'2025 Downtown Summer Sizzle' Heats Up In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The official start of the summer of sizzling free concerts is here. Be sure to bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy all the tunes.

The City of New Rochelle announced the "Downtown Summer Sizzle" concert series is back again for a third year. The family-friendly series "brings world-class musicians to perform on the New Rochelle stage for free for the City's residents and visitors."

The series will kick off on Saturday, at 6:30 p.m., in Ruby Dee Park at Library Green, with '80s Hits By VJ at 7 p.m. Dancing Queen Band, a tribute to disco, funk, and pop, will take the stage at 8 p.m.

"Summer in New Rochelle is one of my favorite times of year — it's when our community truly comes alive," Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said. "The annual Downtown Summer Sizzle series captures that spirit, bringing world-class music, local food, and neighbors together in the heart of our city. We're grateful to the talented musicians and dedicated local businesses who make this event possible and contribute to our local economy, and to our residents and visitors who help make New Rochelle the vibrant cultural community it is today."

The series will then continue every Saturday through August 30 in Ruby Dee Park. All ages are invited to join in the fun.

The City of New Rochelle and PMG 97 have once again teamed up to "present an exciting lineup of nationally touring headliners and award-winning artists, bringing a dynamic mix of genres and star power to the stage."

Performances include:

• American Idol winner and multi-platinum recording artist David Cook.
• Tito Puente Jr., a generational artist leading his mambo and salsa ensemble.
• Blues vocalist, multiple-time "Blues Male Artist of the Year" award winner Curtis Salgado will showcase his iconic style which inspired John Belushi to create the Blues Brothers.
• Michael Jackson tribute band, Who's Bad, with "electrifying" performances that celebrate the King of Pop's greatest hits.
• Acclaimed Americana artist Sam Morrow with his "gritty" sound blending roots rock, country, and blues.
• Grammy-nominated soul and blues singer Sugaray Rayford with "powerful vocals and emotional depth" in every performance.

Concertgoers will also be able to enjoy refreshing beverages and delicious offerings from a variety of nearby downtown restaurants, food trucks and vendors.

"One of our core responsibilities as City leaders is investing in creative, enriching programming for our residents, and the Downtown Summer Sizzle is a perfect example," City Manager Wilfredo Melendez said. "It's an exciting event that brings our community together and invites people to discover new experiences. I'm especially proud of this year's all-star lineup. We worked hard to bring top-tier talent to New Rochelle, and we're looking forward to a summer of unforgettable performances curated just for our community."

A series of special signature events, such as Gospel Night, Reggae Bash, and Teen Festival are also planned. In addition, a special showcase of young local musicians, hosted by School of Rock Mamaroneck, will feature student musicians from regional schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

More information and updates on the "2025 Downtown Summer Sizzle" can be found here.