Cohoes ready to Rock the Block again

COHOES, N.Y. >> Mayor Shawn Morse says the city’s annual summer concert series will be sure to Rock the Block this year.

Morse announced Wednesday on several area radio stations the lineup of local favorites that will fill downtown Cohoes with different styles of music on Thursday nights from June into August. The 2017 Rock the Block concert series will feature 10 free concerts kicking off Thursday, June 8, with local country music favorites Skeeter Creek. Each performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until about 8:30 in Canal Square, 72 Remsen St.

“We’re just excited about the Rock the Block concert series,” Morse said Wednesday afternoon after announcing the 2017 concert lineup. “Without question, I believe that we have the greatest lineup, and it’s a glowing example of all of the things that we’re doing as part of the ‘Cohoes Proud’ way of life.”

Morse said the concerts not only gives people an opportunity to get outside during the summer and enjoy live music, but it also benefits the city and its economy.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our downtown and all of the great work that we’re doing,” explained Morse. “When people would disperse from the concert series last year, they were stopping into our restaurants and our bars. I think the whole arts, entertainment and living district that we’re trying to create is really just booming.”

Morse said the concert series was revamped last year, and officials were pleased with the results — especially the attendance — and expect more of the same this year.

“Historically, you may have had 500 or 1,000 people show up for the whole concert series, but we had over 12,000 people show up last year,” said Morse.

Guests are encour-

aged to bring their own lawn chairs, with food and beverages available. The series is made possible through the support of local businesses including Decrescente Distributing.