Nyack, NY – In a powerful display of unity, compassion, and artistry, the Village of Nyack will host a benefit concert this Sunday to support families displaced by the devastating fire at Nyack Plaza.
The event promises not only a night of extraordinary music – but also a chance for neighbors to help neighbors rebuild their lives from a fire that displaced over a dozen families in June of 2025..
On a June 3, 2025, two separate and severe fires broke out in downtown Nyack, displacing numerous residents and prompting an extensive emergency response from fire departments across Rockland County.
The first fire erupted on the sixth floor of West Shore Towers at 103 Gedney Street. Multiple fire departments, including Nyack, Central Nyack, and Piermont, battled the third-alarm blaze under difficult conditions, as thick smoke billowed from the building.
A second fire was reported less than an hour later at the Nyack Plaza apartments at 409 Nyack Plaza. That fire impacted at least 12 residential units, with flames observed piercing the rooftop by early afternoon. While no injuries were reported at Nyack Plaza, many residents lost their homes and belongings.
“Our hearts go out to all affected residents and first responders,” said Nyack Mayor Joe Rand at the time, urging the community to stay clear of the downtown area during ongoing emergency operations.
In response to this tragedy, organizers Donna Lightfoot-Cooper and the Village of Nyack, along with Dave Budway and Brianne Higgins of Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, are presenting a community benefit concert titled “Music to Mend.” While a GoFundMe campaign initially met some emergency needs, this concert aims to raise essential funds to help families begin the long process of rebuilding.
Over 40 Nyack-area musicians are lending their talents to the cause, including Neil Berg, Rita Harvey, Duane Eubanks, Pamela Bruce, Elliott Forrest, Glenn Schloss, and Korliss Uecker. The lineup represents a broad spectrum of musical excellence and community spirit.
“This is what Nyack is all about—coming together when it counts most,” said Budway. “Music has the power to heal and bring people together, and that’s exactly what we aim to do.”
Mayor Rand recently posted a video to bring more awareness to Sunday’s concert:
Event Details and Donations
To learn more about the concert or to make a donation, visit: https://theangelnyack.com/event/music-to-mend/