“The King of Rock n’ Roll” – or, rather, an impersonator and a tribute band just like him – rocked at the Mary Jane Davies Green on Monday night, marking the first of concerts scheduled at that venue and only the second show of the Town of North Hempstead’s summer concert series so far.
Around 300 people visited the park just across the street from Town Hall in Manhasset to watch Jimmy “King Kai” Caiazzo and his band pay tribute to rock legend Elvis Presley. While many attendees lounged in chairs and snacked on popcorn offered by Bow Tie Cinemas, plenty also rose to dance, applaud or stop by a parked ice cream truck.
Mary Mahaffy, an administrator in the Town of North Hempstead’s Parks and Recreation Department, said this is the first time the town has had an Elvis tribute “in many years,” but that they have had success with other tribute bands so far – including this one.
“We’ve been going tribute and so far we’ve been having good luck with them, we’ve been lucky with the tribute bands,” Mahaffy said. “Like tonight with the tribute to Elvis and tomorrow night the tribute to Billy Joel and it just goes on.”
“I thought he was fabulous,” Mahaffy also said. “I thought he was so much fun.”
The next concerts at Mary Davies Green, all taking place from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, will include a family night on July 16 featuring Darlene Graham and The Shades of Green Band, Folk and Rock Night with Raffi Froundjain and the Just Sixties Band on July 23, Country music night with Mary Lamont on July 30, and a night of classic rock and R&B with Nitework on Aug. 6.
“Don’t miss these great concerts happening at Mary Jane Davies Green this summer,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement. “There is a great variety of music. All you need to do is bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes!”
North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington will also offer a series of performances, which take place every Sunday at 1 p.m. The performers will include Dr. K’s Motown Revue, Endless Summer, The Chiclettes, and Paradigm.
Sepideh, a Persian pop star, will also return to North Hempstead Beach Park on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.
Clark Botanic Garden’s concerts include Pat Farrell, a Lake Success village administrator by day and Billy Joel tribute performer by night, on July 10, The Wizard of Oz presented by Plaza Theatrical Productions on July 17, David Sear followed by Marc Berger and Ride for Folk Night on July 24, the Great Neck-based Dance Visions on July 31 and the Cunningham Brothers on Aug. 14. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Manorhaven Beach Park’s two performances include Petty Rumors, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, on July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Half Step on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m.
Michael J. Tully Park Stadium, located at 1801 Evergreen Ave. in New Hyde Park, will have a July 28 performance from The Doobie Others, a tribute to the Doobie Brothers, followed by Beginnings, a tribute to Chicago, starting at 7 p.m.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/summer.
