Downtown Sounds (DTS) returns to Glen Cove’s Village Square this summer. The free concert series has been a town staple for the past 27 years. This year’s lineup includes familiar fan-favorite bands, as well as new performers.
The concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Square on Fridays throughout the months of July and August. The first concert will be on Friday, July 5.
Downtown Sounds began as “Jazz in the Square” in 1997, where local bands gathered to perform for the community.
Years later, the annual event has expanded. Long Islanders come from all over to see the headliners each Friday night.
The event is sponsored by Glen Cove’s Business Improvement District (BID). The BID hopes that patrons and concert-goers will take advantage of the local establishments in Village Square during the concert series.
“We have a lot of fan-favorites and a lot of bands that get requested year after year, so we definitely try to keep our audience happy by bringing back the ones that we know,” said Jill Nossa, executive director of the Glen Cove BID. “But of course, we also like it to be a forum to introduce new bands to the community, because there is so much good music out there.”
The Downtown Sounds series often draws more than 2,000 people per concert. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and beach towels to enjoy the event.
The concert lineup this year includes: The Dance Mechanics, Milagro, The Rustlers, Arena Rock Tribute, Panic, Let It Bleed, A Decade of Soul, Jose Trombone & Conjunto Rumbon and D’Votion featuring Marvin Floyd.
Marvin Floyd is a musician and local business owner from Glen Cove, and D’Votion, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, will close out the season’s final performance on Aug. 30.
“We are excited to have someone local [perform],” said Nossa.
Many of the bands are returnees, but Panic and Let It Bleed are new additions to the lineup, and the BID is excited to introduce them to the community.
This year, Downtown Sounds will host a showcase of local teen talent. At 7 p.m. on July 12, select students from Glen Cove’s school musical, “The Little Mermaid,” will perform songs from the show.
“It’s a different way to show how talented our kids are,” Nossa said, “and highlight the community.”
In addition to live performances, attendees can expect vendors and local businesses to attend. Rumble Boxing and Rallye Lexus will participate, among others. Food vendors will also attend certain weeks.
New businesses have opened in Village Square in the past year, such as Tocolo Cantina and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. These venues have outdoor seating for patrons who want to enjoy dinner during the performances.
Streets will be closed during the concert series, including School Street, Bridge Street and Glen Street to Pulaski Street, to ensure the environment is safe for all ages. Concert-goers often dance in the street, sing along to their favorite bands, and socialize with friends and family.
For music lovers, Downtown Sounds is a great way to experience live music this summer. Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit www.glencovedowntown.org.
