SummerStage, Charlie Parker Jazz Fest Lineups Announced: Charles Bradley, Caribou and More

Monday, May 18
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Formed in 2010 with a spirit of adventure that saw Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks shelve their equally successful solo careers, T​edeschi Trucks Band,​an 11­piece tour­de­force, has quickly become the vanguard of modern roots music. Driven by Trucks, #16 of the top 100 Guitarists of All Time (Rolling Stone), and Tedeschi, blessed with a voice that passionately delivers a range of powerful R&B belters to gentle ballads, the group enlists dual drummers, two vocalists, a three­piece horn section, bass, and a multi­instrumentalist keyboard player for what is a greater­than­the­sum­of­its­parts collective. “A deeply skilled groove machine,” (Los Angeles Times) that displays “a peerless brand of musical alchemy as easily cool and consoling as white hot and ascendant.”(Relix) Tedeschi Trucks Band debuted big with its Grammy

Award­winning Revelator, 2012’s dynamic live follow up, Everybody’s Talkin’, and 2013’s critically­acclaimed Made Up Mind bolstering the Jacksonville­based group’s growing reputation as the preeminent blues­rock leader. With guitarist Derek Trucks’ departure from The Allman Brothers Band final at the end of 2014, the band has fully dedicated itself to expanding its legendary live performances with an increasing repertoire of soulful neo­classics.

Tuesday, May 19
Mastodon / Clutch with guest Graveyard
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
TICKETED
Art is a cyclical beast. The same can easily be said of Grammy Award nominated hard rock juggernaut Mastodon.​The group’s four members recognize the importance of life’s omnipresent cycles on their sixth full­length album, Once More ‘Round the Sun. The band orbits around themes of loss and rebirth, twirling a sonic spiral of its signature robust riffing, hypnotically haunting soundscapes, triage of dynamic voices, and thundering seismic grooves. At the same time, this particular collection proves personal for Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Troy Sanders, with the very title saying something slightly different for each member.

Maryland rockers​Clutch​have been pushing the boundaries that define heavy rock music since the 4 original members got together in high school. Having been tagged hard rock, blues rock, southern stoner rock and alternative metal by press and fans across the world alike it is safe to say one thing… “What you see is what you get”, and what you get is a musical force that has been best described as the quintessential American rock band.

Tuesday, June 2
Lyricist Lounge featuring Scarface
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
As a solo artist and member of Geto Boys, S​carface​has always made sure to tell the stories he feels the world needs to hear. Whether it is speaking out against injustice, reflecting on his struggles with depression and his own mental health, or just telling the stories of the streets, he is one rapper you can always rely on to give you the real deal. In his video for “No Problem,” the first single off 2014’s D​eeply Rooted,​Face comes out swinging, literally, as he strolls the streets alone through his original hood, South Acres in Houston, TX. Dressed in a low key black sweater and some casual jeans, with Malcolm X style glasses adding an even greater depth to his dead serious stare, the first thing you notice is that he’s lost over 100 pounds. He starts things off by declaring that he’s the “G​reatest ever done it, you can learn from it, dope game ran it, rap game run it, street cred hunnid, nerd turned d boy, not genetic makeup, baby I’m a G­boy.​” It’s quite a declaration, but if you know the man’s history, you know that he earned the right to say, and mean, every line.

Wednesday, June 3
Troy Ave / Phony Ppl
hosted by Hot 97s Ebro, Laura, and Rosenberg in association with MeanRed
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Roland Collins, better known as T​roy Ave​(the name of the block he grew up on in Brooklyn), has been buzzing in New York since 2006. Bringing heat in the form of hype songs with real lyrics, this high energy MC has made music by and for the streets. Never apologetic, Troy Ave’s attitude and demeanor are direct and effortless; he raps what he lives. He has dropped four mixtapes, which he sold over 70,000 copies of right out his car’s trunk. In November 2013, he released his first studio album, N​ew York City: The Album,​ which debuted at number 47 on the US B​illboard T​op R&B/Hip­Hop Albums chart. Last year, he was named part of the 2014 X​XL​Freshmen Class.

Since throwing warehouse shows around New York in 2011, P​hony Ppl​has tossed together vintage astral funk, colorful world music, and dusted­out hip­hop either from the future or the past. Co­founded by writer/arrangers Elbee Thrie and Aja Grant, the band flipped D.I.Y recordings into self­released hits like “I Wish I Was A Chair” and “End of the Night,” and tours with like­minded experimental elders Theophilus London, Erykah Badu and The Roots. Their latest effort, 2015’s “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” gained rotation on BBC1 and Odd Future Radio, and the L.A. Times applauded it’s “meteoric rise” via social media, peaking at #6 on iTunes. The band will be on the road with the record throughout the year.

Thursday, June 4
The Felice Brothers / The Barr Brothers
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Felice Brothers​began in 2006 by doing what any youths, lost in upstate New York with dim job prospects would do: become obsessed with traveling the world and playing extremely loud rock ‘n’ roll. After settling on minor matters like who plays what (Ian Felice ­ vocals/guitar, James Felice ­ accordion/keys/vocals, Greg Farley ­ fiddle/vocals, Josh Rawson ­ bass/vocals, and recent addition David Estabrook ­ drums), the band procured instruments and cans of sardines, packed up tents, and devoted their lives to studying the art of songcraft, from Hoagie Carmichael to Kurt Cobain. The band headed to NYC where they busked their way to small restaurant gigs and eventually, major festival dates at Coachella, Bonnaroo and the like. Their latest album, F​avorite Waitress​(2014), marks the first time the band recorded in a proper studio, though they’ve previously released five albums and six mixtapes. Produced by the band’s longtime producer and collaborator Jeremy Backofen, F​avorite Waitress​is their most fully realized statement to date.

The Barr Brothers are a Montreal based folk­roots quartet featuring brothers Brad and Andrew Barr with harpist Sarah Pagé and multi­instrumentalist Andrés Vial. The group’s first self­titled LP was released in 2011 and their second album, S​leeping Operator,​debuted in October 2014. They’ve opened for folk singer Emmylou Harris and were nominated for a 2013 Juno award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

Friday, June 5
Lemon Andersen / #LoveHustle featuring DJ Reborn & J. Keys in association with 651 Arts
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lemon Andersen’​s new play T​oasT,​commissioned by The Public Theater in New York City and the Sundance Institute, will debut in April 2015. For a decade, Lemon’s performances have rocked iconic venues including San Francisco’s Theatre On The Square, Gammage Performing Arts Center in Arizona, Charleston’s Spoleto Festival, New Haven’s Arts & Ideas Festival, the Chicago Theatre and the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. In 2009, Spike Lee produced Lemon’s coming­of­age autobiographical memoir County of Kings​at the Public Theater. His performance received an acclaimed review from Ben Brantley of The New York Times. P​ublished in 2010, the play’s script was awarded the New York Book Festival’s Grand Prize. Lemon won a Tony Award in 2003 for D​ef Poetry Jam,​produced by​R​ussell Simmons on Broadway and broadcast on HBO for six seasons. He earned his classically trained chops at the Public Theater’s Shakespeare Lab and his work has received support from the Sundance Institute. His resume as an author also includes his book of new poems titled S​traightrazor.​Lemon’s writing was excerpted by actor and activist Hill Harper for his best­selling book L​etters To An Incarcerated Brother.​A native New Yorker, Lemon proudly represents Brooklyn.

DJ Reborn​is a trailblazing international DJ, sound collage artist, hip hop theater musical director and arts educator. She has spent the last two decades utilizing her passion for music and her skills as a DJ to traverse within these worlds and make an impact. Reborn has worked as a DJ/creative writing mentor for teen girls at Urban Word NYC, a DJ instructor and curriculum designer for Dubspot, and as touring DJ for Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam. In the music world, she has opened shows for The Roots and John

Legend and in the art world, she has worked with celebrated artists Kara Walker, Wangheci Mutu and the legendary Carrie Mae Weems. She has deejayed live on BET and for the live telecast of the NAACP Image Awards as well as the MSNBC telecast of the One Nation Rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. She has graced many stages including The Kennedy Center and The Sydney Opera House in Australia. She’s provided live soundscapes for activists Eve Ensler’s V­Day project and Howard Zinn’s Voices of a People. DJ Reborn now lives and works bi­coastally between NYC and LA. She continues to build a unique and dynamic resume that sets her apart from many in her field.

J. Keys​is a Brooklyn based emcee hailing from Detroit, Michigan. His sound blends both his midwest upbringing and his years of east coast experience to create his own independent rhythm. J. Keys has performed at some of NYC’s most important and legendary spaces, including S.O.B’s, B.B. Kings, Rock and Rose, Kraine Theater, Le Poisson Rouge and Pianos. Additionally, he has rocked stages nationally and internationally from Atlanta to South Africa. Most recently he opened for DJ Quik in NYC and performed on the Mainstage at A3C alongside such notable emcees as Elzhi of Slum Village, Master Ace, and Skyzoo.

Saturday, June 6
KanKouran West African Dance Company / Master Class: Assane Konte
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
KanKouran West African Dance Company​was founded for the purpose of contributing to the extension of the arts by introducing the essence of traditional African dancing and drumming to audiences; enriching American cultural heritage through the integration of authentic West African performing arts; and promoting intercultural understanding through education and the performing arts. KanKouran was formed in 1983, in Washington, DC, byArtistic Director Assane Konte and former Director of Music, Abdou Kounta, who grew up together in Dakar, Senegal. Throughout the last 30 years, KanKouran has established itself as a premier center for the study and performance of traditional West African dancing and drumming. KanKouran’s annual African dance and drum conference is the largest, longest­running gathering of student­ through master­level African dancers and drummers in the U.S. The Company has also worked extensively to bring African dance and drum to children of all ages through various in­school and extra­curricular programs.

Assane Konte,​a national of Senegal, West Africa, is the Co­Founder and Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Costume Designer for KanKouran West African Dance Company. His career as a professional dancer began at age 15 with the “Ballet Africaine de Diebel Guee” of Dakar, Senegal, with whom he performed for ten years. In 1978, following a tour in Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Konte came to the United States to pursue a career as an independent performer and worked with numerous organizations as a musical arranger and choreographer. In 1983, Mr. Konte and Abdou Kounta, founded the KanKouran West African Dance Company, aimed at preserving and sharing Africa’s rich culture through dance and music. The company has performed at the White House and across the globe.

