![NEW YORK SKYSCRAPERS and Friends perform their interpretation of a Ray Charles standard at the Williamsbridge Oval concert (from left to right): Howard Leshaw (saxophonist, co-leader), Don Albano (guitar and vocals), Jay Dryer (saxophonist-band leader), Hallie Smith (vocalist), Dorian Lake (vocalist), Brenda Tattiano (vocalist). Not pictured: Richie Dimino (piano), Marty Confurius (bass), and Jimmie Young (drums).](https://i2.wp.com/www.norwoodnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NYSkyscrapers-Picture-640x304.jpg?resize=598%2C284)
By VIVIAN CARTER
Rainy skies didn’t halt the free neighborhood concert planned for Williamsbridge Oval Park on August 11—the event just moved inside to the recreation center. New interpretations of favorite soul, R&B, and rock classics rewarded the scores of audience members who gathered to hear New York Skyscrapers and Friends, an accomplished American contemporary musical group.
The selection of songs came from many decades of history–the age of Duke Ellington and Etta James, the heyday of Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson’s 1980s-era hits. The three vocalists and six instrumentalists, all experienced professional musicians, handled it quite ably. Patio doors were opened in the space, so the audience could catch occasional breezes as they sat in rows of folding chairs.
The concert was brought to the park by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, representing Norwood, who greeted the crowd and thanked the performers at intermission.