THE MONKEES RETURN TO LIVE STAGE FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE AT FREE SEASIDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT CONEY ISLAND
Special Guest MC Jay Black joins iconic group to rock new Coney venue

On Thursday, July 21, the 33rd annual Seaside Summer Concert Series at Coney Island, hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, will welcome The Monkees as well as Special Guest MC Jay Black. Along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series in Wingate Field in Central Brooklyn, the Seaside Series has been the largest free summer concert series in the New York Metropolitan area for the past three decades, entertaining tens of thousands of music lovers every year.

“The shows will go on at Coney Island this summer,” said BP Markowitz, “and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series is still going strong after three decades of music. I am proud to host the two largest free outdoor concert series in the New York area, and of course, this year’s performers—which also include Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Queen Latifah, Cheap Trick, Mary Mary, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Shaggy and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly—have toured around the world but are really hitting the big time—and the big stage—in Brooklyn, USA!”

2011 marks the 45th anniversary of The Monkees’ debut, and the first live performances by the band—Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork—in a full decade. Among the top selling artists of all time, The Monkees debuted in late 1966 with their first single (the #1 “Last Train to Clarksville”) and their hit television series. The only artists ever to have four number one albums in the same year, their other Top 40 hits include “A Little Bit of Me, A Little Bit of You,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Valleri” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and the #1 singles “I’m a Believer” (composed by Neil Diamond) and “Daydream Believer.”

During 1967, The Monkees outsold both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and enjoyed the biggest grossing concert tours of that year (giving Jimi Hendrix his first US concert tour as opener) and of 1986. From October 1966 through June 1969, Monkees albums spent a non-stop 139 weeks on the Top LP’s Billboard chart. Internationally, The Monkees have scored Top 10 hits in the United Kingdom, Holland, Philippines, Norway, Australia, Finland, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, Mexico, Japan, Rio De Janiero, Germany, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Malaysia, Argentina, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela, Chile, Belgium, Poland and Israel. The Monkees series ran for two seasons on NBC and won two Emmy Awards. Jack Nicholson wrote and produced The Monkees’ one and only feature film, the cult classic Head.

Jay Black joined the Americans in 1962, and went on to release a string of hits including “Only in America,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “This Magic Moment” and “Walkin’ in the Rain.” Jay Black and the Americans were also the opening act for The Beatles’ first appearance in the United States.

Throughout the years, the Seaside Summer Concert Series has attracted top name classic rock, pop, oldies, contemporary and Latin performers to Coney Island. This summer, the shows will be held at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, next to the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. A limited number of $5 rental chairs in a specially designated area are available on a first come, first served basis. Shows begin at 7:30pm.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series is celebrating its spectacular 29th season with a star-studded lineup of gospel, classic soul, contemporary, Caribbean and R&B artists. The free concerts are Monday nights at Wingate Field, entrances on Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland Road and Winthrop Street. The public is encouraged to bring their own chairs. A limited amount of general seating is available on a first come, first served basis. The program begins at 7:30pm.

Performers are subject to change without notice. Call the concert hotline for updates at 718-222-0600 or visit www.brooklynconcerts.com.

Seaside Summer Concert Series Lineup
All shows begin at 7:30pm

July 14
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Girl in a Coma

July 21
An Evening with The Monkees with special guest MC Jay Black

July 28
Mary Wilson of the Supremes
The Spinners

August 4
Mystery Night
TBA a week before the show

August 11
Annual Latino Music by the Sea
Maria Torres Dancers
Additional acts TBA

August 18
Cheap Trick
Newyorkestra

Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series Lineup
All shows begin at 7:30pm

July 11
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

July 18
Annual Gospel Night
Mary Mary
Rick Dillard

July 25
Charlie Wilson
Eric Benét

August 1
TBA

August 8
Men of Soul starring Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson and Freddie Jackson

August 15
An Evening with Queen Latifah

August 22
Annual Caribbean Night
Mystery Guest TBA August 13
Shaggy
The King of Calypso The Mighty Sparrow