The Downtown Sounds committee has announced the schedule of performers for this summer’s nine-week concert series in Glen Cove. Sponsored by the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District (B.I.D.), Downtown Sounds has been a fixture on Friday evenings in Glen Cove for the past 27 years.
Downtown Sounds started as Jazz in the Square in 1997 with local musicians playing before modest crowds at the intersection of Glen and School Streets. This contrasts the current version where headline acts appear and overflow crowds have forced closure of those busy city streets. Long Islanders come from miles around to dance to the music and stroll the city sidewalks. In addition to music fans, downtown businesses prosper and have come to depend on the additional customers these free concerts bring.
Choosing the acts that perform during DTS is a challenge that the committee takes very seriously. Reflecting the fact that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” this year’s schedule includes six bands that have been very well received in the past. In 2022, The Rustlers opened the series by presenting a high-energy blend of classic and contemporary country music. This year, they will do so on week three (July 19). The salsa music of Jose Trombone & Conjunto Rumbon had audience members on their feet last year and will surely do so again on August 23, as will Motown and ‘70s soul classics presented on August 16 by A Decade of Soul. Fans are still talking about their performances in 2020 and 2021. Milagro does them one better as they make their fourth appearance, this time on July 12. This group presents five decades of classic rock, blues, funk, Latin, and jazz by Carlos Santana. Arena Rock Tribute was a big hit last year so it’s no surprise they are booked for a return (July 26) and last, but certainly not least, Glen Cove’s own Marvin Floyd returns for another jam-packed show. This time, Marvin and his band D’Votion will be closing the series on August 30 by presenting the music of Earth, Wind and Fire.
While DTS crowds will no doubt welcome these popular returning acts, it’s a sure bet that three debuting bands will also be well received. On July 5, The Dance Mechanics open the series with their high-octane presentation of everything from soulful ballads to infectious pop hits while Panic performs favorite rock, dance and country hits from the ‘60s through today on August 2. And speaking of classics from the ‘60s to today, on August 9, Let it Bleed will present the greatest hits of one of the most enduring bands of all time, the Rolling Stones. Attention classic rock aficionados: Don’t miss this one!
“We’re looking forward to another season of great music and are all very excited about the lineup,” said Jill Nossa, executive director of the Downtown BID. “Our committee spends a lot of time vetting bands and ensuring the concerts bring top-notch performances, as well as a variety of music. We’re expecting that, once again, the 2024 season will have something for everyone.”
Given its rich 28-year history, it’s safe to say that a whole generation has grown up with DTS concerts as a fixture on summer Friday nights and people have come to rely on these events for weekly entertainment. Indeed, DTS has grown into an undertaking that its originators would have never dreamed possible. But it’s important to note that throughout its existence, one thing has remained constant. The incredible growth of this concert series would not have been possible without the sponsors who provide support. This year, those sponsors include Rallye Lexus, Glen Cove Hospital Northwell Health, Men on the Move, Phillips Lytle LLP, Portledge School, Village Square Pharmacy, Glen Cove Printery, X Legion Fitness, Downtown Café, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Max, Mary Stanco Realtor, Tocolo Cantina and Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Glen Cove.