Saturday, June 6
Blue Note Jazz Festival: Meshell Ndegeocello / Roy Hargrove / Gabriel Garzón­Montano
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mercurial and masterful, M​eshell Ndegeocello​has survived the best and worst of what a career in music has to offer. She has eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musicals trends for musical truths. She has lived through the boom and bust of the industry and emerged just as she entered ­ unequivocally herself. Fans have come to expect the unexpected from Meshell, and faithfully followed her on sojourns into soul, spoken word, R&B, jazz, hip­hop, rock, all bound by a lyrical, spiritual search for love, justice, respect, resolution, and happiness.

At 36, trumpeter R​oy Hargrove​has firmly established himself among the premier players in jazz and beyond. Ever­stretching into more challenging and colorful ways to flex his musical chops, Hargrove has left indelible imprints in a vast array of artful settings. During his tenure on the Verve label alone, he has

recorded an album with a hand­picked collection of the world’s greatest tenor saxophonists (W​ith the Tenors of Our Time)​, an album of standards with strings (M​oment to Moment)​and, in 2003, introduced his own hip hop/jazz collective The RH Factor with the groundbreaking CD H​ard Groove​(swiftly followed by the limited edition EP, S​trength)​. Hargrove has also won GRAMMY Awards for two vastly different projects. In 1997, Roy’s Cuban­based band Crisol (including piano legend Jesus “Chucho” Valdes and wonder drummer Horatio “El Negro” Hernandez) won the Best Latin Jazz Performance GRAMMY for the album H​abana.​And in 2002, Hargrove, Herbie Hancock and Michael Brecker won Best Instrumental Jazz Album, Individual or Group, for their three­way collaboration D​irections in Music.​

Introducing singer, composer, multi­instrumentalist and native New Yorker G​abriel Garzón­Montano.​Born to a Colombian father and a French mother, Gabriel spent his early years mastering the violin, guitar, and drums, before turning to the piano and bass guitar to better complete his compositions. By the time he graduated from Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music, the foundations for his debut EP, B​ishouné: Alma del Huila,​were already laid. A heartfelt tribute to the role of family, love, and the City’s unavoidable lifestyle, B​ishouné: Alma del Huila​collects six songs performed and recorded at Henry Hirsch’s famed Waterfront Studios. Renovated from an old church, Henry’s home provided Gabriel with the right tools and environs needed to realize his demos to the songs included on this EP.

Sunday, June 7
Angelique Kidjo / Emmanuel Jal / Rich Medina
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
In an expansive career marked as much by extraordinary musical achievement as passionate advocacy and philanthropy for her homeland of Africa, A​ngelique Kidjo​has found many ways to celebrate the rich, enlightening truth about the continent’s women beyond the media spotlight. On E​ve,​her highly anticipated Savoy Records debut named for her own mother as well as the mythical “mother of all living,” the Benin born, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter builds on this ever­evolving legacy with a 13­track, three interlude set of melodically rich, rhythmically powerful expressions of female empowerment. These songs become all the more intimate and emotionally urgent with Kidjo’s dynamic collaborations with traditional women’s choirs from Kenya and various cities and villages in Benin. The singer and her newfound native vocalists sing in a wide array of native Beninese languages, including Fon (Kidjo’s first language), Yoruba, Goun, and Mina.

Emmanuel Jal​(Paul) was born into the life of a child solider in the early 1980s in the war­torn region of Southern Sudan. Through unbelievable struggles, Emmanuel managed to survive and go on to emerge as a recording artist, achieving worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his personal experiences. Jal’s fifth studio album, T​he Key,​was released in September 2014 and included collaborations with Nile Rodgers and Nelly Furtado. The album blends traditional African music with contemporary urban, hip hop and global pop music rhythms, while incorporating EDM, reggae/dub, soul and Afro beat elements.

For over two decades, R​ich Medina​has cemented his reputation as a world class DJ. Outside the club, he’s a father, educator, platinum­selling record producer, poet, designer, public speaker and journalist. From his humble beginnings at TK Nightclub in Philadelphia to his current status manning the decks at four of New York City’s most popular recurring parties, Rich Medina has taken crowds on a sonic journey through hip­hop, house, Afrobeat, funk and soul, unearthing one musical gem after another and adhering to a singular, uplifting creed: Love Afro Life. Medina is also an advisory board member of (his alma mater) Cornell University’s Hip Hop Collection where he is a guest lecturer and panel moderator for their music and Africana departments. His writing has been featured in many esteemed publications including The Fader, Wax Poetics and Complex Magazine.

Sunday, June 7

Family Day: Unlocking the Truth / Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls featuring Harsh Crowd / Black Girls Rock! / DJ Diamond Kuts
Red Hook Park, BK
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Unlocking the Truth​is a young metal band from Brooklyn, New York, who write and create their own lyrics and music. The band members are Malcolm Brickhouse (guitar), Jarad Dawkins (drums) and Alec Atkins (bass). In March 2012, Unlocking the Truth competed on Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater and made it to the Show­Off Round. Afterward, they began performing at festivals around New York City and in Times Square. One of the band’s biggest breaks came in August 2014, when they were invited to perform at the AfroPunk Festival in New York, followed by the Fun, Fun, Fun Festival in Austin, Texas. This year, Unlocking the Truth will return to Austin to play SXSW, and they will be the youngest band ever to play at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in California. The band recently appeared in a Beats by Dr. Dre

c o m m e r c i a l a n d w e r e f e a t u r e d i n t h e D e c e m b e r i s s u e o f N​ e w Y o r k ​M a g a z i n e a s t h e 1 5 t h R e a s o n T o L o v e New York. Unlocking the Truth has created enough music to complete at least 3 CDs. In fact, they’re scheduled to record their first album this spring. Unlocking the Truth’s goal is to become one of the world’s best metal bands, and with their music, they want people to know that they can do what they want, no matter who they are, or what people say. Just be free as you want to be!

New York based quartet H​arsh Crowd​­ Willow, Rihana, Lena, and Dea ­ met at W​illie Mae Rock Camp​for Girls in the summer of 2013 and have been playing together ever since. These four multi­instrumentalists (clean & distorted guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums) are collectively drawn to pop hooks, punk delivery, and classic rock with smidges of R & B ­ but no slow jams; they craft original arena anthems and are sonically curious about everything. Making waves straight out of the gate, Harsh Crowd has charmed audiences at venues such as Joe’s Pub, the Frieze Art Fair, Le Poisson Rouge and Madison Square Garden.

The mission of B​LACK GIRLS ROCK!​is to change the world by empowering Black girls to lead, innovate, and serve. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!TM Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that has been committed to enriching girls through leadership, education, and positive identity development since 2006. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! builds the self­esteem and self­worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and providing tools for self­empowerment and efficacy. Founded by celebrity DJ and philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is also a multifaceted movement dedicated to shifting the cultural paradigms of media/music messaging that often negatively impact women and girls.

Transforming her childhood affinity for music into a mainstream career, D​J Diamond Kuts​(aka Tina Dunham) is pioneering her way through the music industry. As a DJ for Philadelphia’s Power 99 FM, she is the first and only female mixer to have a slot on Philadelphia radio. She DJs 7 days a week, and her mix show ratings have been and remain higher than those of any DJ on any format on Philadelphia radio since 2009. Diamond has worked with BET as host of their show ‘The Deal’ and has guest hosted ‘106 and Park’ numerous times. She has also recently stepped into the production realm, signing a deal with Sony ATV, and working on the Nicki Minaj track “Stupid Hoe.”

Sunday, June 7
BattleFest League Dancers / screening: Flex is Kings in association with ImageNation
Red Hook Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brooklyn’s own extreme dance league, B​attleFest,​brings its best dancers out for an impromptu live performance with the synth­pop extreme cello mixed with synthesizers, electronics and beats of Tranimal, a collaborative project of veteran dance composers Christopher Lancaster and Jerome Begin.

Flex dancing channels the mean streets of East New York into choreographed violence: guns battle, bones break, and hearts are ripped from chests. Using dance to illustrate their everyday lives and their inner

aspirations, dancers jump into beautiful and imaginative dream logic and feats of daring: monsters roam train cars, young lovers meet, souls fly from bodies.

Flex is Kings​is a riveting and awe­inspiring look inside the world of Brooklyn street dancing known as ‘flexing.’ Directors Michael Beach Nichols and Deidre Schoo take audiences along on the emotional journey of several young dancers ­ dancers who vie for a chance to make something of themselves by battling it out through this DIY art form.

Sunday, June 7
World’s Fair Anniversary Festival: C​harles Bradley & His Extraordinaires​/ Hollis Brown / Damien Escobar
Flushing Meadows­Corona Park, QU
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Other artists appreciate their audiences, just as many are grateful for them, but few artists l​ove their fans as much and as sincerely as C​harles Bradley.​By now, his remarkable, against­all­odds rise has been well­documented – how he transcended a bleak life on the streets and struggled through a series of ill­fitting jobs – most famously as a James Brown impersonator at Brooklyn clubs – before finally being discovered by Daptone’s Gabe Roth. The year following the release of his debut, N​o Time For Dreaming,​was one triumph after another: a stunning performance at S​outh By Southwest that earned unanimous raves; similarly­gripping appearances at B​onnaroo, Austin City Limits, Newport Folk Festival a​nd O​utside Lands (to name just a few); and spots on Year­End Best Lists from R​olling Stone, MOJO, GQ, Paste a​nd more. V​ictim of Love,​Bradley’s second record, is a continuation of that story, moving past the ‘heartache and pain’ and closer to the promise of hope.

Hollis Brown is a self­defined American Rock ‘n’ Roll band. Named after a Bob Dylan song (“The Ballad of Hollis Brown”), the band was formed by Queens­natives and songwriters Mike Montali (lead vocals/guitar) and Jonathan Bonilla (lead guitar). Both 2nd­generation immigrants (Italian­American and Puerto Rican­American, respectively), they soon found their musical brethren in the Mid­West, recruiting Dillon Devito (bass/vocals) and Andrew Zehnal (drums) from Ohio, and Adam Bock (keyboard/vocals) from Missouri. Hollis Brown made a significant splash as an independent band with the release of their debut album “Ride On The Train” on Alive Naturalsound in 2013, garnering song and video premieres from Rolling Stone, Paste, and American Songwriter, and music placements on MTV’s “Real World”, Showtime’s “Shameless”, and the Willem Dafoe/Matt Dillon film “Bad Country”. They toured extensively in America and Europe, building a fanbase on both continents. Following a memorable performance at a Lou Reed tribute concert in NYC, Alive Naturalsound asked the band to go back into the studio to record a tribute to the Velvet Underground’s classic album “Loaded”, as a limited­edition vinyl release for Record Store Day 2014. The band has now finished recording their new studio album, “3 Shots” which has been mixed by the legendary John Agnello, and will be released May 5th.

