Jon Bates (Photo: QueensPost)
Aug. 20, 2012 By Bill Parry
Sunnyside Shines played host to two bands on Saturday afternoon, marking the final weekend of its “2012 Summer Streets” concert series under the Sunnyside Arch.
The Jon Bates Band, a New York-based R&B group, performed first before an enthusiastic crowd. Key Food treated early arrivals to free burgers and hot dogs as part of its “Customer Appreciation Day.”
The music was a big draw for many residents and nearby workers as the band played versions of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Stay Together” and Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.”
Joe Butcher, who works at Magic Touch Hair Salon at 44-19 Queens Blvd., said “I stepped outside for a break and heard the music [at 46th and Queens Blvd] and had to come over and check it out.”
After a half-hour break, Frank Pedulla & The Music Staff Swing Orchestra took to the stage and performed crowd-pleasing favorites from “Hello Dolly” — to Beatles numbers such as “Michelle.”
Local resident Jerry Waters said it was a great afternoon of music. “I was here a couple of weeks ago for the Bix Beiderbecke concert—but it was too hot. Today [the weather] is much nicer.”
The concert finished off the three-week Sunnyside Shines summer program. Executive Director James Bray is already looking ahead to the next event: Taste of Sunnyside on October 15th. “That’s always good, but this was a blast. We had a good time.”
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3 Comments
If only there were more shade there. (I tend to think that about big large chunks of Sunnyside. Where are the trees?)
Correction!! Summer Streets will be back for one last concert next Sat.
More info to follow tomorrow.
Since it seems that many articles on the site are now being written by “Bill Parry,” it would be great if something about him could be added to the about page:
http://sunnysidepost.com/about/
Good posts—just curious!