Kingsborough Community College presents seven free sizzling concerts in July including a Johnny Cash Tribute & Sing-Along, Zydeco music from Louisiana, and a special concert just for kids.
The free performances, held rain or shine, take place at the bandshell on the KCC campus, 2001 Oriental Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. The college provides 1,000 seats; patrons are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets (In case of rain, the performances are moved to the 700-seat performing arts center).
Beverages and snacks will be available for sale; picnicking is encouraged. Admission and parking are free. For information, visit www.kingsborough.edu/kcc_arts or call 718-368-6680.
From Sousa marches and country music to Louisiana Zydeco and Brazilian jazz, the Hot Summer Nights at Kingsborough will set toes tapping and hands clapping. The festival kicks off with “American Roots,” three days of performances showcasing homegrown sounds from America’s melting pot (dancing is encouraged at ever event).
The Brooklyn Community Concert Band opens the season July 3 at 8 p.m. with Patriotic Pops, a rousing program of American songs and lively Sousa marches.
The Cash Kings lead a Johnny Cash sing-along, July 5 at 7:30 p.m., in honor of the 40th anniversary of the release of Cash’s groundbreaking album “Folsom Prison Blues.” Reckon So opens the evening with a rollicking mix of honky tonk, western swing, and bluegrass.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas perform fast and furious accordion-driven Creole dance music of Southern Louisiana, July 6 at 7:30 p.m., with Brooklyn’s granddaddy of bluegrass James Reams & the Barnstormers, opening.
While both of these performances are free, a $10 VIP ticket to the Johnny Cash Tribute will get you a reserved up-close seat, an inflatable air guitar, and a beverage; a $10 VIP ticket to Zydeco/Bluegrass includes a gourmet hot sauce in addition to the reserved seat and a cool beverage. Proceeds help support the free performances. To purchase VIP tickets, call 718-368-5596.
The dancing continues on July 13 with swing under the stars with the Danny Repole Swing Band at 8 p.m.
