Black Eyed Peas Play For Thousands In Central Park

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Black Eyed Peas played to a sold-out, rescheduled concert in Central Park on Friday night.

It was a long time coming for the 60,000 people who packed the Great Lawn for the historic event for the second time.

"We had to make sure everybody was safe. But New Yorkers don't quit. Robin Hood doesn't quit. We're back tonight. The BEP don't quit. Chase doesn't quit. Tonight's going to be a good, good night," David Saltzman of Robin Hood told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.

The original benefit concert for the anti-poverty Robin Hood foundation on June 9 was cancelled at the last minute because of a lightning storm, much to the dismay of fans who waited several hours in the sweltering heat for the gates to open.

"The concert was canceled because of the torrential rain so it was very disappointing. But we're here tonight and we're very happy to be here," said Odalys Grieco of Tuckahoe.

The Peas, along with LL Cool J, Carole King, MC Hammer, Debbie Harry and Taylor Swift, were to perform on the Great Lawn in the summer.

"It was very, very disappointing. I'm glad it's on now," said Toni Gallo of Yonkers.

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Like musical fireworks, the Black Eyed Peas exploded onto the stage with their trademark flair and made the concert worth the wait.

"The Black Eyed Peas are awesome...wooo!" said Serena Yip of Edison, N.J.

Gates opened at 3 p.m. and the show ran from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Part of the proceeds will go towards building three Peapod Academies in New York. The academies for impoverished children will focus on music and art education.

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