Second Annual Summer Concert Series
This summer, from June 15th through July 13th, the West Side Community Garden will host its second annual Summer Concert Series. All concerts will take place in the amphitheater, at the 89th Street end of the Garden. And just like last year, continuing our mission of community outreach and inclusion, all concerts are free and open to the public.
The series grew out of a blending of many traditions and ideas. Initially the architect who built the garden was told to include a rotunda-type space, which could be the setting for public performances of plays, concerts, and readings. Over the years we have seen the amphitheater as a focal point for Fundraising Dinners, Shakespeare in the Garden, Poetry Readings, Community Sing-Ins, and Classical and Jazz concerts. We attract members, neighborhood residents, and music-lovers citywide. In other words, the space works!
Garden members Edith Marks and Sandy Owen have volunteered many long hours filling out detailed grant proposals for the Summer Concert Series. Their often unsung efforts paid off: the Garden has received $1,700 from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, a project of the Lower Manhattan Community Council. In addition, Edith and Sandy have obtained a grant from Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal for $3,000. The combined $4,700 is what makes these high grade concerts possible. All musicians who play are paid professionals. Garden member Randa Kirshbaum volunteered her time to contract the players and publicize the events.
Unless otherwise noted, the performances will run from 6 to 7 PM. This year, our schedule includes the following concerts:
SUNDAY JUNE 15:
Sweet Plantain
Classical and Modern Latin String Quartets
THURSDAY JUNE 19, 7 to 8 PM:
New York Consort of Viols
Musical Garlands from England and Iberia
SUNDAY JUNE 22:
Andre O’Neil
Two Unaccompanied Bach Suites for Cello
SUNDAY JUNE 29:
Todd Bashore Quintet
Jazz on a High Plane
SUNDAY JULY 13:
Geoff Burke Quartet
Bebop Swing Machine
The Summer Concert Series is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
