E’lissa Jones draws record crowd at Warwick Summer Concert series

WARWICK — As usual Railroad Avenue was closed to traffic on Saturday evening, Aug. 17. And the audience for the E’lissa Jones concert on the Village Green stretched from the park stage to the far side of the street.

The concert was another in the Village of Warwick free summer concert series organized by former Village Trustee Bill Iurato.

Jones, who received a standing ovation at the end of her performance, is a well-known professional singer, prolific songwriter, violinist, pianist and guitarist with a catalogue of more than 250 original songs ranging from jazz, rock and folk to country music.

She has performed background vocals with blues legend Wilson Pickett touring with Ray Charles, Al Green and many more. Jones has also opened for Pete Seeger and Steve Forbert and has played violin for Bobby Vee.

The popular performer also recorded and released five albums: “Shadows,” “This Melodie,” “Anymore,” “Sweet as the Sun,” and her 2011 release “Like Water.”

Jones currently tours the Hudson Valley with her band: Mickey Kopchak on bass, Julio Rosaly and Mark McNutt on electric guitar, and Michael Hickey on drums.

The summer concert series offers Warwick residents and visitors free live music while relaxing on their own blankets or seated on chairs under the stars or at the outdoor tables at Railroad Avenue restaurants.

The series of musical themes each year have ranged from Latin, Irish, Bluegrass, and Jazz to Big Band and Oldies.

Past performances this year have included the Greater New York Symphony and will close on Sunday, Sept. 15, with the final performance of the season featuring Dick Wells and the Jim Perry Big Band.

- Roger Gavan