Free 'Jazz Under the Stars' Kicks Off In Downtown New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle is once again bringing jazz back, just in time for the dog days of summer.

Jazz Under the Stars kicks off Thursday evening at Anderson Plaza, in downtown New Rochelle, as part of the city's summer public programming.

New Rochelle says that beginning this week, and continuing weekly through the beginning of September, the plaza "will come alive" with free outdoor jazz performances with world-class musicians, expanded seating, and convenient access to downtown dining options.

"The only thing I love more than seeing our public spaces activated during the summer is using those spaces as platforms for local artists, creatives, and businesses," New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said. "Summer programs like Jazz Under the Stars highlight the creativity and diversity that define New Rochelle, and as our City continues to grow, our team continues to find new and unique ways to celebrate these local artists and community members."

Jazz Under the Stars events will take place from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m., with the following lineup:

• Thursday, August 7: Grammy-award winning artists of the Wayne Escoffery Quartet bring their jazz stylings for an evening celebrating the music of John Coltrane.
• Thursday, August 14: T.K.Blue's jazz trio "Organ Eyes" celebrates the music of jazz masters Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, and performs original music from T.K.'s latest album "Planet Bluu."
• Thursday, August 21: Saxophonists Vincent Herring & Eric Alexander bring the explosive music of Cannonball Adderley.
• Thursday, August 28: Trumpeter Eddie Henderson leads the Eddie Henderson Quartet in a celebration of the music of Miles Davis.
• Thursday, September 4: To end the summer series, pianist and composer Zaccai Curtis celebrates the salsa and Latin jazz beats of Eddie Palmeri.

"The Vanguard Initiative is designed not only to enrich the city's cultural offerings but also to provide tangible support for small businesses and entrepreneurs," Adam Salgado, Commissioner of Development, said. "Through storefront upgrades, design enhancements, and grant programs like the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund that we already see being put to good use, the City is revitalizing commercial corridors while creating memorable community spaces that come to life with vibrant programming."

Attendees of Jazz Under the Stars can also explore a wide range of dining options from nearby restaurants, all just steps away from the stage.

Jazz Under the Stars at Anderson Plaza is part of four nights of live music that residents and visitors can look forward to weekly, including the ongoing annual Downtown Summer Sizzle and NRCA’s Summer Sounds concert series. Find out more about Jazz Under the Stars and additional summer programming in New Rochelle, here.