Between now and September 3,  jazz and blues lovers will gather at the Amphitheatre at the Yonkers waterfront every Friday at dusk to enjoy a free 90-minute  performance by top-flight artists while reveling in the breathtaking Hudson River vistas.  It’s part of the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District’s 4th Annual free Jazz and Blues Concert Series which is also made possible by the generous support of Domino Sugar of Yonkers.

I invite you to come on down and enjoy a great evening of spectacular music entertainment starting at 6:30 PM and to make a night of it by visiting a wide range of dining venues, several of them within walking distance of the concert stage. Take your pick from pub fare, out of this world pizza, gourmet sandwiches, Italian, Mexican, Cuban/French, Peter Kelly’s renowned X20 Restaurant or the latest addition to the waterfront’s exciting dining scene, Dolphin Restaurant which will be opening later this month and offer a Mediterranean seafood menu. The Yonkers Downtown BID will have the honor of welcoming the Dolphin’s owners and staff to the Yonkers Downtown during a ribbon cutting ceremony which will be attended by elected officials.

On other evenings, live jazz, rock n roll and Latin music can be heard in a number of restaurants on Main Street—all bustling with patrons . These are  part of a growing trend where music  is proving to be a big draw for visitors and residents, adding value to the experience of enjoying Yonkers Downtown.

As in prior years, the Downtown BID will make Yonkers Downtown one of Westchester’s hottest destinations by presenting several other signature outdoor events including Evolution Arts, an afternoon of free exhibits of art by emerging artists held on the third Sunday afternoon of every month through October at the Ella Park. In addition to art browsing, Evolution Arts features music entertainment from 1 to 4 PM. Mark your calendars for July 18, August 15, September 19 and October 17.

The BID’s Music in the Square provides shoppers with free concerts by talented musicians on the first Friday afternoon of every month in the heart of Getty Square from noon to 1:30 PM. It complements the many bargains that the district’s extensive range of retailers and specialty shops offer on these days. Music in the Square will be held on Fridays,  August 6, September 3 and
October 1.

And music will be a major feature of the 18th Annual Yonkers Riverfest, an all-day extravaganza of free, fun events to be presented Saturday, September 11 from noon to 8 PM. Several stages will feature top performance groups who will complement the many exciting activities planned for the whole family including face painting, jugglers, classic cars, great food and more—clearly one of Westchester’s most popular outdoor celebrations that attracts about 25,000 visitors. Riverfest will also observe Patriot Day, the 9th anniversary of 9/11.

For more information on these and other happenings in the Yonkers Downtown, visit www.yonkersdowntown.com. And I look forward to seeing you clap and stomp your feet to some really great music. Check it out.