On Thursday, August 18, the 33rd annual Seaside Summer Concert Series at Coney Island, hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, will welcome Cheap Trick and Mickey Leigh's Newyorkestra. Along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series in Wingate Field in Central Brooklyn, the Seaside Series has been the largest free summer concert series in the New York Metropolitan area for the past three decades, entertaining tens of thousands of music lovers every year.
"The shows go on at Coney Island this summer," said
BP Markowitz, "and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series is still going strong after three decades of music. I am proud to host the two largest free outdoor concert series in the New York area, and of course, this year's performers-which also include
Aretha Franklin,
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts,
Queen Latifah,
Mary Wilson, Mary Mary, Jeffrey Osborne,
Peabo Bryson,
FrEddie Jackson, Shaggy and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly-have toured around the world but are really hitting the big time-and the big stage-in Brooklyn, USA!"
Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 1970s, they've been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender," and the late '80s lighter-waving favorite, "The Flame," Cheap Trick are a musical institution. Anyone familiar with Comedy Central's The Colbert Report will note that Cheap Trick wrote and performed the theme song. With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, the band was honored in October 2007 by the Chicago Chapter of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) for their contributions to the music industry. Cheap Trick were also featured in the
John Varvatos Spring 2008 ad campaign. In September 2009, Cheap Trick performed the classic Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, complete with an orchestra and guest artists
Joan Osborne and Ian Ball, for nine critically-acclaimed shows in Las Vegas. Their most current release, The Latest, released on CD, vinyl and 8-track, has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues Cheap Trick's reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together.
Throughout the years, the Seaside Summer Concert Series has attracted top name classic rock, pop, oldies, contemporary and Latin performers to Coney Island. This summer, the shows will be held at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, next to the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. A limited number of $5 rental chairs in a specially designated area are available on a first come, first served basis. Shows begin at 7:30pm.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series is celebrating its spectacular 29th season with a star-studded lineup of gospel, classic soul, contemporary, Caribbean and R&B artists. The free concerts are Monday nights at Wingate Field, entrances on Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland Road and Winthrop Street. The public is encouraged to bring their own chairs. A limited amount of general seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The program begins at 7:30pm.
Performers are subject to change without notice. Call the concert hotline for updates at 718-222-0600 or visit www.brooklynconcerts.com.
