Bronx, NY - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) welcomed members of the community to the first two concerts of his 2016 Summer Concert Series. The first show featuring The Gene DiNapoli Variety All-Star show packed the theater at the Riverdale YM-YWHA with over 200 people, while the second show featured Grammy Award-winning musician John Benitez and his Latin Jazz Band at the Amalgamated Train Park on Orloff Avenue and Gale Place in the Bronx. The concert series is an annual event every summer in the Northwest Bronx and is cosponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz and the Bronx Council on the Arts.

"There is no better way to spend a beautiful summer evening than by listening to talented musicians play music with friends and family," said Assemblyman Dinowitz. "I was so excited to see hundreds of community members attend these concerts which are excellent opportunities for people of all ages to relax and enjoy quality music together. I am proud to partner with the Bronx Council on the Arts to sponsor this series of free concerts across the northwest Bronx, and I look forward to seeing the community at our next concert featuring the Just Nuts Party Dance Band on Monday, August 1st at Henry Hudson Park!"

"It is a great honor and privilege to partner again with Assemblyman Dinowitz to produce this free summer concert series serving Riverdale and surrounding communities," said Deirdre Scott, Executive Director of the Bronx Council on the Arts. "Bronx Council on the Arts takes pride in providing wonderful programs and showcasing all the great cultural talent for our constituents."

The Gene DiNapoli Variety All-Star Show kicked off the Concert Series at the Riverdale YM-YWHA on Tuesday. For the third year in a row, Gene DiNapoli not only brought his incredible musical style reminiscent of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, but also the talent of several different acts and performers that captivated the audience. From a 106 year old stand-up comedian, to a very convincing rendition of "Candyman" by an incredible Sammy Davis Jr. impersonator, the Gene DiNapoli Variety All-Star Show had the crowded theater of 200 community members singing in their seats and dancing in the aisles.

The second concert took place in the heart of the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative, just south of Van Cortlandt Park. Hundreds of senior citizens, families with young children, and everyone in between gathered on benches, folding chairs, and along fences to listen to the music. After brief words of welcome from Assemblyman Dinowitz and State Senator Jeff Klein, John Benitez and his band took over, playing a two-hour set. The band's rousing trombone, saxophone, drums, and bass solos created a fun, festive atmosphere, and dozens of attendees even took to dancing. This week's two concerts were the first of eight free shows sponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz and the Bronx Council on the Arts. The remaining six include:

• Monday, August 1st - The Just Nuts Party Dance Band at Henry Hudson Park, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 4th - Ginetta's Vendetta at the Amalgamated Train Park, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 9th - Mystery Tour Beatles Tribute Band at Henry Hudson Park, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 11th - Orquesta SCC at the Williamsbridge Oval, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 16th - Donald Vega at the Amalgamated Train Park, 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 17th - NY Skyscrapers and Friends at the Riverdale YM-YWHA, 7 p.m.