UNION SQUARE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2007 "SUMMER IN THE SQUARE"

Free Entertainment Every Wednesday Afternoon in Union Square Park

New York (June 13, 2007) – “Summer in the Square,” the annual entertainment series in Union Square Park, will kick off on Wednesday, June 27th and run weekly through August 15th.  The Union Square Partnership (USP) will present a variety of music, dance and theatrical performances as well as yoga and children’s reading groups each Wednesday at 12:30, 3:00 and 6:00 PM.  All activities are free and take place on the center lawn of Union Square Park.

USP, with support from the W New York – Union Square, Con Edison, ORDA Management, 14th Street Y, McBurney YMCA and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, will present three events each Wednesday.  Main acts are scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM (with an improvisational theater troupe performing on select evenings at 5:00 PM).  OM yoga will host a free class every Wednesday at 3:00 PM.   

"'Summer in the Square' showcases the beauty of Union Square Park, and is one of our many exciting community events where residents, employees, and visitors to our district can come together and enjoy music, dance, yoga and more on the park's center lawn," said Jennifer Falk, USP Executive Director. "What better way is there to celebrate summer in New York City?  Through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to maximize the Park's value to the surrounding businesses and further promote the district's amenities.”

The June 27th kick-off will feature a colorful lunchtime performance by children’s entertainer Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck, a New Jersey-based group that combines pop-rock tunes with family-friendly lyrics.  At 3:00 PM, OM yoga will hold the first of its weekly classes, and at 6:00 PM, The Nashville Attitude, nominated for 1010 WINS Tomorrow’s Newsmakers Award, will perform its Southern-style rock. 

“’Summer in the Square’ is a great opportunity to get fit while enjoying one of the great parks in the heart of New York City,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe.  “We aim to help New Yorkers of all ages, shapes, and sizes discover how New York City’s 29,000 acres of parks can enrich their physical and emotional well-being by providing venues for fitness, peaceful respite, and making new friends.  Thanks to the Union Square Partnership, the ‘new crossroads of the world’ is also an avenue to fitness.”

"From lively performances to exciting activities for children and adults, Union Square Park’s annual ‘Summer in the Square’ is wonderful weekly entertainment for the entire family," said Frances A. Resheske, Con Edison’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs.  "Con Edison is proud to be a sponsor of the Union Square Partnership, and the fun-filled events that it organizes for the community."

Sixteen different headliners will perform on stage throughout the season, and crowds will enjoy an eclectic mix of talented artists ranging from African, Irish, hip-hop, Indian and modern dance to jazz, Latin, pop-rock and funk music.

“Summer in the Square” is produced by Union Square Partnership, a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for the revitalization of the 14th Street-Union Square neighborhood.  USP through retail improvements, park maintenance, small business services and an association with Washington Irving High School works to ensure the community’s continued growth as a center for business, culture and education.  It seeks to improve the quality of life for its residents and businesses.

Directions: Take the 4, 5, 6, N, R, W, Q and L to the 14th Street-Union Square station. Enter at the 16th Street transverse from the east or west side of Union Square Park.

Please view the complete Summer schedule.

Contact:

Lee Silberstein or Shane Kavanagh 

The Marino Organization (212) 889-0808  

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