Event Details
Wednesday, July 29th with another exciting evening of free live music featuring local favorite The Jon Bates Band with opening artist Laura Elliott. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy their energetic blend of soul, rock, R&B, jazz and popular favorites. The concert will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park in Brewster. In case of rain, the event will be held at Tom and Jerry's Bar and Grill, also in Brewster.
Local Brewster resident Jon Bates is the common thread who – as he describes it – "was blessed with the extraordinary friendships and opportunities that gave me a chance to bring this world-class group of musicians and vocalists together as a working unit.” Throughout his career, Bates became well known as a music contractor and producer, assembling performers for concerts, festivals, corporate events, and clubs around the world. Because clients, producers, agents, promoters, and event planners consistently turned to Jon to create exceptional musical experiences, this collection of outstanding talent naturally became known as The Jon Bates Band.
The current lineup showcases an extraordinary group of accomplished musicians, each with impressive careers of their own. The band features powerhouse lead vocalists Steve Riddick and Debbie Major, joined by acclaimed saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist Scott Harper. The dynamic rhythm section includes gifted keyboardist and vocalist Akie Bermiss, guitarist Ken McGloin, bassist Bill Dotts, and Jon Bates on drums and vocals.
Opening the evening is Laura Elliott, a rising indie singer-songwriter from New York's Hudson Valley. Known for her acclaimed EPs Car Sick and People Pleaser, Elliott's heartfelt songwriting explores themes of love, loss, and resilience through honest, emotionally engaging performances. Her fresh, contemporary sound provides the perfect opening for an unforgettable night of music.
Now in its seventh of eight concerts, the Brewster Summer Music Series continues to bring outstanding local, regional, and nationally recognized musicians to downtown Brewster. Presented by the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition, the free, family-friendly concerts invite residents and visitors alike to gather for great music and community spirit. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of exceptional live entertainment under the summer sky. Another memorable summer season will close out on Wednesday, August 5th with female salsa band Lulada Club.
The Brewster Summer Music Series is one of many programs of the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining cultural arts in the region. Since 2010, the Coalition has led the restoration of the historic Southeast Old Town Hall while presenting hundreds of cultural events through the Studio Around the Corner, the Old Town Hall Theater, and other local venues. More information about this and other exciting upcoming events can be found at www.culturalartsco.com.
The Brewster Summer Music Series is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and community members, including Burke Energy, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, Brewster Animal Hospital, Ace Endico, Byram Concrete & Supply, Air Professional Associates, Tompkins Bank, Edward Jones Financial, Suburban Carting, Handcrafted Cabinetry, Kobackers Market, and Tom and Jerry’s Irish House, along with Brewster Rotary and Suburban Propane. This program is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through the Putnam Arts Council’s Arts Link Grant Program with public funds provided by Putnam County.