Kids Concerts Build Community, Raise Funds for Schools

The Carroll Park Kids Concerts are back for what promises to be another great summer!

This year, organizers have , with two (and possibly more) benefitting local elementary schools. The season kicks off on Sunday, June 12 at 4 p.m. (shine only!) with AudraRox and David Weinstone singing Music for Aardvarks. The concert is free, but concessions are sold to benefit the series.

"It's a community building activity," said spokesperson and local mom Lynn Melnick. "The concerts bring everybody together, to the place we're all so fond of."

Revived by local mom Simmi Degnemark and a team of dedicated volunteers in 2008, the concerts are a memorable summer experience for many South Brooklynites. For Melnick, the concerts are a way for residents, especially residents with kids, to truly appreciate the neighborhood.

"It's a day to feel good about where you live!" she said.

The tie-in with local schools is a somewhat new development, and an important one. The schools bring their own crafts, games or raffles, and the money goes toward arts education at the school.

"Through these concerts we hope to be able to raise money for kids programming at the park and for arts education in our local public schools," read the release for the concerts.

But mostly the concerts are just a fun way to spend the hot summer days outside.

"We want to celebrate being a part of this terrific BoCoCa neighborhood," said Melnick.

The Carroll Park Concert Series are free, and are sponsored by the Friends of Carroll Park. Donations are needed.