Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Each summer, the Friends of Washington Market Park produces a series of five summer concerts on consecutive 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 23 through July 21.
Rain location: Downtown Community Center, 120 Warren Street.
Thank you to HRP Mamas for helping us spread the word!
The 2011 line-up:
June 23: Princess Katie and Racer Steve
June 30: Cynthia Sayer and Sparks Fly
July 7: Baby Soda Jazz Band
July 14: Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could
July 21: Astrograss
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June 23 – 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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June 30 – Cynthia Sayer and Sparks Fly…www.cynthiasayer.com
Cynthia Sayer is regarded as one of the top 4-string banjoists in the world today. A member of Woody Allen’s jazz band for more than 10 years, Cynthia’s solo career has taken her well beyond her New Orleans roots to become an acclaimed bandleader and guest artist. She has a unique and expansive approach to the instrument that is all her own, and she is also a respected vocalist. Her eclectic repertoire ranges from swing and hot jazz to tango, western and classical. Cynthia has played with a variety of leading jazz and popular artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman and Les Paul, as well as bluegrass/roots/country artists such as Tony Trischka, Eric Weissberg and John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).
Cynthia has toured on four continents and has accumulated numerous awards and honors for her performances and recordings during her extensive career, including induction into the National Banjo Hall Of Fame. Her SPARKS FLY BAND is comprised of top players whose credits range from Mark O’Conner to Bruce Springsteen. Don’t miss Cynthia Sayer as one of the artists featured in the documentary film, “Give Me The Banjo,” to be aired on PBS TV this fall.
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July 7 – Baby Soda Jazz Band……www.babysoda.org
Developed by hoboes, perfected through science.
Baby Soda is on the cutting edge of a new movement loosely known as street jazz with an eclectic set of influences ranging from 30s era swing, New Orleans jazz, and southern gospel. The ensemble doesn’t desire to recreate the past, rather they bring the concept and joy of the music to the present. Baby Soda is an adaptable and ever changing group made up of New York’s finest musicians, featuring trumpet, trombone, clarinet, banjo and the unique one string box bass. The band has performed at some of New York’s hottest venues such as The Village Vanguard, Barbes, The Knitting Factory and the Jalopy Theater. In addition to their busy schedule of club dates, Baby Soda loves performing on the street and in the subway. This allows them to hone their skills and bring the music directly to the people. Both Pediatrics and Geriatrics agree: Baby Soda is the sure cure for the aches and pains of the modern world!
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July 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” (April 12), 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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July 21 – Astrograss…www.astrograssmusic.com
In its seven-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.