Senator Klein Hosts Chart-Topping Band Orleans at RiverFest

Klein, local elected officials, KRVC, and families enjoy chart-topping music group at annual RiverFest celebration

Bronx - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), joined by Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, hosted the popular 70’s pop/rock band Orleans at RiverFest on Sunday evening.  

The annual festivities, sponsored by the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation, celebrated the picturesque Hudson River and highlighted the need for a Greenway, during a fun-filled day along the waterfront.

“RiverFest has become a valued tradition in the Riverdale community. This year I was proud to present Orleans, the chart-topping music group, to wow our residents with a memorable show. This festival truly celebrates the beauty of the Hudson River. Further, with the $250,000 funding I secured for the Greenway study and the newly updated timeline for this project, Riverdalians will soon be better able to enjoy this gorgeous outdoor area,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

Senator Klein secured $250,000 for a Greenway feasibility study last year. Now, the MTA will issue a Request For Proposals at the end of this month, bringing the long-envisioned project closer to reality. The study will examine the stabilization of the Hudson River’s embankment in Riverdale and include the development of several design alternatives as well as the selection of the final trail design.

For this year’s bash. the group Orleans, which has produced 16 albums, amazed the crowd with hits like “Still the One,” “Dance with Me,” and “Love Takes Time.” Families gathered throughout the day to enjoy arts and crafts, boat rides, face painting, food, miniature golf, and more.

"Riverfest has become a great attraction for the northwest Bronx, drawing people from all over the metropolitan area to our beautiful, scenic waterfront. I am proud to support this wonderful festival, which year after year highlights both the picturesque beauty of our community and the friendly and welcoming nature of its residents," said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“Riverfest is always an incredible gathering for our community, and I look forward to it every June.  It is an annual celebration of everything that makes Riverdale an amazing place to live.  I am incredibly appreciative of all those who put the time in to make it happen, as well as those who didn’t let the weather stop them from having a wonderful day.  I can’t wait to see what Riverfest 2017 brings,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“Riverfest is an opportunity for us to celebrate everything great that our community represents.  Thank you to everyone who put together this year’s event and I am looking forward to continuing working with my colleagues and the community to fight for better access to the river,” said Councilman Andrew Cohen.

“Senator Klein's generosity and support makes all our events and work more special. Having Orleans Headline Riverdale RiverFest 2016 makes it  a not-to-be-missed  event!” said Tracy Shelton, Executive Director of the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation (KRVC).