Gary U.S. Bonds Is CALDC Concert Series Closing Act

In 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle were locked in a battle in The Bronx while teens were tuned in to the frenetic sounds of Gary U.S. Bonds' "Quarter To Three". The recording rocked the nation and skyrocketed to the top of the charts in 1961.

If you were a rock 'n' roller back when the sound first hit the airwaves, when poodle skirts and bobby sox were the fad—and parents just didn't understand—surely you remember rocking to the sound of Gary U.S. Bonds. You can relive those memories on August 21, when the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) presents Gary U.S. Bonds at the last of its 2008 Waterfront Concert Series at Astoria Park. Head over to the lawn at Astoria Park between 19th Street, Shore Boulevard, the Hell Gate Bridge and Astoria Pool, at 7:30 p.m. on August 21 for Gary U.S. Bonds and live sounds of the '60s, including hits like "New Orleans", "School Is Out" and "Come On Let's Go".

The concert brings down the curtain on the CALDC 26th annual Waterfront Concert series, which featured live performances by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Duprees, 1910 Fruitgum Company, Rocksplosion, Joey Battaglia and the New York Big Band, Joey Dee and the Starliters and Come Together.

"Gary U.S. Bonds" is presented as part of the CALDC 2008 Waterfront Concert Series, made possible through funds provided by City Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr. through the city Department of Cultural Affairs, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, in part by public funds from the city Department of Cultural Affairs and the following corporate sponsors: NRG, Time Warner Cable, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Capital One Bank, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home and Steinway & Sons Piano.

For information or directions to Astoria Park call 718-728- 7820 or visit www.centralastoria.org.