take the extra time at the Garden to marvel at the lotus and waterlilies in the Conservatory or take a stroll in the Rock Garden.

The Garden does serve wine, beer and food for purchase, but the best bet is to take a small bottle in with you and be discreet and inconspicuous about it.

A similar concert will be held next Thursday as well, but unfortunately this concert on the 21st of August is the last of the summer. Hope to see you there! A review will follow tomorrow.

Getting There:
Metro North to Botanical Garden stop, or B/D to Bedford Park Blvd- follow Bedford Park Blvd east toward Garden, or 4 to Lehman College/Bedford Park Blvd-follow Bedford Park Blvd east toward the Garden.

~ErLu