The Future of music is in Coney!
The Coney Island Music Festival will return to rock the seaside neighborhood this weekend, with a free, day-long event on Aug. 4. The second edition of the music event, created by the Alliance for Coney Island, will feature a dozen bands performing at two stages, setting the festival on its path toward becoming an iconic day of up-and-coming rock and rollers, said the executive director.
“Our goal is to grow this event to be an unmissable music experience that can be enjoyed in the center of the Amusement District with spectacular views, an ocean breeze, and iconic landmarks and rides surrounding the audience and musicians,” said Alexandra Silversmith. “With two co-headliners and several musicians growing in the music scene, this festival is providing fans a chance to experience a spectacular free event in our iconic neighborhood.”
The line-up this year includes Philly rocker Alex G, and the California twin brothers who form The Garden as co-headliners.
Also taking the stage — at the Coney Art Walls Stage at 4 pm — will be Future Punx, a new wave Brooklyn four-piece performing in the People’s Playground for the first time. The band members are thrilled to introduce their tunes to new listeners, said the lead singer.
“We are totally excited,” said Chris Pickering. “We are always excited to play for new crowds and folks who haven’t heard or seen us before.
The band has been playing for five years, mostly with shows in Bushwick and Williamsburg, where most of the members live. But Pickering said that performing in new territory is one of its goals.
“It’s probably not going to be a crowd we are used to, but our music appeals to a broad audience, and we like to get our music in as many ears as possible,” he said. “It’s going to be cool, and the fact it’s free is very appealing.”
He describes the group’s music as based in rock, but with elements of other genres and electronic sounds.
“It’s a very funky, danceable, electronic punk music,” said Pickering. “We are very much a rock band, we have bass, drums, synth, and we bridge rock and electronic.”
Other local artists on the bill include Brooklyn bands the Muckers and Navy Gangs, Bedford-Stuyvesant rapper Whoisskitzo, and musical collective the Pow Pow Family Band, among others. The day will also feature games, food trucks, and DJs.
Coney Island Music Festival, Stillwell Stage [Stillwell Avenue at Surf Avenue in Coney Island, www.cimus
