More Than Books: New Rochelle Library Free Friday Night Fall Concerts

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — If all the New Rochelle Public Library had to offer were books, it would still be among the city's best institutions, but the library has so much more to offer, including a great Friday night out for free.

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) will be kicking off a new Friday night concert series on Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., with a performance by Bill Steely and Where’s Dave Band. The series will then continue monthly with an eclectic lineup of concerts.

"We are excited to bring this new concert series to the community," New Rochelle Public Library spokesperson Lisa Itzkowitz said. "The Library has always brought great music to our patrons. We are hoping this new Friday night series will appeal to our regular concert patrons, as well as attract new attendees from both our growing downtown area, as well as the community at large."

Bill Steely and Where’s Dave Band has cultivated its signature style by creating relatable country and Americana music through years of sound evolution as a working band. With a combination of pure string power, sharp dynamics, rich melodies and brisk energy, Where’s Dave Band is known to exhilarate audiences everywhere they play.

The series will then continue on Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., with a performance by Counterpoint, an all female, mostly a Cappella singing group that will perform original arrangements of popular songs.

On Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., Firey String Sistas!, a highly intuitive and energetic ensemble that provides a refreshing alternative to the standard jazz band, will perform. Since 2011, the ensemble has been committed to pushing the limits of string, ensemble playing and improvisation. Founder and cellist Nioka Workman is joined by violinist Marlene Rice, bassist Endea Owen, vocalist/pianist Mala Waldron and percussionist Camille Gainer-Jones. Firey String Sistas! presents compelling performances that incorporate aspects of women’s culture, original compositions, American songbook standards, world music and jazz. Some of the ensemble’s most celebrated programs include “Women, Wine & Song” and the popular JOYOUS! A Chamber Jazz event for the holidays.

The fall series will conclude on Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., with The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band which was founded in 1973 by Dr. Albert Vollmer. For this ensemble, Vollmer chose the best sidemen of the 1930s and '40s who played with such bands as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Lionel Hampton, Benny Carter and others. They began touring internationally in 1976 in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Norway. The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band has been coined “The Best that America has to offer.”

All concerts will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater at the Main Library, located at 1 Library Plaza, in New Rochelle. All programs are free of charge, but registration is requested by emailing this address or by calling 914-813-3706.

More information about the library can be found here.