The Downtown White Plains Business Improvement District and the City of White Plains announced on May 19 that the Rock the Block summer concert series will return to downtown White Plains on May 20, June 17, July 15, and August 19. The event is co-produced with Doug Panero Presents and will take place on the third Wednesday of each month from May through August.
The series aims to bring residents together for free live music while supporting local businesses by increasing foot traffic during weekday evenings. Mamaroneck Avenue, between Maple Avenue and East Post Road, will be closed from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM for each event, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where guests can enjoy outdoor dining at nearby restaurants and participate in family activities such as cornhole, seesaws, mini-golf, and hands-on art projects. Dogs are welcome at the events.
Each concert will feature a range of musical styles including funk, jazz, Latin soul, rhythm and blues (R&B), bluegrass, Go-Go music, and more. The opening concert on May 20 will be headlined by The Experience Band & Show from Washington D.C., known for their energetic blend of jazz, funk, Go-Go, rock, hip hop and R&B—a style they call “ja-funk-go.” Contemporary guitarist Shad Deso is scheduled as an opening act for the season kickoff. Other featured performers throughout the summer include Spanglish Fly (June 17), Slap Dragon (July 15), The Band Memo (August 19), along with opening acts Olivia K & The Parkers, Rae the Band and Brass Queens.
Participating restaurants offering extended outdoor dining during Rock the Block include Brazen Fox, Cantina, Delicias Del Jireh, Freebird Kitchen & Bar (Freebird), Hudson Grille, Lazy Boy Saloon & Ale House (Lazy Boy Saloon), Lilly’s Craft & Kitchen (Lilly’s), Ron Blacks Beer Hall (Ron Blacks) and Sundance Kitchen & Cantina.
White Plains Hospital serves as presenting sponsor for this year’s event series. Additional supporters are Westchester County government; Bruni & Campisi; SRG2 Partners LLC.; Cappelli Organization; LANline Communications; Orange Bank & Trust Company; Platinum GMC of White Plains; Partyline; with New York Power Authority listed as a community partner.
Admission is free to all concerts. Rain dates are set for June 24 and August 26 if needed. More information about featured artists or participating restaurants can be found at www.wpbid.com/rocktheblock.
