The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Summer Concert Series

Returning to Raise a Family in the Tree Streets of Briarcliff Manor

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Briarcliff natives and high school sweethearts, Cari DeRose, an auditor and Cesare DeRose, owner of Tegra, a building maintenance supply company, live in the Tree Streets section of Briarcliff Manor with daughters Sabrina, age 9 and Juliana, age 5. Having both grown up in the area, settling there with their young family was a no-brainer. “When we got married in 2008 we did not consider any other towns when looking for our first place together. The sense of community and positive experience we had growing up in Briarcliff is exactly what we wished for our own children,” said Cari.

The Tree Streets were named by Walter W. Law, who founded Briarcliff Manor in the 1890’s. He wanted to name the streets after the species of trees planted in the surrounding areas such as Elm, Pine, Oak and Linden. Cari grew up in the Tree Streets and her parents still live in her childhood home. The DeRoses purchased their home three years ago and love their neighborhood. The area is very safe for kids to go out and play. As Cari says, “Since there are only two access points into the Tree Streets (Ash and Larch), there is not a lot of “thru traffic.” This allows the kids to bike and walk around a little bit more freely.”

Living in the Tree Streets provides many opportunities for neighbors to gather. On Halloween, the DeRoses saw over 400 trick-or-treaters come to their home. There’s also an annual adults-only block party held each fall.

As Cari says, “We love being a part of the Briarcliff community.” The family enjoys many local events including Family Fun Night, Santa Express, which is hosted by the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series and the Halloween window painting, which takes place in town each year.

Discovering the Summer Concert Series in Chappaqua

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Photo by Grace Bennett

Rec Field on Wednesday summer nights is the place to be when New Castle’s Department of Parks & Recreation holds their annual Summer Concert Series. The free series usually starts the first Wednesday after July 4th and concludes around the first or second week of August. Expect to see families dancing or relaxing on the lawn plus children participating in kids’ activities. The concerts cover a wide swath of musical genres including classical, Americana, jazz, R & B, Motown, 90s music and an ever-popular Bruce Springsteen band.

An annual summer tradition for the past 30 years, the concerts begin at 7 p.m. with the bands taking center stage on the Gazebo. Recently food trucks have been a welcome addition to the mix.  Commuters love coming off the train catching live music and families love interacting with their neighbors and just taking in the beautiful summer nights with a lovely musical backdrop. Concertgoers recommend bringing lawn chairs and blankets and anything you wish to dine on al fresco. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. To check on the location of a concert, please call the Recreation and Parks Department events hotline at 914 238-2540.

Courtesy of New Castle Recreation and Parks Department

“Totally Awesome” Ronald Reagans Big 80s Show Brings Down the House at Summer Concert Series

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concert.Big 80s Summer Concert

Article and Photos by Matt Smith

As Jimmy McFly shreds a chord on the guitar, lead vocalist Beckie Gibson flips back her bangin’ teased-and-dyed-pink hair and throws up a peace sign. “Hello, Chappaqua!” she screams into the mic. “Are you ready to go back in time to the days where big hair ruled, stonewashed denim made you look so cool, and ‘milk did a body good?’” She steps back and takes a breath, while the crowd cheers in response. “We’re about to take you back in time, ‘Back to the Future,’ back to the baddest, most totally awesome decade… the 1980s!!”

And thus began the showcase of The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show, the last of four weekly concerts held on Rec Field during the month of July, as part of Chappaqua’s 2015 Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Breezemont Day Camp and the New Castle Recreation and Parks Department.

concert.skyThroughout the night, the “bodaciously awesome” band, whose show came complete with 80s wigs, glow necklaces, and a smoke machine, offered up such favorites as “Material Girl,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and more of the decade’s best.

“[The concert] was a blast!” said Gibson, of performing. “Hundreds of people came out and the Chappaqua crowd was lively as they cheered and danced all night.”

And “hundreds” would probably be an understatement. Returning fans came out in droves to take in the nostalgic throwback event, and it’s clear they weren’t disappointed. “It’s great entertainment,” said one concertgoer. “We come out every year. We love it.” Added another: “It’s nice to get together with friends, sit under the stars, and enjoy the music.” Yet another commented she used the annual occasion’s laid-back environment to “unwind after work.”

The evening also brought out a fair share of newcomers. “It’s the first one we’ve gone to, ever,” shared one patron. “It’s pretty great. We’ll have to come again.” Regarding the attendance as a whole, “the turnout was better than we thought,” commented Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, who spearheaded the evening.

