The free jazz concerts at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk continue this summer, and I strongly suggest checking out one or more of the shows.
The Chicken Bone Beach concerts will take place every Thursday night from July 2 to August 20. Showtime is 7 p.m.
You can’t miss the big stage on the Boardwalk near the Trump Plaza. There are several rows of benches for people to sit on, but you may want to bring your own chair. Plenty of people do, and it’s quite OK with everyone.
For those unfamiliar with Atlantic City history, Chicken Bone Beach was the informal name for the beach at the end of Missouri Avenue. In the old days of segregation, it was the only beach African-Americans were allowed to use. Families brought picnic baskets of fried chicken to enjoy on the sand, thus giving the beach its name. Black entertainers who played Atlantic City’s many clubs also hung out here, so you never knew who you might run into. The concerts were started several years ago to keep the history alive.
I know they say “you get what you pay for,” but that doesn’t apply here. Think of the show as a great casino comp, even though the gaming halls have nothing to do with it. I’ve been to several of these shows, and the music is always good. If you’re not into jazz, bring a cooler of sandwiches and non-alcoholic drinks, and sit out under the stars and listen. It will quickly make you a jazz fan.
For a listing of the performers, logon to www.chickenbonebeach.org.
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