July 6, 2011:  Summer got off to a rockin' start in Bronxville Thursday evening with the kick-off of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series.  The warm but not-too-hot evening drew people of all ages to a street scene on Park Place with music provided by the band Gorilla Jamb.  Friends and neighbors relaxed at tables, strolled the street, and enjoyed delicious food and drink.

Bronxville restaurant Gourmet 2 Go sponsored the concert and delighted everyone in the crowd with a menu ranging from gazpacho and grilled tequila shrimp appetizers to grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce to meatball and pulled pork sliders, all accompanied by orzo or potato salad and corn on the cob.  Children lined up for snow cones and needed time to decide on the perfect flavor for the evening.

"This is a great opportunity to show off our menu to a wider audience," said Gary Schnorr, Gourmet 2 Go owner.  "We enjoy participating in the community."

Restaurants Il Bacio and Pete's Tavern moved tables to the street to add to the party atmosphere and offer diners good seats for the evening's entertainment.

Gorilla Jamb amped up the evening with its renditions of such 70s classic hits as Santana's "Black Magic Woman" and Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love."   The band, formed in the 1970s, played during the members' student days at Greenwich High School.  According to vocalist Sally Barry, an original member of the group, the musicians reunited in the early 90s and have been together since.

Band musician Oscar Rodriguez said, "We get together once a month and instead of playing poker we make music."  Rounding out the group are Scott Chard, Lynn Egy, Mark Conece, and Bronxville resident Will Maze.

"It feels like we never graduated!" added Maze, Gorilla Jamb guitarist.

The under-ten crowd took to the street for enthusiastic dancing when the band broke into a James Brown song.  Connoisseurs of classic rock tapped their feet and sang along to old favorites like Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" and Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water."

"Oh my, this really takes me back," said Sheryl Schultz.   "I know every word to these songs."

Standing in front of Pete's Tavern, guitarist Ray Grieche serenaded the crowd during Gorilla Jamb's breaks.

Peggy Conway, Bronxville Chamber of Commerce executive director, said, "It's a great evening and it's so nice to see everyone having fun."

Join the fun at the next concert, Thursday, July 28, at 6:30 pm on Park Place with the band Plan B.

Pictured here:  Young Bronxville kids dancing the night away at the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert.

Photo by Carol P. Barton