It was an especially great night for the younger attendees, who had an extra reason to be giddy; in addition to the music offerings, Wednesday’s event served as “Kid’s Night,” and sponsors galore led several ancillary activities. Of note, Making Headway Foundation, the Chappaqua-based organization that raises money and awareness for children with brain and spinal cord tumors, gave guests the opportunity to dunk its employees, for a $5 donation to their cause.

concert.Dunk Tank“We’re especially touched to learn that [the] event supported a wonderful charity,” said Gibson, on the subject. “We think the students who spoke in front of the crowd are the true rock stars.”

All the same, the band put on a truly fantastic show, and fans agreed, as they have all month long; past concerts this year — featuring The Don DuPont Big Band, The Chappaqua Orchestra, and Concert Series regular, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band Tramps Like Us — have attracted similarly high numbers of residents and town members. And why do so many people come out for this event? The answer is quite simple, according to one guest: “It’s just fabulous. One of the highlights of the summer in town.”

After witnessing Wednesday night’s ‘80s extravaganza, we couldn’t agree more. And it’s all thanks to the house band of the evening, the Ronald Reagans. You put on a bangin’, rockin’, totally awesome show, guys. We won’t “stop believin’” you’ll be back next summer.

The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80s Show is based in New York City. In addition to Gibson (lead vocals) and McFly (vocals, bass), the band consists of members Vinnie James Dio (guitar, vocals), Dr. Paul “Cougar” Mellencamp (keyboards, keytar, harmonica), and Diamond David Lee Wilson (drums). Follow the Ronald Reagans on social media, or at www.theronaldreagans.com.

Matt Smith, a graduate of Skidmore College, is a regular contributor to The Inside Press, Inc.

A Musical Mid-Week Break

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The gazebo at Recreation Field serves as a bandstand for the Summer Concert Series. Photo © 2015 Marianne A. Campolongo
The gazebo at Recreation Field serves as a bandstand for the Summer Concert Series.
Photo © 2015 Marianne A. Campolongo

By Marianne A. Campolongo

What could be nicer than enjoying a picnic with your friends and family on a warm summer evening? Whether your tastes run to big band, classical music or classic rock, the Summer Concert Series serves up a wide range of talent providing choices for everyone, so bring a blanket or beach chair, pack a hamper and join the fun. While you visit with friends and enjoy an outdoor meal and concert, your children can dance to the tunes or burn off some energy in the bouncy castle and other games in the Fun Zone. 
The evenings are a great excuse to take a break mid-week and relax.

If you do not have time to pack a picnic yourself, no worries. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the local merchants,” said Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Robert Snyder. A variety of local and area restaurants will be on site, with options from simple treats to gourmet offerings.With so many choices, give yourself the night off and let someone else do the cooking. If you do bring your own, no alcohol or glass. And, no dogs.

Jointly sponsored by the Town of New Castle Department of Recreation and Parks and the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, with major support underwritten by Breezemont Day Camp, this summer’s concert series gets underway on Wednesday, July 8th at the Recreation Field in Chappaqua by the gazebo, and runs for four consecutive Wednesdays; each beginning at 7 p.m. A town tradition since 1989, the summer concert series draws crowds of anywhere from 300 to 1000 people per concert from all over Westchester, according to Snyder. “It’s a wonderful night,” he said.

The Schedule:

“We open with a local favorite, The Don DuPont Big Band,” said Snyder. 
Veteran bandleader and trombonist Don DuPont Sr. brings the Big Band era of the 1930s and 40s to life with a mix of swing, jive and Latin music featuring vocalists Don DuPont, Jr. and Michele DuPont Eames.

On July 15th, another local gem, The Chappaqua Orchestra, under the guest baton of Davis Knobloch, “a fine chamber musician and a great teacher,” who retires from Horace Greeley High School later this June, will perform a program of Sousa marches, film scores and show tunes celebrating American music, said Orchestra Music Director Michael Shapiro.

On July 22nd, local resident Mark Salore and his Bruce Springsteen tribute band, Tramps Like Us will get you rockin’. Seasoned musicians and vocalists who have been bringing the Boss’ music to appreciative crowds since 1990, they are sure to have you enjoying the glory days of summer.

For the final concert on July 29th, it’s back to the future with more rock and roll performed by The Ronald Reagans Big ’80s Show. Big hair may have gone the way of VCRs, but the music never goes out of style. This tribute band’s male and female vocalists have both Broadway and national touring experience. Dressed in “bodacious” costumes, they put on a show covering favorite tunes from Don Henley, Michael Jackson, Pat Benatar, Van Halen, The Go-Gos, and many more.

Besides the usual festivities, closing night will feature additional games and fun. There will be “more of a party atmosphere though it always feels like a party out there anyway,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Greenberg.

