Risky Business closes out Cedarhurst concert series

Children and adults flocked to Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park on Aug. 27 as the village completed its 17th annual Tuesday night concert series under the gazebo. “This year’s concert series was a tremendous success,” said Mayor Andrew Parise. “We had great weather, great concerts, and it’s hard to see it ending.” He added that the village has many events planned in the park for the coming months, including a 9/11 memorial in September.

During the preshow performance at 7 p.m., children raised their hands and were eager to volunteer to be part of the demonstrations by the interactive magical demonstrations of Jonathan Blair. “The magic show was my favorite because it was really cool,” said Yehuda Kirschenbaum, 10, of Cedarhurst.

Residents enjoyed the sounds of ‘50s and ‘60s rock n’ roll from the band, Risky Business, who entertained the crowd as the main performance. “I came out tonight with some friends because I enjoy Oldies music,” said Mary Apicella, of Oceanside.

While many residents came for the music and magic, Woodmere resident Bob Block came with his wife, Randee, and his 4-year old grandson, Jake, for the sense of community. “I come to every Tuesday night concert because Mayor Parise puts the big “C” in front of Cedarhurst, which stands for community,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Benjamin Weinstock led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jason Eras, 14, sang the National Anthem. Medical employees from the Far Rockaway-based St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, a sponsor of the concert, offered free blood pressure testing and diabetes education to concertgoers. The concert’s sponsors were issued village citations as residents enjoyed the fine tunes and the sense of community in the perfect end to another successful concert series.