SUMMER SOLSTICE

Even the first cloud burst of summer couldn't keep the show from going on as the Rockaway Artists Alliance hosted a phenomenal Summer Solstice Concertevent and welcomed in their Summer Moons entertainment series. Summer Moons, now starting its third successful year, presents a variety of performances every Thursday night from 7pm on at the RAA's outdoor Moonstage at Fort Tilden in the Rockaways. In case of rain the series continues in the adjacent sTudio 7 gallery. All shows are free and geared to all ages.

Starting outdoors the Summer Solstice music fest had gathered quite a crowd. Bearing beach chairs, coolers and picnic baskets all enjoyed a spectacular unscheduled light show as lightening streaked the sky. "You could only get this view in Rockaway," a concertgoer said. Shortly before the first summer downpour came down, musicians, equipment, audience and stage crew began to reassemble in indoors in the spacious sTudio 7 gallery where everyone enjoyed a full night of music, mingling and fun in an intimate club-like setting. Many also took the opportunity to enjoy artworks from the gallery's Planet Animals exhibition.

"I don't think we lost any audience. In fact I think we gained more of an audience," said Geoff Rawling, Rockaway Artists Alliance president of the hasty indoor move.

Added RAA member Tommy Burke, "It started out as a concert and turned into an event at an art gallery. People got to look at great artwork, talk to people, meet new people. It was great."

In all six acts played, including the popular Indaculture, Sixth Boro, Daha, Kuff and the Buttheads, Walker and the very well received New Paltz group Fillet O' Soul.

RAA works in partnership with the National Park Service at Gateway and in part is supported by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, JP Morgan Chase and the Independence Community Foundation.