Aspinwall Riverfront Park is excited to announce ROCK THE RIVER, a free summer concert series launching this month. Park organizers are inviting the public to ROCK THE RIVER with an eclectic mix of music and encouraging families to picnic while enjoying the outdoor performances as the sun sets over the Allegheny.
The Rock the River concert series was the brainchild of music lover, and Aspinwall Riverfront Park board member Dave Short, whose family is the primary underwriter of the events. “We are excited to create a summer concert series for the people of the local and regional community,” Dave said. “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live music in an extraordinary peaceful riverfront setting.”
The concert series begins Sunday, June 10th, with popular local band, The Compadres, then continues July 15, with WYEP’s 2014 artists of the year, The Early Mays. On August 19th, the vibe will be more Caribbean, with the steel pan band Barrels to Beethoven. The series closes out with some Reggae on the River on September 6 with Brahctopus, a six-piece band also playing at Mr. Smalls this year. All concerts are held from 7-9 PM. The bands were chosen by Lynda Wingert, of Chatham Baroque, who also teaches weekly Kindermusik classes for children at the Park. “Rock, Folk, Squiggly and Steel pans…it’s something for everyone. Its unique. I can’t wait to grab some friends and family for a few wonderful evenings down on the River this summer,” she said.
Prior to the concert, event sponsors and patrons who have donated to support the Park and make the concert series a feasible, will have a special opportunity to enjoy a private “tailgate on the River” on the Park’s brand new fishing dock, which will be opening to the public later in the summer. “As a nonprofit organization with no ongoing support from any government entity, these donations are critical to us. We are so very grateful to our donors who have given such a wonderful gift to our community,” said the Park’s Executive Director Susan Crookston. “Imagine friends and neighbors gathering on the banks of the Allegheny River, enjoying great music with friends and neighbors under the stars. We can’t wait.”
In addition to the outdoor concerts, the award-winning ten-acre Park offers many amenities including exercise and music classes, sled riding and skating, theater performances and camps, a quarter mile walking trail, and kayaking through its partnership with Venture Outdoors. The Park’s native gardens are designed to attract pollinators and animals. River otter and bald eagles are often seen.
To become a sponsor, or learn more about Aspinwall Riverfront Park visit www.aspinwallriverfrontpark.org
