Liberty Event Produces and the Highline Ballroom presents THE BEACH at Governors Island.

Want to enjoy sand, music, food, DJ’s, and performances by music’s hottest bands, with a great view of Manhattan?

Starting July 11th, check out this summer’s Highline Ballroom presents THE BEACH at Governors Island, produced by Liberty Event.

Governors Island, the host to this year’s Highline Ballroom presents THE BEACH at Governors Island Concert Series, boasts plentiful history.

First used by the Native Americans of Manhattan as a great spot for camping and fishing, known as “Nut Island”, then later being used as a military fortress for the British and American forces for over 200 years.

After the consolidation of the U.S. Military forces in 1966, Governors Island became property of the Coast Guard until 1995. Today, the Island now belongs to the people of New York through the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation.

As for that big round fortress you see when looking over the Hudson at Governors Island, it's named Castle Williams, built in the early 1800s. It was originally created to protect New York from the possibility that the British may try to reclaim the land that America stole from them not too long before.

Silly Brits. We weren’t going to let them take our little colonies back, now were we?

Castle Williams and its counterpart, Castle Clinton, located on the Battery in Manhattan, were known as the “second system”, defending the great city of New York from intruders. Later in this great country’s history, the Castle served as military prison during the Civil War and First World War.

Supposedly inescapable, but proved wrong when Capt. William Robert Webb of the 2^nd North Carolina Cavalry maneuvered his way up the great wall and swam to Manhattan.

Truth? I don’t know, but quite interesting. Captain Webb must’ve been a good swimmer. The Civil War’s very own Michael Phelps.

Want to know something else? “When he explained to people why he was wandering around dressed in rebel greys he told the truth and – disbelieving or uninterested -- they let him wander. Years later he was elected to the Senate.” Even Miss Liberty has her sources, and I got this little gem from Richard Mooney, Editor, News and Stories from Governors Island.

Later the historical fortress became a community center for the U.S. Coast Guard, and in the future? Preliminary plans see it as an exhibition and historical center for the Island.

Governors Island is now host to large-scale events some of which include the FIGMENT arts events, the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic where Prince Harry played on one of the teams, and musical events.

Last year, Liberty Event produced hippie-loving musical acts moe., Dark Star Orchestra, and Tea Leaf Green, as well as the folk-rock Irish band, The Saw Doctors.

This year’s shows include Keller Williams, Pete Francis (formerly of Dispatch) & Barefoot Truth, and returning Grateful Dead cover band, Dark Star Orchestra on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

My friends at Liberty Event told me that other great acts are already booked and the concert dates will be announced shortly. Stay up to date with them on Twitter, and become a fan on Facebook. I know I am.

So with the sand between your toes, the Hudson River in view, and the most peaceful people on earth, jump on NY Water Taxi and hang a ride to THE BEACH at Governors Island for a good time. I wouldn’t miss it, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for you.