From Times Beacon record Newspapers
Despite the day's harsh weather, the Downtown Rocky Point Free Summer Concert Series played as planned July 13, much to the pleasure of the hundreds of people, young and old, who crowded into the parking lot of St. Anthony of Padua Church
It was the second installment of the season, which has scheduled five acts total. Risky Business, an oldies band, regaled the crowd with tunes from the '50s, '60s and '70s on Tuesday night, even as the sky threatened rain.
"It's a great night, especially for a Tuesday in the summer," county Legislator Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) said. "It's something to look forward to."
Kids danced in front of the stage as the group sang requests from audience members. The singers came down from the stage and walked among the crowd at some parts, singing directly to some audience members who sang back with a look that seemed to recall the first time they heard that song.
The threatening clouds, playing nice as part of a "weather window" that cleared the way for the show, deterred no one there from staying and singing along.
Donald D'Aquila of Rocky Point took the risk of getting wet because he enjoys outdoor music and, he said, is "old enough to listen to some of these songs."
"A little rain ain't gonna kill me," said D'Aquila, who often attends shows in other towns. "There's not many things like this in Rocky Point, so you have to take advantage."
The concert series, in its third year, was put together by Losquadro as both an opportunity to bring the community together and as part of his plan to revitalize downtown Rocky Point.
"The first step for businesses is getting customers in the door," Losquadro said. "People come early and go to the nearby businesses."
For Sweets of the Spoon, an ice cream shop directly across the street from the church, business was booming before and during the show as kids of all ages grabbed cones. "As a small business owner in downtown Rocky Point, I am very grateful for the exposure and opportunity these events provide," the shop's owner, Lisa Coleman, said.
Funding for the concert comes as part of the discretionary spending of the Suffolk County Legislature. Losquadro said the shows are worth every penny. "This is a great investment in economic development," he said, adding that on a good night the concerts can attract as many as 4,000 people.
At the show, there was a 50-50 raffle to benefit St. Anthony's. The winner, Losquadro said, took back only the money he spent on tickets and donated the rest to the church. Money raised totaled $330.
The next concert is Tuesday, July 27, and features Rick Larrimore, a Rod Stewart cover performer who, Losquadro said, dresses in costume for his shows.
It was the second installment of the season, which has scheduled five acts total. Risky Business, an oldies band, regaled the crowd with tunes from the '50s, '60s and '70s on Tuesday night, even as the sky threatened rain.
"It's a great night, especially for a Tuesday in the summer," county Legislator Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) said. "It's something to look forward to."
Kids danced in front of the stage as the group sang requests from audience members. The singers came down from the stage and walked among the crowd at some parts, singing directly to some audience members who sang back with a look that seemed to recall the first time they heard that song.
The threatening clouds, playing nice as part of a "weather window" that cleared the way for the show, deterred no one there from staying and singing along.
Donald D'Aquila of Rocky Point took the risk of getting wet because he enjoys outdoor music and, he said, is "old enough to listen to some of these songs."
"A little rain ain't gonna kill me," said D'Aquila, who often attends shows in other towns. "There's not many things like this in Rocky Point, so you have to take advantage."
The concert series, in its third year, was put together by Losquadro as both an opportunity to bring the community together and as part of his plan to revitalize downtown Rocky Point.
"The first step for businesses is getting customers in the door," Losquadro said. "People come early and go to the nearby businesses."
For Sweets of the Spoon, an ice cream shop directly across the street from the church, business was booming before and during the show as kids of all ages grabbed cones. "As a small business owner in downtown Rocky Point, I am very grateful for the exposure and opportunity these events provide," the shop's owner, Lisa Coleman, said.
Funding for the concert comes as part of the discretionary spending of the Suffolk County Legislature. Losquadro said the shows are worth every penny. "This is a great investment in economic development," he said, adding that on a good night the concerts can attract as many as 4,000 people.
At the show, there was a 50-50 raffle to benefit St. Anthony's. The winner, Losquadro said, took back only the money he spent on tickets and donated the rest to the church. Money raised totaled $330.
The next concert is Tuesday, July 27, and features Rick Larrimore, a Rod Stewart cover performer who, Losquadro said, dresses in costume for his shows.
