Mary Wilson of the Supremes Plays Seaside Summer Concert Series

On Thursday, July 28, the 33rd annual Seaside Summer Concert Series at Coney Island, hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, will welcome Mary Wilson of The Supremes as well as The Spinners. 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 will 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 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Queen Latifah, Cheap Trick, 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!"

Mary Wilson, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, founded one of the most successful female singing groups in recording history-The Supremes. With an unprecedented 12 #1 hits, including five in a row-"Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See About Me," "Stop, In The Name Of Love," and "Back in My Arms Again"-The Supremes set a precedent for supergroup success. Since then, Wilson has gone on to make dozens of hit records, has written a best-selling autobiography, Dreamgirl...My Life As A Supreme, performed on stage and appeared on screen in the documentaries Brown Sugar, The Girl Groups and Only The Strong SurvivE. Wilson's fans can hear her smoky voice in the latest Supremes collection, Diana Ross & The Supremes: The No.1s. In 1988, The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. A tireless humanitarian, Mary has traveled the world on behalf of AIDS education, as a spokesperson for landmines awareness, and as a US Cultural Ambassador. She was recently awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters by Paine College in Augusta, GA.

Over the years The Spinners have acquired 12 gold records, with hits atop both Pop and R&B charts, and are one of the few groups who can boast four lead singers. Today, original members Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough, and Pervis Jackson are joined onstage by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Harold "Spike" Bonhart and a soul-infused five-piece band. In 1972, The Spinners signed with Atlantic Records and teamed up with producer Thom Bell. Their hit singles include "Mighty Love," "Then Came You," "I'll Be Around," "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)," "Games People Play," "Could It Be," "Working My Way Back to You," "Rubberband Man," and "Ghetto Child." The Spinners have six Grammy nominations, have been awarded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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. This year, there will be no show on Monday, August 1. 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.