Turning points come to serve a purpose of either making or breaking­­ for two­time Emmy award winning violinist, D​amien Escobar,​it achieved both. In 2012 the world renown duo, Nuttin’ but Stringz (America’s Got Talent) ended their 10­year journey together, and from that Escobar’s solo career emerged. Rebuilding proved to be challenging but with undeniable talent and perseverance, Escobar now boasts of 200,000 downloads from his debut mixtape; a running list of notable solo headliner performances on his résumé including: Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef Awards, Indy Car Championship Awards, Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want Tour, Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Inaugural Ball; and in 2014 Escobar released “Freedom,” his breakout single which debuted on CNN.com and “The Katie Couric Show.” Escobar, credited for being one of the top crossover violinists in the world, is making strides towards bringing instrumental music to the forefront. Stay tuned, his mission has already begun.

Thursday, June 11
Duck Down 20­Year Anniversary BBQ with Boot Camp Clik & Friends, Kirk Knight & CJ Fly of Pro Era, Chelsea Reject & Statik Selektah

Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Duck Down Music i​s currently celebrating its 20­year anniversary. The iconic NYC Hip­Hop label has sold over 4 million records with titles from various acts, such as Talib Kweli, KRS­ONE, 9th Wonder & Buckshot, Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun, Sean Price, Boot Camp Clik, Black Moon, Statik Selektah, Pharoahe Monch & more.

Friday, June 12
Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / DJ Chuck Chillout / DJ Mell Starr in association with Zulu Nation
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
R&B sensation H​orace Brown​made his first break in 1991 after Jodeci’s DeVante Swing discovered one of his impressive demos. He reached popular success in 1996 after the release of his debut self titled album, which featured a number of well known artists including Sean “Puffy” Combs and Faith Evans, and included the hit single “One for the Money.” Today, this R&B veteran continues to write and perform, displaying his remarkable musical skills to all.

Jeff Redd​is an award­winning music mogul, recording artist and entrepreneur who is well­known for his successful contributions to the entertainment industry. As a music artist, he is best known for his mega­hit singles, “You Called and Told Me” from the Strictly Business soundtrack and “Love High”. As a music executive he has been praised for launching the career of the Queen of Hip­Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige and producing countless other artists such SWV, Bobby Brown, Allure and Field Mob. Redd has received Grammy, American Music, Soul Train, and Billboard awards for distinguished albums for successful artists such as K­Ci and JoJo, Regina Belle, Salt N Pepa, not to mention countless others. As an entrepreneur, Redd has diversified his portfolio as the owner of an independent recording label, Sol Real Records, as an author of a soon to be released romance novel and creator of the shea butter body product line, Sol Real Butter. He is also involved in two reality television shows currently in production. “On Your Grind” and “Come Back Kings”.

Chuck Chill Out’​s love for hip hop and the spirit of enjoyment through music has been coming across the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area for the past 25+years. Chuck Chill Out is one of the founding DJ’s at the famous 98.7 Kiss radio station, and the first DJ to introduce Public Enemy’s new form of hip hop to the radio waves. Withstanding all controversy throughout the changing of style, content and relevance of hip hop, Chuck Chill Out has been that constant form of ‘feel good’ music ­ ‘happy’ music for his listeners. As soon as you see him adorn a set of headphones, once you hear the first scratch you know,”It’s Chuck Chill Out and he’s all the way live.”

DJ Mell Starr​aka “The Most Dangerous” has studied a craft that had never before been given recognition or even considered a legitimate skill. Yet, Starr has proven that the DJ is the heart, soul and the backbone, to performers on stage. Starr’s revolutionary talent began on the turntable at the age of nine, when he attempted a scratch technique, on his family’s old Technics turntable. As the years progressed, Starr ultimately gained the status of being a great disc jockey, however, Starr is a multi­faceted talent. Using his craft, he creates new trends in music. He continues to shatter the limitations, so often placed on artists. He has an innovative style, and a knack for choosing just the right crowd­pleasing sound.

Saturday, June 13
Lettuce / The Soul Rebels
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
After celebrating their 20th anniversary as modern day rulers of old school funk, the Brooklyn­based juggernaut L​ettuce i​s not showing any signs of slowing. Having blown up stages from coast to coast last year, ranging from The Fillmore in San Francisco to Terminal 5 in NYC, Bonnaroo to Pemberton and all points in­between, Lettuce is poised to continue their rapid growth for years to come.

The Soul Rebels​started with an idea shared between founding members Derrick Moss and Lumar LeBlanc – to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass band tradition they grew up with. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock. Together with a group of young, like­minded musicians from all over New Orleans, they formed The Soul Rebels and set out to make their mark on the music they love. The band has settled on an eight­piece lineup that can be heard on their international debut release U​nlock Your Mind.​The Soul Rebels built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in the party like atmosphere of a dance club. When not touring, The Soul Rebels’ weekly show at New Orleans’ Le Bon Temps Roulé is known to erupt with the kind of contagious, shout­along musical mayhem that The Rebels bring with them wherever they perform.

Saturday, June 13
Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring Elaine Del Valle’s Brownsville Bred
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brownsville Bred,​written, performed and lived by Elaine Del Valle won several NYC awards and festivals before being successfully produced at The Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe. It’s first AEA Regional production was at Westchester’s Schoolhouse Theater where it was directed by Pamela Moller Kareman. “I’m taking this off Broadway,” said Kareman bringing together a team of producers who were inspired by the play as much as she was. Simon McLean, Quinn Cassavale of Theater 808 and The Schoolhouse Theater brought Brownsville Bred​to its Off Broadway Premiere at the prestigious 59E59 Theaters in the summer of 2011. Brownsville Bred​played to sold out houses and received rave reviews, and continues to be performed at Colleges, High School and Special Events.

Sunday, June 14
Family Day: Martha Redbone / Ebony Hillbillies
Betsy Head Park, BK
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Charismatic songstress M​artha Redbone​is one of the leading contemporary Native/African­American musicians. A multi award­winning musician, she has established a solid history of performing and mentoring internationally. Martha has built a passionate fan base across the country and carries the torch of her forebears in Contemporary Native American Music in raising awareness of her culture worldwide through the release of her albums S​kintalk a​nd H​ome of the Brave​in Europe and Japan. P​erforming Songwriter described Redbone as “part Aretha Franklin, part Neville Brothers, part tribal powwow.” Her latest album, The Garden of Love ­ Songs of William Blake,​is a twist on the Appalachian music of her childhood in Black Mountain, Kentucky. Produced by John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the album is a brilliant fusion of Blake’s immortal words, a cornucopia of roots music (Americana, blues, gospel) and Redbone’s magnificent voice.

Whether they’re playing for thousands of people at Carnegie Hall or a handful of curious passersby on the subway platform at Grand Central Station, T​he Ebony Hillbillies​bring history alive with the still vibrant sound of Americana. As one of the last black string bands in the U.S. ­ and the only one currently based in NYC ­ the Hillbillies keep an important legacy alive with a rootsy, homegrown style that many forget was a key element in the genesis of all the music we cherish as uniquely American ­ jazz, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock and roll and country. Bringing a fresh urgency to the genre for a 21st century world in need of some deep musical education, the ensemble led by Henrique Prince (fiddle, vocals) and Norris Bennett (banjo, mountain dulcimer, guitar, vocals) and featuring Gloria Thomas Gassaway on vocals and bones, William “Salty Bill” Salter on acoustic bass with A.R. or Newman Taylor Baker on washboard and percussion, creates an untamed and joyful vibe that echoes across the generations and transcends all racial and cultural boundaries.

Sunday, June 14

DJ Fulano / screening: Annie in association with ImageNation
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
At only eleven years old, Harlem raised D​J Fulano​has already deejayed at an astounding array of high profile events, including the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports Awards, Diane Von Furstenberg’s GapKids collection launch, Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards, and Vogue Bambini’s Kids Fashion Week show ­ to name a few. DJ Fulano, born Fulano Librizzi, began his musical career as a drummer, starting lessons at age 4, before receiving a scholarship to NYC deejay school, Dubspot at age 5. A huge fan of DJ Cassidy’s, Fulano continuously reached out to the famous DJ, and eventually, through persistence and a bit of luck, was able to meet him. Cassidy has served as a mentor ever since, and explains, “Fulano’s vast musical knowledge, sophisticated rhythmic timing, and uncanny ability to read a crowd supersedes his age in ways that create utter wonder.”

Ever since her parents left her as a baby, little​Annie (​Quvenzhané Wallis) has led a hard­knock life with her calculating foster mother, Miss Hannigan. However, all that changes when hard­nosed billionaire and mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) takes her in on the recommendation of his advisers (Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale). Stacks believes that he’s Annie’s guardian angel, but the plucky youngster’s confidence and sunny outlook may mean that Annie will save Will instead.

Monday, June 15
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Janai Brugger, Nathan Gunn, Isabel Leonard, and pianist Dan Saunders
Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Tuesday, June 16
Yiddish Soul: A Concert of Cantorial and Chassidic Music
featuring Avraham Fried, Netanel Hershtik, Yankv Lemmer, Joseph Malovaney, Lipa Shmeltzer, Zusha. Music Director: Avremi Gourarie. Music Supervisor: Zalmen Mlotek.
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The concert is part of KulturfestNYC, a week­long festival of Jewish performing arts celebrating the centennial season of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, and made possible by the generous support of the UJA.
Yiddish Soul: A Concert of Cantorial and Chassidic Music, features five of the leading Cantorial singers from the modern Chassidic music scene. Incorporating contemporary musical styles and sensibilities, while keeping the message and the poetry pure and true to the ethical tenets of Judaism, modern orthodox music has swept up a generation of young Jewish music fans. The liturgical music of the Cantor has for centuries been the spiritual gateway for Jewish worshippers and communities in synagogues around the world. The virtuosity and deeply emotional artistry of the world’s great Cantors has been a passion of music aficionados from the earliest days of the recording and film media, when Cantors like the legendary Yosele Rosenblatt became models of vocal virtuosity. Today, this sound has crossed over into mainstream jazz and world music festivals and performing arts centers worldwide.

