SHEEPSHEAD BAY'S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS BLOG

Irwin Meyer gears up to lead the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band

It was a bitterly cold night when I arrived outside the Floyd Bennett American Legion last Thursday. There was talk that the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band would cancel its rehearsal due to how the stinging cold might force “93-and-three-quarters-year-old” band maestro, Irwin E. Meyer, to stay in that night.

Just then, outside the corner of my eye, I saw a spry older man with a heavy box bound past me with a big smile on his face. Trumpet player Larry Rapaport nudged me, informing me that Meyer, the indomitable leader of the Kings County American Legion Headquarters band had arrived. Preparations for this weekend’s Four Chaplains memorial tribute at Fort Hamilton, where the Legion band will play, can now move forward.

As Meyer opened up the rehearsal space, located in the American Legion basement, I was immediately drawn to the faded photographs of former servicemembers that filled up the entire side wall. The photographs were clearly of another era, the colors of each naturally aged in a way Instagram could never duplicate. Other musicians began to file in, some clearly still in middle school, some still in college and others long retired.

“We have teachers, one guy’s a cop,” Meyer said. “One guy served in the military; we have one-and-a-half attorneys.”

Keep reading about Meyer’s, the band, and the heroic chaplains they pay tribute to this weekend.

State Senator Golden’s final concert of the season in Marine Park, which was supposed to happen August 15, has been rescheduled for tomorrow, August 29. The correct information is in the flyer below:

Photo by Erica Sherman

State Senator Martin J. Golden, in conjunction with the South West Brooklyn Parks Task Force, will host a series of concerts throughout July and August in Marine Park on Fillmore Avenue.

“This summer, I am proud to host another great line up of concerts and invite music lovers and neighbors to be a part of these great evenings of music. It’s time to grab a beach chair, or a blanket, and head to our local parks on most Tuesday and Wednesday evenings,” said Golden. “The music of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, dance, classic rock, and more will be sure to get you dancing under the stars. Frankie Marra, Carl Thomas, Sound Affair, Plastic Soul and more acts will make our local park[s] alive with the music that we have come to enjoy and love.”

The 2012 Summer Concerts Complete Schedule:

July 11: Brooklyn Keys (oldies through 90’s)

July 18: Generation Gap (60’s through 90’s)

August 1: Sound Affair (60’s through 90’s dance)

August 8: Plastic Soul (60’s, 70’s, classic rock)

August 15: Out Of The Blue (classic rock and dance)

All the concerts, which begin at 7:00 p.m., are free and open to the public. Golden will also be holding a similar concert series around the Bay Ridge / Bensonhurst / Gravesend section of his district. The events are supported by Tracey Real Estate, Flushing Bank, the Bay Ridge Manor, Approved Energy, Northfield Bank, and Lifetime Vending and Amusements.

For further info and for updates on the shows, visit Golden’s website, www.golden.nysenate.gov, or follow him on Twitter @senmartygolden, or on Facebook at Martin J. Golden.

State Senator Marty Golden’s annual summer concert series kicks off tonight, with New York Exceptions rocking out to hits from the 1950s to 1970s in Bay Ridge.

Golden produces the series of 15 summer concerts and events throughout July and August in local parks throughout his district, and in conjunction with the Community Emergency Response Team and the South West Brooklyn Parks Task Force.

All concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m, except Family Day, which is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The August 7 concert begins at 4:00 p.m. In case of poor weather, cancellations will be posted on the concert hotline by 5:00 p.m., on the day of the concert, at (718) 236-7547 or Senator Golden’s office at (718) 238-6044. All events are subject to change.

View Marty Golden’s 2011 Summer Series Concert Schedule.

UPDATE: See July 13, 2010 event

The 2010′s Asser Levy Tuesday night free concerts (and a movie) are as follows:

Location:
Asser Levy Park Bandshell
West 5th Street and Surf Avenue
Coney Island, Brooklyn

Times:
All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie, which starts at 8 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair to sit on. Dates are as listed.

Check out the flier and full schedule after the jump.