Rock out again with Mark Salore and his Tramps Like Us at this year’s summer concerts. Photo by Carolyn Simpson
Rock out again with Mark Salore and his Tramps Like Us at this year’s summer concerts. Photo by Carolyn Simpson

The added festivities are a special tribute to Making Headway Foundation, a charity dedicated to the care, comfort and cure of children with brain and spinal cord tumors “to help them kick off their 20th Anniversary year,” she said. There will be a special emphasis on children and Chamber members whose focus is on children. Making Headway was founded in 1996 by parents whose own children had undergone treatment for brain tumors, including Chappaqua residents Maya and Edward Manley.

Rain? No Worries!

“A lot of people think that if it rains it’s over, but it’s not,” said Snyder. If rain seems likely, the concerts move indoors to the Wallace Theater at Readers Digest. “Indoors is a little different,” said Snyder, “but last year Don DuPont packed the place, which is a credit to his reputation.”

If rain is in the forecast, check the town website to see if there has been a change in venue www.mynewcastle.org or sign up for town alerts.

Fun Facts

The current gazebo, financed entirely by donations, was dedicated in 2011. After the town did the site work and the concrete and stone foundation, a team of Amish builders erected it in just three or four days, said Snyder with a smile.

Movie Night

Across town at Millwood Park, 
235 Saw Mill River Road in Millwood, the Recreation Department and the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce are also sponsoring Friday Night Movies in June at 8 p.m. At press time, this year’s selections, Toy Story, Mighty Ducks, Tangled and Jungle Book were chosen but check the town website for the specific 
dates of each film. Movie nights 
are June 5th, June 12th, June 19th 
and June 26th.

Marianne A. Campolongo is a freelance writer and photographer from Chappaqua, New York. Her website is www.campyphotos.com.

Tramps Like Us

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Tramps Like Us to Kick Off Town Summer Concert Series

Chamber Head Interviews Mark Salore, 
Leader of the Band–and Chappaqua Dad!

By Robert Greenstein

Mark Salore and Brian “Bo” Ognan performing in White Plains at the 4th of July celebration at White Plains High School for a crowd of approximately 15,000 people.
Mark Salore and Brian “Bo” Ognan performing in White Plains at the 4th of July celebration at White Plains High School for a crowd of approximately 15,000 people.

The New Castle Summer Concert series is a great tradition bringing families together to celebrate community and listen to great music.  Performances will be held on Wednesday nights on July 10, 17, 24, 31. This year the Chamber is working with the Recreation & Parks Department and assisting in event planning, booking performers and improving the overall concert experience.  

Besides having lots of food vendors, this year we hope to have activities for kids, merchants showcasing their services and lots of pre-concert activities like wine tastings & happy hours. Since Tramps Like Us, www.trampslikeus.com, a very popular Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will be kicking things off on July 10th, I decide to catch up with Mark Salore, who happens to be a Chappaqua dad and leader of the band.

How was your band formed, and how many guys are in it?  

The band was formed in late 1989-1990, by the insistence of a club owner in Greenwich Village. We performed there regularly, as a classic rock band which included the music of Bruce Springsteen.  He wanted a Springsteen tribute band in his club as he had dozens of other tribute acts, but none featuring his favorite, Bruce Springsteen. Thus the forming of Tramps Like Us. The band is made up of five members.

Have you always been a Bruce Springsteen tribute band?

No. The band originally started out as a classic rock cover band/original band in the early 80s.

Are you all big Bruce Springsteen fans?

Yes everyone in the band is a big Bruce Springsteen fan, some bigger than others but you need to love the music in order to do what we do and be good at it.

How long have you lived in Chappaqua, and is anyone else in the band local?

I moved to Chappaqua in 1998. My drummer and I grew up in Ardsley and he still lives there. The other members are from New York City, New Jersey and CT.

What makes your Springsteen tribute band different from the others?

There are a few different things that I feel separates us from other Springsteen tribute bands, and there are several of them out there. First of all, I believe our musicianship is second to none.

Our keyboard player Kenneth Hope, has been composing music since the age of four. Ken’s impeccable musical credentials include studies at the Schmidt Conservatory of Music, and he has studied extensively with Maestro Stahl (conductor of the NBC Symphony Orchestra and San Diego Philharmonic Orchestra).

Our bass player Jon Sanborn, is the son of the world renowned saxophone player David Sanborn. He has played with artists such as Eric Clapton Steely Dan and Harry Connick Jr. to name a few.

Our saxophone player, Brian Ognan, has played with many major acts himself such as Sam and Dave, Hall and Oates, Taylor Dayne, Joan Jett, Georgia Satellites, Don Henley, John Entwistle and many others. Both have degrees from the Berklee College of Music.

Rudy Feinauer, our drummer, has performed or recorded big names in the music industry himself.