Wednesday, June 17 Lindsey Sterling Central Park, MN 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM TICKETED

Lindsey Stirling​is one of the biggest artist development breakthrough stories in recent years. A classically trained violinist from Gilbert, AZ, Lindsey has entered a futurist world of electronic big beats and animation, leaping through the music industry with over half a billion views on YouTube, Billboard chart­topping hits and

sold out tours worldwide. On stage, Stirling moves with the grace of a ballerina but works the crowd into a frenzy, “dropping the beat” like a rave fairy. Stirling is the model of a modern independent recording artist, with a symbiotic relationship with her fans. She is famed for taking “requests” and has recorded unique versions of the themes from “Phantom Of The Opera” and “Game Of Thrones”, the computer games “Zelda,” “Pokemon,” and “Skyrim,” as well as pop songs by Michael Jackson and Rihanna.

Wednesday, June 17
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Janai Brugger, Nathan Gunn, Isabel Leonard, and pianist Dan Saunders
Brooklyn Bridge Park, BK
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Wednesday, June 17
Lyricist Lounge featuring Biz Markie and Masta Ace
Herbert Von King Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The legendary B​iz Markie brings more than 26 years of solid hip­hop acumen and an overwhelming fan­base that stretches from New York City to Japan and Europe. At the age of 14, Marcel Hall dazzled his neighborhood under the alias of Biz Markie. His music scene debut began in 1985 as a beat box for Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew. From then Biz began constructing his own destiny in the mystifying world of rap and hip­hop. Now 26 years older and immensely wiser, Biz continues to be universally praised by the ever­fickle and unforgiving hip­hop industry. No easy feat to accomplish, Biz is the definition of longevity and has managed to remain one of the most notable artists and DJs in the industry.

Masta Ace has always managed to remain current and totally classic in the exact same breath. As one of the most prolific lyricists ever to emerge from Brooklyn, NY, his albums are like mini­movements. In his 1988 lyrical debut, he took a stand alongside Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap and Craig G on hip­hop’s most important posse cut, ‘The Symphony.’ His first full length album, the Marley Marl produced T​ake A Look Around (1990), established the emcee as a sophisticated voice from the ghetto. Slaughtahouse (1993) was an ingenious conversation with hip­hop, as Ace took on the entire gangsta rap genre and in 1995, S​ittin’ On Chrome unified American car culture. In 2001 Ace released the epic Disposable Arts a​nd returned in 2004 with the highly acclaimed, A Long Hot Summer. A​ce is currently involved in special projects like EMC and the A&E group with talented Boston veteran EdoG.

Thursday, June 18
Taana Gardner / Johnny Kemp / DJ Yoda / Hosted by TC Izlam in association with Zulu Nation Herbert Von King Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Newark, New Jersey­born T​aana Gardner k​new she wanted to act and sing at a very young age. After breaking onto the disco scene in 1978, Taana quickly became a leading vocalist for the New York based label West End Records that released some of the finest and most influential disco during the late 70s and early 80s. This high energy diva has been wowing crowds and touring all around the world ever since. Gardner has lent her vocal skills and toured with several acts, including Alicia Keys, Jagged Edge, Busta Rhymes, Melba Moore, Kool & the Gang, Peabo Bryson, Edwin Starr, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. And in 2009, Gardner took a role in a local play, “When Doves Fly” to pursue her love of acting, another of her passions.

Johnny Kemp began singing in nightclubs in the Bahamas at 13 before he moved to New York in 1979 with the band “Kinky Fox.” His self­titled debut album came out in 1986 and he scored a minor hit with “Just Another Lover.” True success came the following year, however, with the release of his Secrets of Flying album, which contained a pair of Top 5 hits on the US Billboard R&B chart. “Just Got Paid” also cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988,​and went to top the Hot Dance Music/Club Play.

Duncan Beiny aka DJ Yoda is no ordinary scratch DJ. His seminal H​ow To Cut & Paste s​eries showcased a tongue­in­cheek mixing style that prompted Q Magazine to declare him “one of the ten DJs to see before you die”, whilst Hip Hop Connection voted him “one of the top three DJs in the world”. From his hip­hop beginnings, DJ Yoda has evolved in the past ten years, using his turntable skills and influences as diverse as funk, b­more, kuduro, reggae, drum ‘n’ bass and even big band swing and country & western, to make unashamed party music. No stranger to cutting the Indiana Jones theme with woofer­worrying dubstep or the Muppet Theme with 1930’s swing, his shows are peppered with film, TV and YouTube samples and visuals that lift his sets to new and stratospheric heights.

Friday, June 19
Laurie M. Taylor/Soul Movement / Master Class: Karisma Jay
Herbert Von King Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
As the Artistic Director and CEO of Soul Movement, L​aurie M. Taylor​delves deep into the emotional truths of the human experience. Placing emphasis on “groove” as a key choreographic concept, her work combines both vernacular movement aesthetics with contemporary technical forms. S​oul Movement‘​s style is based in “sound perception,” a heavily musical demonstration of rhythm, texture and tone experienced through the body. Laurie’s rich Southern (the American South) and Liberian heritage lace their way throughout each piece rendering a lush, curvilinear style. This extends into an expressive repertory, telling “movement stories” ranging from the courageous lunch counter sit­ins of the 1960’s, to being caught up in whirlwind of passion. For Laurie, music is the primary impulse for movement and she has been recognized with a Fund for New Works Grant with Blue Note recording artist Derrick Hodge (Robert Glasper Experiment), and has collaborated with arranger/violinist Stephanie Matthews (String Candy, Sphinx Organization) and the EMMY­Award winning Soulful Symphony.

True to her name, Brooklyn native K​arisma Jay​has been dancing and performing since the tender age of 2. Currently, she is a featured performer with the international sensation, STOMP. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Brooklyn’s AbunDance Academy of the Arts. Teaching dance since the age of 10, she has become skilled at developing the confidence and charisma of even her shyest students, who range in age from 2 to 92. An alumna of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art (Dance) and NYU Gallatin (Pre­Med and Performing Arts), Karisma has performed/toured with prestigious dance companies such as Brooklyn Ballet, Maimouna Keita, Creative Outlet, Asase Yaa, and Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence. Her TV credits include programs aired on Netflix, BET, MTV, NBC, and VH1, to name a few.

Saturday, June 20
Jungle / Ibeyi in association with Okayplayer
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Jungle​hail from London and released their debut self­titled album in July 2014 on XL Recordings. The group’s buzz began to rise earlier in the year: the BBC Sound of 2014 nomination, the 4 million plus plays of the ‘Platoon’ video, the US tour that sold out on the back of their SXSW appearance ­ before Jungle even had an official record out in America ­ it’s a DIY story. Working from their home studio in Shepherd’s Bush, the core Jungle duo known only as J and T set out their store long before they came on any label’s radar with a brace of handmade mini­classics. A couple of singles – ‘The Heat’’s supple 4am soul snap, the ice­cold search­and­destroy beats of ‘Platoon’ – connected 2014 and 1974, London with Rio and New York, the feet with the unconscious mind.

Naomi and Lisa­Kaindé Díaz are the daughters of the late Cuban percussionist Anga Diaz. Naomi plays percussive instruments, the Cajon and the Batas, while Lisa plays piano. Together the twins have learned the songs of their father’s culture, Yoruba. Yoruba traveled from West Africa to Cuba with slavery in the 1700s. The Yoruba people have the highest twinning rate in the World, and twins occupy an important position within Yoruba culture.​Ibeyi​is pronounced “ee­bey­ee” and translates as “Twins” in Yoruban. Ibeyi

sing in English and Yoruban, and have created a minimalist sound that merges elements of their heritage with their natural love of modern music as teenagers growing up in Paris, citing artists such as James Blake and King Krule amongst their wide range of influences. The duo released their debut album I​beyi i​n February 2015 for XL, with Richard Russell on production.

Saturday, June 20
Hearts of Men / Master Class: Member of Hearts of Men
Herbert Von King Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hearts of Men Ensemble​is a community based all male dance company created to honor the passion, determination, potential and beauty of all men in an intergenerational process. HOM was created in 2011 by Founder/Director Fredrick Earl Mosley. Company members include such greats as Matthew Rushing, Clifton Brown, Darius Crenshaw, Brian Harlan Brooks, Jamal Story and the legendary Dudley Williams. HOM has performed in the Ailey Studios and Montclair State University over the past three years.

Sunday, June 21
Family Day: Laurie Berkner / Something Positive / Brooklyn United Marching Band
Herbert Von King Park, BK
4:00 PM – 7:00PM
Best­selling, award­winning children’s musician L​aurie Berkner has been a longtime fixture on TV’s Nick Jr. and Sprout channels. Listeners to SiriusXM Radio’s Kids Place Live channel know Laurie as the popular host of L​aurie Berkner’s Instant P​arty! and L​aurie Berkner’s Garden: Eat, Play, Grow.​Her original songs, albums (nine so far), DVDs, music videos, and books leave no doubt: Laurie Berkner is the uncrowned queen of children’s music and the power behind the progressive “kindie rock” movement. What sets Laurie apart? Her music speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grown­ups. Laurie’s “You and Me Solo Tour” show features popular hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Victor Vito,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” and “Rocketship Run,” plus – as a special treat for fans – a few well­loved Laurie Berkner songs that are not often heard at Laurie’s full­band concerts!

Something Positive Inc.​is the premier Afro­Caribbean performing arts and education ensemble in the United States dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora and its cross­cultural influences. Utilizing a unique blend of spoken word, storytelling, music and dance, Something Positive specializes in multi­media performing arts presentations.

The Brooklyn United Marching Band i​s a community­based organization that serves New York City youth. As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry and allows each student to participate in an all­encompassing and life changing activity. Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance Opportunities. It is through these pillars that they strive to build strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.

