Gantry Plaza State Park is alive with the sound of music
Amanda Monaco, the band leader for 'Kiss the Leslie,' didn't have to travel far to perform Thursday night.
"It's a great series. It almost completely made up of local musicians and it's always a really good time and everybody comes out, the whole community is here," said Monaco, a Long Island City resident.
The series, LIC Concerts, is now in its fifth season. This year 14 bands will perform on nine dates throughout the summer.
Organizer Jason Sagebiel, who owns Sage Music, a local music school, says in a rapidly changing neighborhood like Long Island City, it's important to find ways to bring the community together.
"I think for me, I like to be able to connect the old and the new. The old musicians with the new musicians, the old businesses with the new businesses," said Sagebiel.
The concert series is sponsored by the State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation as well as 21 local businesses.
"We love giving back to the community and sponsoring events such as this, where the arts can come in and just better the neighborhood and add to the vibrancy and culture of the community. It's very important," said Christopher Austad, an Associate Broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
The musicians say the location can’t be beat.
"Well, this is clearly an iconic and beautiful spot. And it's a gorgeous time of year to come out and see live music," said Daria Grace, a member of Daria Grace and the Pre-War Ponies.
The concert series runs through September 4th, with live performances Thursday's in July and Sunday's in August and September. For more information head to www.licconcerts.com.