Live Music at Memorial Park Begins Tonight

Most families in Larchmont know that the place to be on Monday nights in the summer is right across from the train station on Myrtle Boulevard, dancing along with their neighbors at the annual summer concert series in Memorial Park.

"We have been doing these for about eight years now," said Jill Fisher, superintendent of recreation for the Town of Mamaroneck. "I think every municipality should offer something to its residents that you don't have to pay for."

Beginning on July 12, and following each Monday until it concludes on Aug. 2, some of the best local and national family-friendly bands will be on hand to provide a night of fun and wonderful music. To kick off this year's series, T Ray and the Smokin' Section, an 8-piece horn-driven soul, rhythm and blues band will come to town.

"It's a great old fashioned night for everyone where the kids can play and you can be social with your neighbors," Fisher said. "You don't really get that opportunity a lot any more and seeing the family fun is definitely worth it."

Some of the bands appearing this year are fan favorites from past years, and some are making their first appearance at Memorial Park. "We try to rotate the bands and have a mixture of four different styles, so there's a great variety to the music," said Fisher.

The music kicks off at 7 p.m. each night, but plenty of people arrive right after quitting time to set up picnics, catch up with old friends and watch their little ones playing around the park.

"I love going and listening to the musicians," said 13-year-old Larchmont student Dani London. "I usually go with my friends and we get some food and have a good time. I like when there's a jazz band best."

A barbeque is set up about an hour before the music begins for anyone who doesn't want to bring their own food. People may want to order a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on July 19, as a Jimmy Buffet cover band will be appearing.

"We have a really good band that normally performs in Key West called Jimmy and the Parrots," Fisher said. "They obviously play Buffet songs and they are going to be a lot of fun and we are doing some special things for the show."

Virgin margaritas will be available that night, and everyone is encouraged to dress as if they were partying in the Keys.

"On July 26, we have an area favorite, Bookends, which does a lot of fun '70s covers," Fisher said. "On Aug. 2, another local band, 45 RPM band, which is more of a '50s sock hop, will be closing out the series for us."

If the weather's bad, don't be discouraged, as the concerts will still go on, changing its venue to the ice rink at Hommocks. "We run the summer camp there, and the ice is gone and we have a multi-purpose floor down so the whole arena is available," Fisher said. "Wherever it is held, people always have a great time and we hope to see everyone come out and have some fun."