Downtown Sounds hits all the right notes in Glen Cove

Downtown Sounds has brought music, laughter, and family fun to Glen Cove, becoming a staple of Friday nights. What began in 1997 as a revitalization effort by the Glen Cove Business Improvement District has grown into a beloved community tradition.

Originally launched as “Jazz in the Square,” the free concert series aimed to boost local businesses and create a vibrant downtown atmosphere. Held every Friday in July at the intersection of Glen and School streets, the concerts showcased local musicians and businesses, drawing residents and visitors alike.

As the years passed, the concert series evolved, thanks to the efforts of sponsors and the vision of former BID executive director Francine Koehler. To accommodate a broader range of musical tastes and attract a larger audience, the event was rebranded as Downtown Sounds. This year, the series runs until Aug. 30, continuing the tradition of live music in downtown Glen Cove with music from The Dance Mechanics, Let it Bleed, and A Decade of Soul

Although the Teen Idol competition was canceled this year due to low interest, the BID has introduced a new feature: the Teen Showcase. This initiative aims to highlight the diverse talents of local teens in the arts. The Teen Showcase will take place at 7 PM before the Downtown Sounds concerts on select days. Scheduled performances include Glen Cove High School Masquers singing “The Little Mermaid” on July 12, Robert Finley Middle School performing “Aladdin” on July 19, and Jazz Hands Children’s Theatre presenting “Mean Girls” on July 26.

Funding for Downtown Sounds is a collaborative effort. The BID and the city each contribute $25,000, with additional sponsorships providing another $25,000, bringing the total cost to approximately $75,000 for the season. In past years, the county has also sponsored the summer concert series, contributing $85,000. Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton expressed hope that the county’s funding will be approved this summer to continue supporting the event.

“We want to bring fun concerts to the community every week and make it a really fun night out for everybody,” Jill Nosssa, executive director of the BID said. “But the other point is to bring people downtown and support our businesses.”

The event will feature various vendors through the summer, including the North Shore Village Theatre and Tocolo Cantina, adding to the festive atmosphere. The peak of the concerts saw nearly 1,000 attendees in Village Square, creating a lively and engaging environment.

Looking ahead, the BID hopes to continue building on the success of Downtown Sounds, ensuring it remains a cherished part of Glen Cove’s cultural fabric. By supporting local talent and businesses, the concert series fosters a sense of community and pride, making Glen Cove a vibrant place to live and visit.