Music to our ears! Summer concert series kicks off at the Canarsie Pier

Hey music lovers! Get ready for Brooklyn’s other seaside concert series.

From now until the end of the summer, the Canarsie Pier will be awash with music every Thursday nigt as Gateway National Recreation Area kicks off their fourth annual Canarsie Concert Series.

But unlike Borough President Marty Markowitz’ Seaside Summer Concert Series in Coney Island, no Top 40 bands from yesteryear will be gracing the Canarsie Pier.

Instead, most of the bands coming to Canarsie this summer will perform the best in Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop and Funk. Additionally, there will be two “Open Mic” nights where audience members will be encouraged to take the stage and sing with the Canarsie Pier house band.

“Performers can bring their own music or sing a cappella, recite poetry or try a stand-up comedy routine,” said John Warren, a spokesperson for Gateway Recreation Area.

Organizers said bands of varying stripes will be performing each Thursday evening until Aug. 26.

The series will officially conclude on Aug. 29 with an all day family concert featuring bands from years past performing side-by-side with entertainers new to the concert series.

The series kicked off on July 1 with the group The Gathering. The Michael Jazz Trio got everyone’s groove thing moving during a special pre-show.

Just think about it: When you’re a famous entertainer, you can always say you got your big break at the Canarsie Pier.

The Fourth Avenue Canarsie Concert Series at the Canarsie Pier [Rockaway Parkway and Shore Parkway in Canarsie]. All concerts are free, although visitors are recommended to bring a chair or a blanket for a place to sit. For more information visit www.nps.gov/gate/parknews/canarsie-concert-series-summer-2010.htm.