A popular summer tradition in Rockville Centre will be celebrated once again, as one of the village’s most beloved community events brings live performances and a festive atmosphere to a public space where residents of all ages come together.
“Music on the Green” is set to return this summer, bringing music, community spirit and neighborhood gatherings back to the Village Green, on Maple Avenue.
What began as a former resident’s simple idea has grown into a popular seasonal tradition that draws families and friends together for evenings of free outdoor entertainment. The event launched in 2018, after Marc Derkatch approached Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley with the idea of creating a community-centered concert series that combined music, local food and a welcoming atmosphere.
The first concert started as “Family Night in the Park Series” in 2019 featuring the band, “Terence of Witches Brew,” and a handful of food trucks. The event proved successful, leading organizers to expand it into a series, with additional performances. Attendance grew, and more vendors got involved, before the pandemic forced the program to pause in 2020.
Although many food truck operators were forced out of business during the pandemic, the concert series eventually returned. In recent years, Baxley has organized the events, recruiting performers and coordinating logistics with village departments.
The series returned in 2021 and was renamed “Music on the Green” the following year.
“We’ve had all different types of music, which I love,” Baxley said. “All the performers perform for free. We’ve had children, the South Shore Symphony, local duos, and I try to do three [concerts] a year.”
The series has featured a wide variety of musical acts, and last year the Chamber of Commerce got more involved in planning the performances. Chamber members Donna O’Reilly Einemann and Brian Croutier helped secure sponsors and recruit musicians.
“It brings the community together, and families, dogs, grandparents, everybody just really loves music,” O’Reilly Einemann said. “It’s such a vibrant village that it’s nice to pull everything together.”
Several village departments play a role in making the concerts possible. The Parks Department helps with event setup, including providing additional trash receptacles and portable restrooms while the Electric Department ensures that performers have enough lighting and power. Village staffers promote the events throughout the summer.
Music on the Green has become a gathering place for residents of all ages. Families spread blankets and lawn chairs on the grass, children play nearby and neighbors reconnect while enjoying the music. The relaxed atmosphere has made the series a favorite summer tradition for many residents.
“I love when people come out and sit and enjoy,” Baxley said. “It’s really just for community spirit and neighbors getting together, just having a nice night out on a nice lawn right in town.”
This year’s schedule includes concerts in June, July and August, with organizers continuing to finalize details for the final summer performance. The first one, scheduled for June 25, will feature local band Those Damn Neighbors. The Basement is scheduled to play on July 30, while the Aug. 27 performer has not yet been announced.
“It’s local bands from town,” Croutier said. “We just want people to come out and enjoy it.”
