Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Each summer, the Friends of Washington Market Park produces a series of summer concerts on Thursdays in June and July. The bands are family friendly – some write for kids, some write for kids of all ages, and some are kids!
Bring a blanket, a picnic and enjoy music under the summer sky in Washington Market Park at Greenwich and Duane streets. Concerts are Thursday nights at 6 p.m. starting June 14 through July 19.
Rain location: Downtown Community Center, 120 Warren Street.
Thank you to HRP Mamas for helping us spread the word!
The 2012 line-up:
June 14: Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could
June 21: Princess Katie and Racer Steve
July 12: Astrograss
July 19: The Pop-Ups
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June 14 – Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could…www.bradyrymer.com
Grammy nominated Brady Rymer’s down-home, foot stomping rootsy tunes resonate through American culture, bringing an honest, joyful spirit to music for all generations. “His music has a rock ‘n’ roll heart,” wrote The New York Times. Combining a feel-good R&B foundation with traditional acoustic arrangements and a scoop of sunny 70s optimism, he’s created a modern American roots sound for families everywhere.
Brady’s new CD, “Love Me for Who I Am”, was inspired by his performances for children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and related conditions. Families of children affected by disabilities will welcome these songs as anthems that celebrate their experiences, but every child will find something to relate to in this collection. The songs, written with children of all abilities in mind, invite appreciation of our differences, while shedding light on just how much we all have in common. Songs like “Picky Eater,” “I Don’t Like Change,” “Who Wants to Wear Shoes?” and “Keep Your Wiggle Alive” offer a bright, positive way of celebrating life amid challenges, and will encourage dancing, singing and general merry-making in all kids and their families.
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June 21 – Princess Katie and Racer Steve…www.princessracer.com
Permission to rock at Washington Market Park? Permission granted! NYC-based kindie band, Princess Katie & Racer Steve, bring their oh-so-popular rock concerts straight from the Kingdom to Tribeca! This high-energy, ultra-entertaining and seriously unique live show will have everyone up and moving. With lots of laughing, singing and dancing, this is one concert you won’t want to miss. As always, kids are encouraged to dress as rock stars for Princess Katie & Racer Steve shows.
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July 12 – Astrograss…www.astrograssmusic.com
In its eight-year existence, Astrograss has continually stayed at the forefront of New York’s lively acoustic music and bluegrass scene. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2005, showcases its unique sound: earthy, bluegrass-inspired yet decidedly un-twangy. Astrograss is equally passionate in its vocal harmonies and surging improvisations. In concert, Astrograss wows audiences with an eclectic yet solidly rooted mix of original material, choice covers ranging from Jimmy Webb to Guns n’ Roses, and foot-stompin’, “yee-haw”-inspiring fiddle hoedowns.
Astrograss has performed in prestigious New York venues such as Joe’s Pub, BAM Harvey Theatre, BB King’s Blues Club, Symphony Space, The Mercury Lounge, The Living Room and the Rodeo Bar, in addition to regular appearances at city sponsered events, such as Madison Sq. Park, Washington Market Park, River to River Festival and others. In June 2004, the band undertook a tour of the Midwest, culminating with two sets at the highly esteemed Appalachian Uprising bluegrass festival in Ohio. 2005 found the band collaborating with ex-Zappa mallet player Ed Mann on various gigs, resulting in rich new sounds. Most recently, the band has been seen performing their highly successful family shows around the Northeast. In early 2008, Astrograss released a full-length family album, featuring original songs and traditional folk music. The band performed their family set at the legendary Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in upstate New York in both 2007 and 2008 and 2010. In March 2009, the band made its way down to Austin, TX to perform in the famous South by Southwest Festival.
When Astrograss is not performing in theatres, clubs or parks around the Northeast, the band can be found entertaining crowds at private events with their unique take on popular music. Whether it’s a wedding, pig roast, kid’s birthday party or school fundraiser, Astrograss can keep the party going for hours with its wide repertoire and diverse talents.
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July 19 – The Pop-Ups…www.thepopups.com
PreS-Gr3–Brooklyn-based indie kid rockers Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz have responded to a personal challenge to create a very grown-up, mature sound suitable for families. Calling themselves The Pop Ups, their debut effort succeeds magnificently with ten well-produced tracks that showcase a wide range of musical styles, catchy tunes, clever lyrics, and tight arrangements with harmonies.
The Pop Ups have really made their mark on the kids’ music scene over that past two years, utilizing their unique brand of catchy electro pop. Their latest release, Radio Jungle, features the groove of Chromeo, the humor of Sesame Street, the hipness of Yo Gabba Gabba!
They released their kids’ music debut Outside Voices in 2010, garnering unending praise from critics and listeners alike. The CD made several 2010 top ten lists, including The Washington Post, Time Out New York Kids, the Fids and Kamily critics’ poll, and kids’ music bloggers Out with the Kids and Zooglobble, as well as winning a National Association of Parenting Publications Award and being on the ballot for a GRAMMY nomination. The Pop Ups followed up Outside Voices with the 2012 release of Radio Jungle. Check them out July 19th!
See you at the Park!