Sunday, June 21
The Bullitts / DJ Spinna / screening: They Die By Dawn in association with ImageNation
Herbert Von King Park, BK
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Bullitts​(Jeymes Samuel), is an English writer, director, singer­songwriter and music producer from London. Samuel has a cinematic element to his music and has accompanied most of his releases with short films. Samuel’s first album under the moniker The Bullitts is titled T​hey Die By Dawn & Other Short Stories… and was released in July 2013. The album was produced entirely by Samuel and features g​uest appearances​from Jay Electronica, Lucy Liu, Mos Def, Rosario Dawson, D​oxi Jones​and T​ori Amos.​Samuel also worked alongside Baz Luhrmann and Jay Z on the music for the blockbuster T​he Great Gatsby,​serving as the film’s Executive Music Consultant.

DJ Spinna​is something of an anomaly in music: a humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. With a steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul, R&B and Jazz), foundation (Hip­Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) without any restraints. A cornerstone of Hip­Hop’s late 90’s indie­uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas (having released an impressive slew of 12” singles on his then self­run label Beyond Real during this time). Not to mention, he provided the canvas for an array of that era’s lyrical giants including Eminem, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and De La Soul.

With an all star cast including Erykah Badu as the infamous Stagecoach Mary, Giancarlo Esposito, Michael K. Williams, Nate Parker, Jesse Williams, Rosario Dawson, Isaiah Washington, Bokeem Woodbine, Harry Lennix and others, T​hey Die By Dawn​tells the fictional story of a showdown between real life Black historic cowboys. “They Die By Dawn” is a Black cowboy Western that takes place in 1819. “Every time a Black person is shown in a Western, they’re a slave. There were decades after slavery of Black people in the old West,” says British writer and director Jeymes Samuel, All the characters in “They Die by Dawn” are real. “They Die by Dawn” is a prelude to the feature film “The Notorious Nine,” which is currently in pre­production.

Wednesday, June 24
The Kooks / Atlas Genius with guest Joywave
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
TICKETED
British rock band T​he Kooks​are a self­described “pop” band that draw inspiration from various sources to create their unique rock sound, borrowing equally from the 60s British invasion bands and the post­punk revival of the new millennium to craft uncompromisingly catchy songs. The band have achieved massive success globally since their breakthrough into the mainstream with debut album Inside In/Inside Out (2006), which achieved quadruple platinum status in the UK within a year and earned the band awards for Best UK & Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 and a nomination at The Brit Awards for the single “She Moves in Her Own Way.” Sophomore album Konk debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling 65 thousand copies in its first week alone. Their third studio album, entitled Junk of the Heart, was released on September 2011. Following sold­out shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and at SXSW earlier this year, The Kooks are excited to get back on the road again, share material from their upcoming 4th album (the first music from the band in over two years), and play for their fans long into the nights.

The members of Adelaide, Australia’s A​tlas Genius​do things a little differently. They set about building a studio where they could write and record music for their newly formed band 3 years before they even played their first live show as Atlas Genius. For two years, they devoted their days to constructing their dream studio and spent their nights performing songs by The Police, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones at local pubs to pay the bills. “We really got down and dirty with dry walling and literally laying the floorboards, and at the same time we were taking a couple of days a week to focus on writing songs,” recalls Keith Jeffery, Atlas Genius’s vocalist /guitarist. “We had a lot of song ideas and it was important to us to have our own studio where we could experiment and hone in on our sound,” adds brother and drummer, Michael Jeffery. The studio was designed and outfitted by the brothers with the help of their father (who comes from a music and engineering background). Once the studio was complete, the first song that Atlas Genius finished was a song called “Trojans,” which they wrote, recorded and produced in collaboration with their friend, keyboardist Darren Sell. After many weeks tweaking the song, Michael insisted that the song was ready to be heard outside of the studio walls. Within an hour, “Trojans” was on the Triple J Unearthed Website, SoundCloud, and for sale via TuneCore on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify worldwide.

Joywave​is an eclectic group specializing in alternative pop hailing from Rochester, NY. After the success of 2013’s “88888” mixtape, they established their Hollywood Records imprint Cultco Music, through which they released their debut EP “How Do You Feel?” on March 11. With a catalog that deftly jumps between genre,

Joywave’s “How Do You Feel?” EP demonstrates the band’s pointed talent for blending influences. The Joywave sound is grounded in classic songwriting, often injected with house music’s energy, disco’s playfulness and an overarching hip hop spirit. Where any other band might lose its identity in the quest to experiment with so many different sounds, Joywave’s all embracing approach and ineffable knack for making music that feels good puts their distinct personality front and center.

Wednesday, June 24
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Wednesday, June 24
Judy Torres / Tony Touch
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Bronx native J​udy Torres​has scored club hits with songs such as, “Please Stay Tonight,” “Come into My Arms,” “Love Story,” “I Love You, Will You Love Me,” and “No Reason to Cry,” a love­themed freestyle. Her debut album, L​ove Story,​released in 1989 on P​rofile Records,​was a freestyle collection and included the Mariah Carey­​penned “Weakness of the Body.” In 2001, Torres’ sentimental love song, “Back in Your Arms Again,” peaked at #7 on the H​ot Dance Music/Club Play​chart, her highest charting single to date. Until 2009, Torres had a Sunday night Freestyle show on New York’s popular radio station W​KTU​103.5. Recently, Torres appeared in the 2012 film E​lliot Loves,​in which she played the role of Aunt Nani.

Former 80’s B­Boy and current CEO, artist, and producer, T​ony Touch​(aka Tony Toca) continues to be a force to be reckoned with. An icon in Hip Hop and in the Urban Hispanic genre, Tony Touch is a true innovator who has revolutionized the DJ game time and again. From his legendary mixtapes, to his skills on the 1s and 2s, he has become one of Hip Hop’s most recognized DJs. He recently dropped his seventh commercial release, “The Piece Maker 3… Return of the 50 MCs,” and can be heard weekly during “Toca Tuesdays” on Shade 45, Eminem’s SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio Channel.

Thursday, June 25
Lyricist Lounge featuring The LOX
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Comprised of Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss, T​he LOX​are a Yonkers b​ased hip h​op collective. After Mary J. Blige passed their mixtape to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, he collaborated with them on the single “It’s All About The Benjamins,” garnering the trio national attention. Their debut album M​oney, Power & Respect made them platinum­selling recording artists. 2014 saw The LOX touring internationally in support of T​he Trinity EP.​They are currently working on the highly­anticipated W​e Are The Streets II,​scheduled for release in May 2015. Jadakiss and Styles P also have features on the newest 50 Cent album, A​nimal Ambition.​ Jada’s solo record, T​op 5, Dead or Alive,​will release in Spring 2015. Aside from touring and recording, The LOX are also shooting season one of their 10­episode reality series, “Living Off Xperience,” which features 30­minute comedic scenarios of The LOX interacting with each other, good friends, and business associates.

Friday, June 26
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Jackie Robinson Park, MN
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Friday, June 26

Hybrid Movement Company / The Incredible Incredible / IMPACT Repertory Theatre
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Hybrid Movement Company,​a dance, acrobatic, and visual arts troupe, will present two works, Momentum a​nd A​re You the Dreamer?​M​omentum,​a new piece,​f​ocuses on risk­taking perpetual movement driven by rhythms and flowing through melodies. It is performed in a powerful cohesion of Hybrid Movement, circus arts, classical and contemporary ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, bobbing, waving and popping. A​re You the Dreamer? i​s a transubstantiated tale exploring beauty, ugliness, rejection, love, dreams, and fear through dancing and dynamic movement. The Hybrid Movement Company has been hailed by the New York Times as one of the most innovative Contemporary Circus Companies in the USA today!

The Incredible Incredible​presents, ‘Palindrome’, the story of two characters, each the other’s imaginary friend, meeting for the first time to unfold the intricacies of their tangled coexistence. Featuring invisible string manipulation, shoe poi, impossible feats with silverware, sinus explorations, snail hats, and finger stunts all set to live music! The Incredible Incredible is a physical theatre duo formed by two friends inspired by mime, physical comedy, traditional American sideshow, European clowns, and street theatre. Matthew “Poki” McCorkle is a self­taught physical performer known internationally for his surreal hoop illusions, movement based manipulation, and unique and unusual presentations. Justin Therrien is an entertainer that challenges the audience’s perception of what is real and what is illusion with his unique blend of movement and skill based manipulation. Accompanying them is composer and multi­instrumentalist Lucas Hicks on accordion, percussion, harmonica and ukulele.

IMPACT Repertory Theatre Performance Company u​ses the performing arts and the dynamics of leadership training to inspire and empower youth. IMPACT believes that arts and education play a pivotal role in providing opportunities and transitions for the leaders of tomorrow. IMPACT is rooted in creative self expression and anchored by a commitment to Safe Space, Outstanding Effort and Service to the Community (S.O.S.). IMPACT promotes the positive development of young people ages 12 to 19 by providing a learning environment that encourages, nurtures and challenges its students. IMPACT offers workshops, leadership programs and performance opportunities. The programs and curriculum encourages Impact members to have the imagination, skills and confidence to create their “special place in the world.” A core Impact value is attending college and giving back through active community service. All of Impact’s classes and programs are free. Impact’s ongoing performance program, creative labs, and 12 weeks intensive artist and activist training program are tuition free.

Saturday, June 27
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring Jive Poetic, Jamaal St. John and Pamela Sneed
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe​showcases a talented lineup of multi­genre, multi­generational and multicultural spoken word artists and musicians, including Jamaal St John, Shanelle Gabrielle, Roya Marsh, Daniel Gallant, Pamela Sneed, Crystal Valentine, JP Howard, the Cafe’s 2014 Slam Team and host Jive Poetic. Allen Ginsberg called the Cafe “the most integrated place on the planet,” the W​all Street Journal​says the Cafe is “a thriving arts center,” and John Leguizamo says the Cafe, “put the street on stage… Made our lives real, our emotions real.”

