YORKTOWN — The 2021 season for Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer concert series kicked off earlier this month, bringing a return of some sense of normalcy and music to the area.
The free concert series at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown includes an impressive lineup of local bands, as well as groups that are new to the waterfront.
The 10-week concert series takes place every Thursday evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m. through August, except for July 1.
The concert series was set to begin with a performance from local nine-piece party band, Tidewater Drive Band on Thursday, June 3.
However, due to weather conditions, that first show was canceled and Tidewater Drive Band’s performance was postponed to August 26.
Dave Kreiselman is excited to take the stage again in not one, but two bands this year.
Kreiselman is a musician best known locally as the saxophonist for Slapnation, a staple in the Hampton Roads music scene.
From disco, to beach music, to Motown, the variety band has been playing it all for 50 years.
While there are no original members left in the band, George Hunt, drummer and leader of the group, is the nephew of an original group member.
Kreiselman, who has been with Slapnation for 18 years, is a familiar face at Sounds of Summer.
“I couldn’t tell you how many years I’ve been doing it,” he said. “But probably as long as the event’s been going on.”
While Kreiselman said that Slapnation has “hardly played for a year,” due to the pandemic, they have been rehearsing to return to the stage and see their loyal fans again, who they are used to seeing on a weekly basis throughout the summers.
A retired Army band musician, Kreiselman is trained to jump from group to group wherever he is needed.
Though he considers Slapnation his “extended family,” he also freelances for other bands.
As a saxophonist, he can play for different genres and styles of music.
He will be filling in for the saxophonist of Tidewater Drive Band at Sounds of Summer when they play in August.
What is Kreiselman most looking forward to about returning to Sounds of Summer?
“The people,” he said. “Of course the people. We usually have a wonderful turnout so it’s good to see familiar faces and new faces, and get everyone in a good mood.”
Slapnation will perform at Sounds of Summer on Thursday, July 8.
Concert attendees can expect an hour-long set of about 12 to 13 songs.
The concert series officially kicked off on Thursday, June 10 with The Main Event Band, and will continue to feature a variety of groups, including Brasswind, Bachelor Boys Band and Soul Expressions.
Visitors can enjoy dinner at any of the local spots before heading over to the outdoor concert to have a Thursday summer night of entertainment.