Reflections: L.E.S. Bands 14 September 9, 2023

Posted by: Darcel
June 23, 2025

It was gratifying to return to the historic Henry Street for the second time to present “L.E.S. Bands 14: Lower East Side Showtime” in collaboration with Henry Street Settlement’s huge Community Day held alongside our street event while they filled Sol Lain Park. As they do every year Henry Street serves the community in so many ways across age groups and backgrounds we are honored to be asked to provide the entertainment and maintain our brand bringing musical talent to the community.

Hosted by our best supporter, Norris Barrino, a dynamic R&B singer himself, for 2023, our diverse musical roster included rap acts (Stormy Murphy, Rock Nukirk), a rap act backed by a live band (Nubia The MC — loved it!), a rock/folk acoustic guitarist (Gary Z), spoken word artist (Liteskin), a latin reggaeton artist (Capitan Ortiz), a youthful R&B singer and dancers, an 8-piece live R&B/Soul band from New Jersey (Parkway Soul) and a pleasurable treat – a wonderful Michael Jackson impersonator (Travis Richardson), who rocked the socks performing Billie Jean. Henry Street Settlement’s youth program was also included featuring singer and dance group, (Infinite Movement Presents Cianny).

Because live musicianship is such a important element of the LESCPIA purpose to showcase, this is a special shout-out to Nubia The MC, a female rapper with the wisdom to have a live band provide her funky beats. Her backup band, The Untouchables were amazing as she let them shine first. They rocked with the Gap Band’s “Outstanding.” Such a classic had the people rocking. The closing band, Parkway Soul just blew our minds with their repertoire of EARTH, WIND & FIRE!!! OMG every band cannot do EWF but man, they rocked the house. So much so, that by the time they went on, it started raining but folks stuck around to the last song was sung. That’s how good they were. We invite you to check our ‘Media’ page > Videos > LES Bands 14. When they got to the EWF ballad “Would You Mind,” it was over. Hope you take time to view all the great performances.