Arts & Entertainment

Friday Night Concerts Return To New Rochelle Public Library

Wayne Henderson Sextet opens the free series in the Ossie Davis Theater with shows slated monthly until Dec. 8.

The Wayne Henderson Sextet will perform at the New Rochelle Public Library on Friday, September 8, at 7 p.m., kicking off the New Rochelle Public Library’s Friday Night Concert Series.
The Wayne Henderson Sextet will perform at the New Rochelle Public Library on Friday, September 8, at 7 p.m., kicking off the New Rochelle Public Library’s Friday Night Concert Series. (NRPL)

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — We have some great news for your social calander and your wallet as a popular free concert series returns for a new season.

The New Rochelle Public Library announced that it is kicking off its Friday night concert series on September 8, at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Wayne Henderson Sextet. The series will then continue monthly with a versatile lineup of concerts.

"We are excited to bring this concert series to the community," Library Director Tom Geoffino said. "The Library has always brought great music to our patrons. We started this Friday night series last year and it was a tremendous success. We are looking forward to seeing our regular concert patrons at these performances, as well as new attendees from both our growing downtown area and the community at large."

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The Wayne Henderson Sextet will kick off the series with an unforgettable night of jazz. The ensemble is known for its fusion of jazz genres, ranging from swing and be-bop to Latin and big band classics. With performances on piano, bass, and brass by some of the tri-states' most accomplished musicians, the organizers promise an entertaining mix that jazz enthusiasts won't want to miss.

The series will continue on Friday, October 13, at 7 p.m. with a performance by Michael Powers' Blues Heritage Band. Attendees will be able to experience the band pay homage to the legends who shaped the blues genre. Led by Michael Powers, the band will recreate the essence of Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix.

Find out what's happening in New Rochellefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Michael Powers’ Blues Heritage Band will perform at the New Rochelle Public Library on Friday, October 13, at 7 p.m., as part of the New Rochelle Public Library’s Friday Night Concert Series.

On November 17, at 7 p.m., the audience will be able to listen to the jazz rhythms of The Ray Blue Ensemble. Ray Blue, a saxophonist and composer, is a celebrated performer who is known for capturing the hearts and minds of his listeners. His ensemble includes Jeff Barone (guitar), Nat Adderley, Jr. (piano), Belden Bullock (bass), and Alvester Garnett (drums).

The Ray Blue Ensemble will perform at the New Rochelle Public Library on Friday, November 17, at 7 p.m., as part of the New Rochelle Public Library’s Friday Night Concert Series

The series will conclude on Friday, December 8, at 7 p.m. with the Rocky Middleton Jazz Ensemble. The audience will have the chance to listen to the music of America's jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and more. Organizers say that this performance promises an unforgettable musical experience for listeners of all ages.

All concerts are free and will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater at the Main Library, located at 1 Library Plaza, in New Rochelle. Registration is requested and can be done here or by calling 914-813-3706. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The Rocky Middleton Jazz Ensemble will perform at the New Rochelle Public Library on Friday, December 8, at 7 p.m., closing out the New Rochelle Public Library’s Friday Night Concert Series.

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