CityParks Concerts: Sugar Hill Gang @ Queensbridge Park

If you try to imagine a scenic park in New York City, with, let’s say, views of Roosevelt Island across the East River, the Queensborough Bridge overhead, and an expanse of green parkland with kids playing games, you’re probably thinking of Queensbridge Park. What better place to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the old school hip hop group Sugar Hill Gang?

After thirty years and a few hits to boot, the group is still full of boundless energy. The feel of CityParks Concerts differs from park to park, neighborhood to neighborhood, and Queensbridge Park definitely channels this energy easily. Some people set up chairs right in front of the stage an hour before the show, while others threw baseballs, chatted with friends and enjoyed the park before show time.

When the music started, all that stopped and people flocked to the stage and started dancing.  Friends of Queensbridge Park was represented by a man donning a bright yellow shirt and bucket hat, and a poster of the park tied around his neck with loose rubber bands. Flyers about free programs in NYC parks were going like hot cakes, rivaled only by the popcorn and other goodies from Cuzin’s snack stand.

Many of those in attendance traveled from other boroughs – Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan – just to see the show. One man, Kyle, went through the concert schedule (which you can find here, or pick up under the purple tent at events) pointing out all the CityParks Concerts he travels around the city to see. The local community was, of course, well represented, with people who came for the show specifically, and those who were hanging out in the park and were just drawn to the music.

Next Wednesday, July 21 is Lovebug Starski & Friends at Queensbridge Park, with Rhythm Review with Felix Hernandez to follow Wednesday, July 28. Be sure to come check it out!  To submit your photos and comments from these events, email Blog@cityparksfoundation.org.

– Pictures by Aileen Keaveney. Text by Jessica Glazer.