‘Smokey Joe’s Café’ coming to Owl’s Head Park

June 17, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Vincent Gentile is excited about the upcoming event at Owl's Head Park

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Councilman Vincent Gentile is teaming up with Jeff Samaha Theater Productions/Ridge Chorale to kick-off the summer arts season in Bay Ridge on June 22 with a free performance of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical revue Smokey Joe’s Café.

The show, featuring famous tunes by the songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, will be presented in Owl’s Head Park, Colonial Road and 68th Street, at 4 p.m. The event will take place at the newly-renovated Owl’s Head Park Overlook, a hill overlooking the Narrows waterway.

Smokey Joe’s Café features nearly 40 of the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded – everything from Love Potion #9 to Stand By Me and many more all performed live by a cast of young Brooklyn performers.

Gentile (D-Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Bensonhurst) secured $1.35 million a few years ago for the renovation of the Owl’s Head Park Overlook and its 70-year-old terrace. His goal was to create a destination spot for families to enjoy the beautiful weather, scenery and cultural performances, he said.

“I remember looking out at that million-dollar view of the Narrows a few years ago and thinking ‘what a perfect spot this would be for performances and events!’ Bay Ridge is home to some of the best arts and cultural happenings in Brooklyn and now we’ve got a beautiful outdoor space to show it off!” Gentile told the Brooklyn Eagle.

Food from many of Bay Ridge’s most famous restaurants will be sold at the show. Tommy Casatelli (Kettle Black, Lock Yard) and Thomas Joseph Perone (Pig Guy NYC), two of Bay Ridge’s most well know food gurus, will be cooking hot dogs, wings, pulled pork sandwiches and other great dishes. Matt and Allison Robicelli of Robicelli’s Bakery will be on hand with some of their famous desserts, like whoopie pies and cupcakes!

For more information on the show, call Gentile’s office at 718-748-5200.