Poet, teacher and DJ, J​ive Poetic​has toured Australia, Canada and Europe. His CD P​erpedenctive a​nd his poetry music videos have received rave reviews, and he has been published and translated in several anthologies. He appeared in the feature film J​amesy Boy,​starring James Woods, Ving Rhames & Mary Louise Parker. He hosts and DJs events at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

Performance poet/spoken word artist J​amaal St. John h​as been honing his literary craft for fifteen years. Jamaal’s poetry combines old school hip hop rhyme schemes with cunning wordplay, and his work features

a range of social, political, cultural and economic topics. Jamaal is a five­time Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam Finalist (he is the only poet in Nuyorican Poets Cafe history to achieve that record) and has won the coveted title of Nuyorican Grand Slam Champion. He is a six­time winner of The Toronto International Poetry Slam and has been a member of The Nuyorican Poets Cafe Slam Team on three occasions. He is also a two­time winner of The Yale Peabody Slam and The James Marshall Slam. Jamaal is the author of a chapbook of poetry and currently resides in West Orange, NJ with his lovely wife of 8 years, Nile.

Daniel Gallant i​s the Executive Director of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. He previously served as Director of nd​

Theater & Talk Programs at the 92​Street Y’s Makor and Tribeca centers. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal,​N​ew York Times,​C​rain’s New York,​the N​ew York Daily News,​the L​os Angeles

nd​ Times​and the N​ew York Post;​on MTV, NBC, NY1, CBS, Univision, BBC; onstage at the 92​Street Y,

Dixon Place, SummerStage, Theater for the New City, Bowery Poetry Club, HERE Arts Space, Galapagos, Joe’s Pub, the Cornelia Street Café, Town Hall, Abrons Art Center and other venues; and in anthologies from Vintage Books, Theater Communications Group & Applause/Hal Leonard.

New York based poet, performer, writer and actress,​Pamela Sneed’​s work has been featured in the N​ew York Times Magazine,​T​he New Yorker,​T​he Source,​T​ime Out,​B​omb,​N​ext,​M​etroSource,​B​lue,​V​IBE,​H​X,​ and on the cover of N​ew York Magazine.​She is the author of I​magine Being More Afraid of Freedom than Slavery,​and of K​ong & Other Works,​and has performed for sold out houses at Lincoln Center, Creative Time at The Brooklyn Anchorage, The Studio Museum, Exit Art, PS. 122, The ICA London, Joe’s Pub/Public Theater and many more. In 1998, Sneed was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award and is a recipient of the 2006 Baxten Award For Performance, a Franklin Furnace Award, two Joyce­Mertz Gilmore
Commissions for P.S.122 and a 6­week residency at the corporation of Yaddo. An adjunct associate professor of Speech, Communication and Theater at Long Island University and also a visiting professor in the Core Seminar department, she holds a 2008 M.F.A in New Media Art and Performance. Her work has been seen in The 100 Best African American Poems (edited by Nikki Giovanni), To Be Left With the Body, The Best American Plays 2005­6, and Brown Sugar: An anthology of Black Erotica.

Born and raised in the Bronx, C​rystal Valentine,​age 20, has been writing poetry since she was in the fourth grade. She is currently enrolled at NYU, studying creative writing and adolescent mental health studies. She is a member of the 2014 Urban Word slam and a returning member of the NYU poetry slam team, as well as NYU’s current Grand Slam Champ.

Saturday, June 27
VP Records 35th Anniversary: Maxi Priest / Gyptian / Bunji Garlin & Fay Ann Lyons / Massive B Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, multiple Grammy nominations and Top 10 Billboard hits (including the No. 1 smash “Close To You”) ­ the most successful solo act in British reggae history, M​axi Priest,​continues to hit the road throughout 2015 in support of his first studio album in almost a decade, Easy To Love​(VP Records). E​asy To Love​is a fine representation of pop, reggae and R&B blended together in one set. The title track was a No. 1 hit on reggae charts last summer, evidence that Maxi Priest has a gift for staying fresh. “Hearts Across The World” is a song for our times and pleas for people of all races to love one another. The soulful “Without A Woman” features Jamaican legend Beres Hammond and even echoes the themes and intensity of James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Maxi continues to tug on women’s heartstrings with irresistible tributes of enduring affection on “Loving You Is Easy,” “Holiday” and his rendition of John Mayer’s “Gravity.”

Jamaican reggae singer G​yptian​broke into the reggae scene in 2005 with his string of hits like “Serious Times” “Beautiful Lady” and “Mama, Don’t Cry.” He hit international stardom in 2010 with his critically­acclaimed album H​old You​and its RIAA certified Gold title track, which featured a Nicki Minaj remix, and earned him a 2010 MOBO and Soul Train award. He is currently gearing up for a new EP Nothing To Lose.​His latest fourth studio album S​ex, Love and Reggae,​which peaked at #1 on the Billboard

Reggae Album chart, is a marked departure from his previous releases and unveils another layer of his artistry. The musically diverse set takes the listener from dancehall to soca to global pop and R&B sounds and features an eclectic mix of production from Jamaica ­ including Shane C. Brown. Justus Arison and Stanley “Rellee” Hayden, Russian and Linton “TJ” White ­ and is co­executive produced by Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis (Miguel, Mary J. Blige, Lupe Fiasco, the Fugees).

Born Ian Alvarez, the Trinidadian ragga soca star B​unji Garlin​is known for blending of soca with dancehall. Hailed recently by Rolling Stone as “America’s first soca star,” Garlin has clearly taken his native country’s genre to new heights. His single “Differentology (Ready For The Road),” which was remixed by Major Lazer & Busta Rhymes, was a massive hit in North America more than a year after its release in the Caribbean. In 2013, the single received a Soul Train Award win, was featured on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, won NYC’s HOT 97 FM’s Battle of The Beats competition and was chosen by NPR as one of the year’s favorite anthems as well as MTV Iggy’s Song of the Year. 
Garlin introduced soca to more mainstream music circuits by performing at last year’s SXSW, CMJ Music Festival, FADER Fort, Mad Decent Boat Party and alongside Jillionaire and Major Lazer during their 2014 tour stint. That same year, he made his national TV debut on BET’s 106 & Park to perform “Differentology” and returned for their Carnival takeover episode with Fay Ann Lyons and A$AP Ferg for their “Truck On D Road” remix. In his native country, he has won multiple Carnival competitions – including the “Ragga Soca Monarch” title, the Young King title and the coveted International Soca Monarch. He has released eight albums independently and three additional albums on VP Records – Revelation​(2002),G​lobal(​2007)andD​ifferentology​(2014)– thelatterbeingajointventurewithRCA Records.

Fay Ann Lyons​is already a superstar in her native country of Trinidad and across the Caribbean. During Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival season’s annual competitions, Fay Ann has set the record as the only female artist to score the Carnival Road March title three times, taking the crown in 2003, 2008 and 2009. In 2009, she also won International Soca Monarch in Groovy, People’s Choice and Power category and is the first soca artist ever to win that soca ‘triplet’ of titles. In addition to these feats, she has taken home 17 awards between the COTT (Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago), NACC (National Action Cultural Committee Trinidad and Tobago) and SAO (Soca Awards Organization). The Point Fortin native has soca in her DNA. Her father Superblue, a soca legend who has won the Carnival Road March title nine times and Trinidad Soca Monarch competition seven times, was instrumental in honing Fay Ann’s skills as a songwriter and performer. She became a front­liner for the band Invazion led by Naya George and today is an official member of the Asylum band (previously known as “Censation”), founded by her husband and soca royalty Bunji Garlin. Fay Ann continues to tour worldwide and is recording her first solo full­length album on VP Records.

Massive B​was formed over 10 years ago with DJ Bobby Konders’ vision of starting his own sound system. At its start, the voice behind Massive B was none other than Jabba. There have been many additions to Massive B as it continues to grow. New members include Big Dawg, Chudney Shotta, D­Life and X­Man, among others. Massive B has toured all over the globe, playing major festivals and dances, and representing NYC along the way. Locally, Massive B is a Brooklyn staple, performing annually at the borough’s West Indian Day Parade and weekly at the Buzz Nightclub for ‘Fire Sundays,’ where they spin the hottest reggae, dancehall, hip hop, R&B, and soca music. Bobby and Jabba can also be heard on­air every weekend on Hot 97 FM.

Saturday, June 27
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28 Family Day: Magmanus

in association with Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Brooklyn Bridge Park, BK
4:00 PM & 7:00 PM (two performances/day)
Magmanus Company​is a Swedish circus company founded in 2009 by the Franco­Norwegian duo Manu Tiger and Magnus Bjoru. With a vision to spread happiness and inspire audiences to follow their dreams, Magmanus combines impressive circus skills, humor and audience interaction to present a show you’ll never forget! In their current show, audiences will meet an angry, small but passionate acrobat and a foolish, gigantic yet so lovable juggler. Together they perform a show filled with jaw dropping skills and stomach turning comedy. Witness Bollywood juggling, unique teeterboard acrobatics, and a high flying acrobatic grand finale.

Sunday, June 28
Catalan Sounds On Tour: Oques Grasses / La iaia / Sílvia Pérez Cruz / DJ Guillamino
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Oques Grasses​kick off their “Living in the hol•les” 2015 tour. At the end of last year, having sold out all tickets to Barcelona’s Sala Razzmatazz where the Oques celebrated “Sheep Spirit Day”, the Catalan band will tour around Catalonia, València, Alicante, Castelló, as well as Europe and America where they will be making their debut. This summer we will see Oques Grasses in the line­up for festivals like Canet Rock, Festival de Guitarra de Barcelona, La Patum de Berga and many others, marking a new phase for the band who have played 160 gigs since 2013 and released two albums in one year.

Folkie, friendly L​a iaia​transfigures into the first power trio in the history of Catalan rock offering a daring blend of dreamlike and, thus, less explicit tracks. Imbued in a novel electronic, international, highly compact sound, they strive for transcendence through premeditated risk, artistic criterion, freedom of interpretation and a significant lack of concessions to the audience. Their second album, O​n és la màgia?​is an unquestionably brave, undoubtedly valuable and radically different album to what the vast majority of their hitherto loyal fans had, in all likelihood, expected. Rugged, over­the­top or disturbing when it suits, sensual and catchy if necessary, the new tracks flow like a coherent realm compelling the audience to listen and take part. Sounds and songs that are daring to the point of addiction, such as those that have not been around for forty years in Catalonia and which, when performed live, can only triumph. Indeed, the album reaches its goal:exceeding expectations, steering away from tedious acoustic comfort and shaping an ambitious work that allures the complicity and involvement of he who listens. All on the context of the creation of an authentic, modern sound, not shared by other artists from their generation, one unique to them and flawlessly identifiable.

