Co-op City continued to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its first-ever jazz festival Saturday.

Residents came out despite the intense heat and found refuge in the shade, under a tent by the cooling center or under their umbrellas.

The artists performing at the event included Goussy Celestin, Richie Goods, Sounds of A & R and Jay Hoggard.

There were also food vendors with Brooklyn Soul Food, Southern Comfort and Cupcake Me right in Co-op City.

The Riverbay Fund helped organize the event. The nonprofit group is part of the Riverbay Corporation, Co-op City's management company.

Organizers say because of the changing dynamic in the community, it's important to show that the neighborhood is still alive and well.

"We want to show that this is still a viable community, that the people in this community matter and that we realize that they need entertainment," says Noel Ellison, General Manager of the Riverbay Corporation.

The Riverbay Fund also provides educational, arts and cultural programs to all of its residents.