Eli Young Band performs free outdoor concert at Nassau County's Eisenhower Park

Nassau County has been putting on free, outdoor concerts all summer long, and on July 27, it welcomed the Eli Young Band, a country group, to a large crowd of cheering fans.

At Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, country music fans packed into two fields to catch a glimpse of the group, known for hits such as “Crazy Girl,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”

On Facebook, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the musical group that consists of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson, originates from Texas. The group plays their own instruments, writes their own songs, and has toured with Kenny Chesney, Rascall Flatts and Toby Keith, among several other artists, since its formation in 2000.

The county’s summer concert series is sponsored by NYU Langone Health.

“We have a great sponsor at NYU Langone, they do a great job,” Blakeman said before the concert. “This is the biggest concert series we’ve had ever in Nassau County, and its thanks to our partnership with NYU Langone.”

Blakeman was joined on stage by State Sen. Steve Rhoads, County Legislator John Ferretti and the Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello.

“You’re in for an exciting night of music under the starts,” Dr. Marc Adler of NYU Langone said. “NYU Langone is committed to helping communities with more than 70 locations across the island. We’re so proud to be able to offer exceptional care — no matter where you are.

“Not long ago, the pandemic prevented us from gathering like this,” he added. “That’s why it’s so wonderful to see everyone here tonight — family, friends neighbors — we’ll continue to have wonderful events like this. We’re so pleased to join the county in sponsoring this summer’s concert series, thank you for coming out.”

The Eli Young Band put on an entertaining show, playing all of its top hits and songs from newer records, mixed with some covers of tunes made popular by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Beatles. Interacting with the crowd, the band’s front man Mike Eli even came off the stage at times to take photos with eager fans.

Earlier this summer, the county welcomed the band Boyz II Men, and Midtown Men, the original cast of the musical, Jersey Boys. On Sept. 3, the band Sugar Ray will take to the stage in Eisenhower. During the county’s Sept. 11 remembrance service, it will welcome Christopher Macchio, a classical artist and opera singer.

“We’ve got a lot of great things to continue to celebrate this summer,” Blakeman said. “I want to thank you all for coming out — Nassau County is back.”

The county will continue putting on free concerts and movie nights at neighborhood locations aside from Eisenhower Park, including Cedar Creek Park, Grant Park, North Woodmere Park, Wantagh Park and the Chelsea Mansion. For a full list of what to expect throughout the remainder of the summer, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.