Singer and songwriter, S​ílvia Pérez Cruz​is becoming one of Spain’s brightest stars. Gold Award­winner for her two latest works and Goya winner (Spanish Cinema Academy Award) for the Best Original Song in the film ‘Blancanieves’, walks comfortably through languages like fado, jazz, flamenco, folk songs or classical music. After many collaborative projects (Joan Manuel Serrat, Javier Colina, Toti Soler, Israel Galván), Sílvia wrote, recorded and produced her first solo album ’11 de novembre’, which was voted amongst the best records of the year in Spain and France, and it achieved the Gold Disc Award in Spain. Her latest album, ‘granada’, shared with the guitarist Raül Fernandez ‘Refree’, has also went Gold. Classically trained, with a degree in vocal jazz, she plays various instruments and has a delicate and precious voice. Some of her music references are Caetano Veloso, Nick Drake, Amália Rodrigues, Brad Mehldau, Marta Valdés, Jacques Brel or Enrique Morente.

Guillamino​walks on the human side of electronica. Handwriting beats. Mixing dub, funk, hip hop, bass and house in a pop pan, adding some spices from all around the world. And singing with a voice full of soul! For all these reasons, Guillamino is one of the most intriguing musicians in Barcelona. He is a Red Bull Music Academy veteran. Jacques Greene has just remixed his music. He’s played at Sonar several times, as well as in USA, Canada, Japan, Chile, and throughout Europe. Guillamino’s songs are made for dancing!

Monday, June 29
Ingrid Michaelson / Jukebox the Ghost / Secret Someones
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM ­ 10:00 PM
TICKETED
In the past two years, I​ngrid Michaelson​has vaulted from overachieving indie­pop sweetheart to a bona­fide pop star. Her last release, “Human Again,” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard album chart. This achievement merely crowned the considerable success Ingrid had already earned with her previous compositions: beautiful, idiosyncratic songs that have been prominently featured in popular films, television and on regular rotation in commercials. Her DIY approach to making music — composing her own songs, co­releasing albums on her Cabin 24 imprint, building an organic following through music­licensing, and back in her MySpace days (where she was discovered in 2006), promoting herself — was a slam­dunk. Now, it had evolved into a well­oiled machine, The New York Times even weighed in, declaring her songwriting “smart,” her tunes “irresistible” and her live show “seamless.”

Jukebox the Ghost i​s a band of musical survivors, a decade­strong trio that has carefully considered how to make a lasting statement while grinding out more than 150 shows a year. With their new self­titled album, Jukebox the Ghost unmistakably makes that statement… in the form of a big, lovable pop record. Jukebox the Ghost may be the tortoise in the race, but they’ve slowly, steadily made their way to the top.

Secret Someones​is the new project from NYC singer/songwriters Bess Rogers, Lelia Broussard, Hannah Winkler & drummer/multi­instrumentalist Zach Jones. Drawing inspiration from bands like Weezer, Talking Heads, and the entire Tom Petty catalog, the band is pure songwriting excellence. Loud, fun, and catchy as hell, Secret Someones are collectively bringing it, and they’re just getting started.

Tuesday, June 30
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.

Thursday, July 2
Un Break à Mozart / The DASH Ensemble
Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Un Break à Mozart w​as born of a desire to share ­ to create a dialogue through an encounter between France’s Centre Chorégraphique National (CCN) of La Rochelle/Poitou­Charentes and the Champs­Elysées Orchestra, two strongly typified artistic universes. On stage, ten musicians from the Orchestra, led by Philippe Herreweghe, respond to the ten hip hop dancers from choreographer and CCN Director Kader Attou’s dance company, Accrorap. Un Break à Mozart makes its way through Mozart’s unfinished work, “The Requiem,” arranged for strings by Peter Lichtenthal at the beginning of the 19th century. Having discarded the Latin text of the mass, this instrumental version of “The Requiem,” presented in the form of extracts, forms the basic structure of the performance. It provides a stage for the play of musical and choreographic resonances nourished by the worlds of the two companies for an original and promising encounter.

The DASH Ensemble​is a New York City based contemporary dance group founded and directed by Gregory Dolbashian. Combining elements of modern, hip hop, floor work and physical theater, Dolbashian has created his own unique style of contemporary dance with an urban flair. The DASH seeks to bring out relatable human elements in all of its work using its complex and challenging movement language to express ideas about growth, love, loss, war, and determination. The company’s work has been performed all over New York including The JOYCE Theater, NYU’s Skirball Center, NYLA, The Riverside Church Theater, Bryant Park, and The Actor’s Fund Theater. Dolbashian and his company recently worked in collaboration with artists of ABT for Daniil Simkin’s upcoming INTENSIO project. The meaning behind The DASH comes

from this idea: Birthdate (­­) Death Date, where the dash in between signifies your lifespan. Life is The DASH, and everything that we focus our work on is about that life. Our work depicts our life, and the events that occur in it, no matter how big or how small, always feel epic. It is that feeling that we aim to deliver throughout our performance work.

Sunday, July 5
Global Family Day: Shine and the Moonbeams with special guest the Noel Pointer Youth Orchestra / The Red Trouser Show / Batoto Yetu / Ziporah Roney and Collaborative Artists
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Shine and the Moonbeams​exploded on to the family music scene in 2011, bringing a brand new R&B sound to the genre and introducing the sounds of classic funk, soul, blues, and jazz music to enthusiastic children. They are singer­songwriter Shawana Kemp and guitarist John Heagle, two New York musicians who have performed in varied genres from Musical Theatre to the circus. They combine their unique perspectives to create a soulful musical extravaganza that captures the sweetness, uncertainty, and simplicity of youth. Their self­titled debut album was released in 2013 to much acclaim and excitement. With infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and positively empowering lyrical themes stemming from Kemp’s experiences as a schoolteacher and mother, their songs encourage kids to celebrate life and get up and dance!

The Red Trouser Show,​David Graham and Tobin Renwick, are a high­energy acrobatic, fire juggling, and comedy duo. They have been performing in circuses, theaters, and busking all over America and internationally since 2000. After starting out in Circus Smirkus, an internationally acclaimed youth circus that gave them an in­depth training in multiple disciplines from world­renowned coaches, they are now sought after worldwide. They have been called “a spectacular and unique act” by the Midnight Circus, and “amazing acrobats” by ABC News.

Júlio T. Leitão is a dancer, choreographer, and the Artistic Director of B​atoto Yetu.​Born in Angola, from which he was forced to flee when civil war erupted in 1975, Mr. Leitão grew up in Portugal and received his initial dance training at C​onservatório Nacional de Dança de Lisboa.​Julio has worked extensively as a choreographer in the US and overseas. In 1990, Mr. Leitão founded Batoto Yetu in a Harlem playground. Within one month, the group performed on Staff Day at the United Nations, receiving a standing ovation. Since then, Batoto Yetu has served as an invaluable asset to New York City youth, sparking their interest in the arts while developing their leadership skills. The dance company’s outstanding accomplishments have included performances on S​esame Street,​with Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden, alongside Whitney Houston at the Apollo Theatre, and on international stages in Europe, South America, China, and Julio’s native Angola.

The Five of Us is a collaborative of world class New York City artists who have come together under Ziporah Roney​to create a new work titled “Echoing Ipseity.” Celebrating a time of choice, confidence, love, ourselves, other selves, and life that surrounds us, “Echoing Ipseity” is a connective and welcoming experience that looks to speak to our most pure selves. Interpreted through dance, acrobatics, and music, each one of us teaches another the unity in our independence. Ziporah Roney is part of Hybrid Movement Company’s Core Creative Team. She is a performer, choreographer, and designer for the group.

Sunday, July 5 ­ Sunday, July 26
Classical Theatre of Harlem: The Tempest
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
SummerStage and the Classical Theatre of Harlem proudly present William Shakespeare’s T​he Tempest,​ directed by Carl Cofield. This rendition of the famed play sets Prospero’s magical island on the enchanting island of Hispaniola, home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti ­ two tiny nations with storied battles for independence. With the characters of Ariel and Caliban representing the same longing for freedom and

fighting spirit of Haiti, the play highlights the dynamics of freedom and captivity, imprisonment and rebellion, and authority and tyranny. Director Cofield describes the play as, “a theatrical gumbo, with an intricate blend of usurping villains, youthful romance, music, humor, conspiracy and sensitivity.”

The production will run from July 5 through July 26, with previews on July 3 & 4. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Friday’s curtain is at 8:15 p.m., following Jazzmobile free concerts at 7:00 p.m. The venue opens for seating at 7:00 p.m. each night and 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. There are no performances on Mondays. All performances are free and no tickets are required.

Tuesday, July 7
Our Latin Thing / DJ Afro in association with Latin Alternative Music Conference
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
On one August evening in the 1970s, New York gave birth to a sound that would change the face of Latin music forever. At the renowned Cheetah Nightclub, an ensemble of artists got together for what became a magical evening of music. The show was billed as “O​ur Latin Thing.“​In the decades ahead those all­star musicians would become the ambassadors and juggernauts of Latin Music around the world. They became the musical reflection of the times, needs, and struggles of New York’s Latino community. Their music was “Salsa Gorda,” influenced by American Jazz, Soul, and Rock and Roll. Their music became part of Americana. Currently billed as “Our Latin Thing,” the group performs an assortment of the genre’s top hits, and has toured or shared the stage with artists such as Elvis Crespo, Victor Manuelle and El Gran Combo. In 2014 “​Our Latin Thing”​recorded 3 songs with Vicentico on his Platinum selling album U​ltimo Acto,​ which has gained worldwide notoriety.

Born in Caracas, D​J Afro​(aka José Luis Pardo) is a Brooklyn based Guitarist, DJ, composer and producer renowned as a founder of the Latin American band Los Amigos Invisibles. Grammy award winner and 6 times nominee, including song of the year in 2013 (La que me gusta), DJ Afro has made his mark in Latin American dance music. Through his studio recordings, remixes, compilation albums, mixtapes, podcasts, and live performances, he has amassed a stellar body of work rich with soul and flavor. With over 50 remixes under his belt, for a wide variety of musicians including The Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Devendra Banhart, Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, and Basement Jaxx, Afro is always searching for new avenues of musical expression.

