It was the perfect evening, Thursday, for a live performance under the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO. Nadia Ackerman and the Harold Pinter Orchestra was the main attraction, just one of many shows lined up as apart of the Live at the Archway concert series this summer.
The archway had been closed for nearly 17 years, occupied by storage materials for bridge construction. However, it was reopened on the Manhattan Bridge’s 100th birthday in 2008, and a year later, former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz announced his vision for the restoration of the archway, which included benches and tables to enable the space to be used for events and exhibits.
The archway now boasts The Lighthouse, a wine and beer kiosk complete with lighting, tables and benches, which is open Wednesday Through Sunday through October.
Though the series was just recently launched in the middle of May, it has gained attention throughout the neighborhood, attracting a number of artists to inquire if they too can have the opportunity to perform.
DUMBO Improvement District Events Director Clara Schuhmacher said the archway makes an ideal public plaza in the heart of the neighborhood.
“It has many purposes and one of those is a place that lends itself naturally as a performance space. Another thing we were really looking to do is highlight the creative people that are living and working in the neighborhood. For us this is a platform to show that off,” said Schuhmacher.
The Dumbo Improvement District is proud to have already hosted electronic pop duo, Doppel Gang, and excited to present future performances from the rockin’ guitar and percussion duo led by Ryan Doyle and the all-female worldbeat dance jam band, Paprika.
Live at The Archway shows are slated from between 6-9 p.m. every Thursday until Oct. 1. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/plnuz36
