It has become a tradition over the past 10 years in Oyster Bay to go to the weekly summer classic car shows called “Cruise Night.” It’s the event that all residents bring guests to show off our town. On Tuesdays, people giddily make their way over to Audrey Avenue to get up close to vintage cars and trade stories of cruising and the open road. Kids enjoy ice cream on a cone and watch the cars in astonishment.
For people in Oyster Bay, the Cruise Night is a very special event. The Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce designates different nights throughout the summer to highlight local charities. Admission is free to the public, but a nominal registration fee is charged to people who want to reserve a parking space for their classic car. Proceeds from this fee and donations are targeted for charities such as veterans and food pantries. Proceeds from the Cruise Night on June 23 will be donated to Oyster Bay-East Norwich schools. A truly endearing gesture from the community, once again showing the passion and pride in our town.
Every Cruise Night comes complete with live entertainment, from Oyster Bay’s own Gianni Paci to WBAB’s Joe Rock and his All-Star Band. On June 23, Tom Gould will bring the music of the Bossa Nova Beatniks to Audrey Avenue.
The Bossa Nova Beatniks were born in Greenwich Village in Manhattan more than 20 years ago. They have recorded more than a dozen CDs and have enjoyed radio play all over the world. The Bossa Nova Beatniks are currently working on a new CD in the studio.
One of their CDs, Danger Bongo Crossing, sold out many years ago. Writer, producer, singer Gould decided that the time was right to finally do another pressing. To celebrate the re-release, he has decided to get out of the studio and take the music to the street. Gould will be singing songs from Danger Bongo Crossing, as well as trying out some of the new tracks from the upcoming CD and exploring many tracks from his long career. The music is up-beat and danceable. The Bossa Nova Beatniks are known for being stylistically eclectic, seguing between calypso, ska, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae and, yes, bossa nova.
Recently, Gould stopped by the open mic night at Oyster Bay High School and performed three songs from the album.
Afterwards, OBHS senior Michelle Morris told Gould, “Your mix tape was fire.”
Cruise Nights run from 6 to 9 pm every Tuesday in the summer, weather permitting. Check the Oyster Bay Chamber website for news at www.visitoysterbay.com.
Put your dancing shoes on and come on down on June 23 to support the local schools.