Mark with Carter, who goes to Grafflin, his wife, Lori, and Michael who is at Bell. Photo by Carolyn Simpson
Mark with Carter, who goes to Grafflin, his wife, Lori, and Michael who is at Bell. Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Rudy has also taught drums and percussion at colleges and public schools, as well as gives private lessons. Rudy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Percussion from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Another thing that separates this band from other tribute bands is we do not look to impersonate or look and dress like the act that we pay tribute to. Most tribute bands look to find members who are look-alikes or impersonators of the act they are paying tribute to which seems to take precedence over musicianship and the love of the music they are playing–and the final result is that the music suffers.

Everyone in this act loves the music they play and I believe it comes across very well to the audience during our performances.

How many Springsteen songs do you play?

Our repertoire of songs is constantly growing and right now I think it’s about 120 songs.

What’s your favorite Springsteen song to perform?

I have a handful of songs that are my favorite ones to play in no particular order they are Backstreets,  Lost In The Flood, Thunder Road and Jungleland.

What’s the best venue you’ve ever played?

That’s a very tough question to answer…with almost 25 years of performing we played hundreds of different venues. Some of our favorite ones to perform at our Showcase Live in Foxborough  Massachusetts which is connected to Gillette Stadium, BB Kings in Time Square in New York City and of course the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

What’s the biggest venue you 
played at?

I believe the biggest venue or crowd we ever play too was in North Hempstead Beach Park in Long Island. We played for a Fourth of July event a few years back and there was an  estimated 15,000 people. Also, a few months back, we were featured on live TV on Fox 5’s morning Show: Good Day NY which was quite a thrill.

Have you ever met Bruce Springsteen?

Photo by Carolyn Simpson
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

The band has several direct connections to Bruce Springsteen the most notable one would be his former manager and producer Mike Appel who’s in constant touch with Bruce and is a very good friend of mine personally and big fan of the band. He has spoken to Bruce about us dozens of times and told him how good the band was in his opinion. On one occasion Mike brought Bruce to one of our performances at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Unfortunately, in this case, the show was sold out and there was a long line of people waiting to get in. Bruce decided it probably wasn’t a good idea to go in at that point as it may cause a problem with the crowd control. I met him after that show at a bar a few blocks down from the Stone Pony and had a nice long conversation with him. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have been invited to several shows as a VIP guest and was invited backstage. I have met all the members of The E Street Band on several occasions.

How many Springsteen concerts have you been to?

Not as many as people would think. I know dozens of people who’ve been to hundreds of Springsteen concerts and a lot of people I meet ask me that same question. I would probably have to say since seeing him first in 1978, I have seen him a total of 30 to 35 times.

What advice would you give to kids who are starting a band?

Be persistent and dedicated as it’s very hard when you start out. Pick a handful of your favorite songs and try to learn them as best as possible. I think it’s important to play original music as well but before one could get to that step I believe they need to be able to perform songs that they like and understand the whole concept of music the way it’s written and performed and go from there. Also, If you do not study with the teacher, ask friends or parents for  help if it is available as I did when I was growing up. I was fortunate to have an older friend who played guitar and was able to teach me some things that I could not figure out by myself. That went a long way for me as anytime I hit a stumbling block, my friend was there to get me back on track.

I grew up a huge Jimi Hendrix fan, and anyone knowing his music knows just how incredible his guitar playing was as well as very complicated and original unlike anyone before him. I spent hours and hours in high school sitting in my room trying to learn Hendrix songs that today, you can just go to YouTube and watch a free instructional video of how to play whatever song you’d like. I would suggest that kids take advantage of this free technology with whatever instrument they are playing. I wish I had that available when I was just getting started.

How do you balance your music with other obligations–wife, children, job, coaching your kids sports?

I’m not really sure how I do it? I somehow find the time to be able do the all the bookings, managing, promotion, PR, website, newsletters, etc. for the band, which is a great deal of work. I do have a very good support system at home. My wife does all the bookkeeping and accounting, as well as shuffling our kids to and from sports on the weekends when I sometimes disappear for 2 or 3 days at a time. I have two sons, ages 12 and 10, and I feel extremely lucky to be able to coach them in football, basketball and baseball in whatever spare time I can create. I am a very busy guy, but it’s all good… No complaints here!

Besides your concert on July 10 to kick off the Summer Concert series in Chappaqua, any other big concerts coming up?

We have a rare local gig at a brand new smaller intimate type venue in Mt. Kisco called MTK Tavern on Friday, June 14th in which I’m really looking forward to seeing a lot of my friends from town.

Our summer schedule is packed with a lot of outdoor summer concerts in the tri-state area and several private country club events in and around Westchester, as well as some corporate family parties. We are also doing a few fundraising events as well. We have a big fundraising concert that is in the works for Sandy Hook, CT on July 27. You can always find our latest schedule on our website: www.trampslikeus.com.