The Parks Concert Series 2014 Season Kicks Off with D.C. Anderson, Raissa Katona Bennett and More Tonight

The 7th Season of The Parks Concert Series, (formerly The Concert for City Greens), a free outdoor concert series, commences tonight, May 28th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, May 29th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, jazz, classical and opera scene. All performers donate their time and talent for these concerts. The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett.

This concert will feature Broadway Veteran (Phantom of the Opera) and Award Winning Songwriter, D.C. ANDERSON, Bistro Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, NATHAN CHANG, Recording Artist, PEGGY EASON, Julie Wilson Award Winning Singer, SHANA FARR, Cellist & Composer, ADAM FISHER and Bistro Award Winning Pianist & NPR Host, JON WEBER.

This concert will also feature an original song written by DAVID INGBER and arranged by Broadway Musical Director (Kinky Boots/The Book of Mormon), BRIAN USIFER in celebration of MANHATTANHENGE.

Host RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, Broadway's "Christine" in Phantom of the Opera and MAC & Bistro Award Winner, welcomes back series regulars, MAC & Bistro Award Winner TERESE GENECCO as sidekick & drummer, MAC & Bistro Award Winner & Windham Hill Recording Artist SEAN HARKNESS on guitar, Composer & Recording Artist, JONATHAN SARAGA on Trumpet, Recording Artist & Arranger MATT SCHARFGLASS on bass, and MAC Award Winning Composer, Pianist & Musical Director, BILL ZEFFIRO.

Additional musical direction will be provided by pianists KENNETH GARTMAN and TRACY STARK.

Research shows that time spent in nature makes people healthier, happier and more creative, and that communities are safer where green spaces exist. In 2008, Raissa Katona Bennett had the idea to bring the world of cabaret, jazz, Broadway, and classical music to city green spaces as a way for diverse audiences to enjoy a free event and to broaden the appreciation of both of these amazing artists and the parks we so often take for granted.

Annually since then, hundreds of people who otherwise may never have experienced this cultural art form have enjoyed many nights of amazing music under the trees. "The Park Concert Series" (formerly known as the Concerts for City Greens) invites you to join us again this summer in the South Park at Tudor City on the selected dates listed below.

The concerts take place at the South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (between 41st & 42nd Streets, and 1st & 2nd Avenues). Future 2014 concert dates are June 25th (rain date June 26th), August 13th (rain date August 14th) and September 10th (rain date September 11th). All at 6:30pm.