Wednesday, July 8
Ismael Miranda
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Ismael Miranda​aka “El niño bonito de la Salsa” (The pretty boy of Salsa) always wanted to be a musician, and by age 11 had already formed two groups: “The 4J’s and Little Junior” and “The Class Mates.” He sang and played conga for the group and they were good enough to appear on Jerry Lewis’ Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Miranda also grew up and played in his first bands with Jazz percussionist Orlando “Q” Rodríguez and piano player Mark Diamond. In 1967, when Miranda was 17 years old, he made his recording debut and made such an impression on bandleader Larry Harlow, that he was hired as Larry’s lead singer. He later joined the Fania All Stars and went with this band on tour to Europe, Asia and Latin America. In 1973, he formed his own band called “Orquesta Revelación” and recorded “Así se compone un son” under the Fania record label. With this song, Miranda entered the new salsa craze which was sweeping the nation and was then baptized as “El Niño Bonito de la Salsa” ( ‘The Pretty Boy of Salsa”). He went on to launch his own record label “IM Records” and continues to perform nationally to this day.

Wednesday, July 8
Systema Solar / Compass / Helado Negro in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Colombian audio­visual collective S​ystema Solar​salvages stories and sounds from the country’s rich cultural history and jacks them up with space­aged beats, colorful videos, and power­to­the­people stands. The seven members live in four different cities, doing much of their work over the internet ­ not an easy feat in Colombia ­ and improvising most of their lives performances due to a lack of rehearsal time. Nevertheless, this chaos has created magic time and again. Their innovative approach pulls from cumbia, techno, tropical, champeta, hip hop, rock, and hacking culture to create an immersive experience they like to call Verbenautika, or “tropical psychedelia.”

Together, Camilo Lara and Toy Selectah are known as C​ompass.​Camilo Lara is the founder of Mexican Institute of Sound (M.I.S) and has released 4 albums since its formation in early 2000. His music is a visionary mixture that flirts with electronic, hip­hop, dub, cumbia and punk. M.I.S. has performed at such major music festivals as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Roskilde. Last year Camilo curated a radio station for the video game Grand Theft Auto V. He has collaborated with artists such as: Tom Tom Club, Placebo, Beastie Boys, Morrissey and Esquivel. His music has been featured in dozens of television series and films, including the Y​Tu Mamá También​soundtrack, for which he earned a GRAMMY nomination.

Globetrotter, DJ, Producer and visionary, Toy Selectah has established a hybrid sound of Latin and world rhythms. As a pioneer and essential character of the new Mexican and Latin American music scene, Toy started out as a DJ and Producer of the critically lauded hip hop outfit Control Machete. Toy has worked with all kinds of artists including: Morrissey, Vampire Weekend, Major Lazer, Calle 13, Eminem and Bloodhound Gang. Toy is a key character in of the birth and explosion of hip hop and tribal (3Ball) in Mexico, as well as reggaeton and electronica in Latin America.

A South Florida native, born to Ecuadorian immigrants and based in Brooklyn, H​elado Negro​aka Roberto Carlos Lange’s upbringing provides essential elements to his songwriting, including his consistently bilingual – English and Spanish – lyrics. While citing the influence of the electro and Miami­bass he heard on the radio in his youth, his diverse work as Helado Negro points to shades of kraut rock bathed in his mesmerizing rhythms, loops, and hair­raising melodies. Known for his craftsmanship, Lange has cultured his identity, ideology and musical dexterity with constant artistic and introspective development, pouring his heart and full sincerity in his music. His fourth LP Double Youth released in 2014 garnered acclaim with Pitchfork naming it “the boldest and most intricate Helado Negro work to date.”

Thursday, July 9
Cano Estremera
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Carlos Enrique Estremera Colón​is a Puerto Rican Salsa singer from San Juan, nicknamed “El Cano” (“The Light­Colored Haired One”), due to his albinism. Estremera developed his talent as a singer while residing in a public housing complex in the area of Santurce, and acknowledges Puerto Rican jíbaro country singers as a strong influence. He developed a reputation for being a fast and clever improviser, in the same vein as Marvin Santiago, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and other salsa singers who could improvise dozens of soneos o​n the spot. Estremera recorded six albums with Bobby Valentín before starting his own band in 1984. He has been recording and touring ever since.

Friday, July 10
Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring La Bruja with Patty Dukes, Reph Star, and Nene Ali
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe​and Caridad de La Luz (aka La Bruja) showcase Bronx artistry in a concert featuring cool and socially conscious Hip Hop/spoken word by Reph Star and Patty Dukes (aka Circa ’95), Nene Ali and DJ Fred One. Hosted by songstress­poet­playwright­comedienne La Bruja, who was praised by the N​ew York Times f​or her “irrepressible, ebullient energy and talent.”

Caridad de La Luz, aka L​a Bruja​is a Bronx­born performer considered one of America’s leading spoken word poets. In 2014, she was awarded Comité Noviembre’s Puerto Rican Women Legacy Award, and in 2013, The Edgar Allan Poe Award for excellence in writing from The Bronx Historical Society. She was also honored as A Bronx Living Legend by The Bronx Music Heritage Center and was recently presented with a Citation of Merit from The Bronx Borough President. This Renaissance woman has performed internationally; her NYC appearances include shows at The Apollo, The Museum of Natural History and the famed Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where she began her career. The N​ew York Times​called her “a Juggernaut” after the off­Broadway run of her musical Boogie Rican Blvd. Her acting career has taken her from stage to film: she has appeared in numerous movies, including B​amboozled,​D​own to the Bone,​E​l Vacilon​and G​un Hill Road.​She has crossed over internationally as a recording artist with her debut album B​rujalicious​and her subsequent album F​or Witch It Stands.​She is featured on Prince Royce’s award­winning album P​hase II and Bobby Sanabria’s Grammy­nominated album M​ultiverse.​Well­known for her captivating performance of the poem “WTC” on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poetry Jam, she was also featured on HBO Latino’s installment of HABLA Women. She works with youth throughout the country, teaching poetry workshops for Pepatian.org & NYC Mission Society. She is a board member of Voices UnBroken and a charter member of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ­ Delta Chapter at Binghamton University.

Hailing from New York City, Circa ’95 is an independent Hip Hop music and media group comprised of P​atty Dukes​and R​eph Star.​Puerto Rican & Dominican by way of The Bronx and Washington Heights, they rhyme seamlessly through English and Spanish. They have performed throughout the world and their debut album F​REE LUNCH​is available through their website. When they are not performing or creating in the studio, they teach Hip Hop, Theater, and Mixed Media Arts to young people through their organization, the Rhyme Factory. Circa ’95 is currently touring and in the studio working on their second musical project.

Nene Ali,​spoken word / MC, was born and raised in the Bronx. She started writing poetry at the age of 6 and began performing it at the age of 9. In her journey she has gone around this country uplifting audiences with her words. She is the youngest person to receive Miami Heat superstar Dwayne Wade’s “Keeper of the Village Award” and the Nelson Mandela “Community Activist Award,” and has been featured in countless publications.

Saturday, July 11
Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va Gustar in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Vicentico h​as long been a crucial figure in the history of rock music in Latin America. On top of a significant career as the lead vocalist of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs,​h​e has also developed a successful​s​olo career. Vicentico boasts six solo albums under his belt (all certified Platinum), successful international tours, and MTV, Gardel, and Latin GRAMMY awards. His most recent album U​ltimo Acto,​was released in January of this year. Recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Kingston, and Buenos Aires, the album adds new takes to some of Vicentico’s most well­known solo hits. The album also includes collaborations with Willie Nelson, Sly & Robbie, Intocable, Our Latin Thing and Vicentico’s wife, Argentinean actress Vaeria Bertuccelli.

Ximena Sariñana Rivera​is a Mexican singer­songwriter and actress. Sariñana has starred in and composed music for numerous films, including 2007’s D​os abrazos,​for which she won ‘Best Female Actress’ at the 38th Diosas de Plata of Pecime awards. In 2009, she received critical acclaim, a GRAMMY nomination, and two Latin GRAMMY nominations for her debut album, M​ediocre​(2008). Sariñana went on to release two more albums, 2011’s self­titled X​imena Sariñana a​nd 2014’s N​o Todo lo Puedes Dar.​In September 2014, she was revealed as one of the judges for the reality talent show competition, M​exico tiene talento,​the Mexican version of America’s Got Talent.

NO TE VA GUSTAR​(translated in English to “you won’t like it”), was formed in 1994 in Montevideo, Uruguay. To date, the band has recorded and released 8 studio albums and 3 live DVDs, with every album going certified Gold or Platinum in Uruguay and Argentina. Their latest album, E​l tiempo otra vez avanza (2014) had a smashing number one debut in charts all over Latin America. NO TE VA GUSTAR has been on tour over the last decade travelling throughout South America, North America, and Europe. Nevertheless, the band’s heart and sound are firmly rooted in Montevideo. With its melancholic peace, the intellectual breeze of its pubs and cafés, and music floating in every corner, NTVG has built an expanding musical universe, inspired by the context of their hometown, as well as the stories they find and live along the way around the world.

Saturday, July 11

Hip Hop Dance: From the Street to the Stage a Co­Presentation with Dancing in the Streets / Master

Class: Brandon “Peace” Albright

St. Mary’s Park, BX

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Hip Hop Dance: From the Street to the Stage​i​s curated by Gabriel “Kwikstep” Dionisio and Ana

“Rokafella” Garcia Dionisio, Co­Artistic Directors of Full Circle Productions; and co­Presented by th​

SummerStage​and D​ancing in the Streets​as a joint celebration of their 30​anniversaries.

Multiple generations of hip­hop dancers, including Bronx­based F​ull Circle Souljahs,​street dancer Float Master John, and Hip Hop legend Emilio “Buddha Stretch” Austin Jr., trace the evolution of Hip Hop dance—from Breaking, Locking, and Popping to new forms, such as Flexing and Lite Feet—from the streets to clubs and theatres, and from the Bronx to Harlem, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Tokyo. The program will culminate in a cipher (free style dance circle). Hosted by Rokafella, with music by Behind the Groove DJs KS360 and DP One playing the classics that make you move!

Dancing in the Streets​is a 30­year old, not­for­profit arts organizations that presents FREE, adventurous, public performances in unexpected places. In 2007, it launched Hip Hop Generation Next, a series of performances, block parties, and competitions that celebrates the Bronx origins and global evolution of Hip Hop culture. Since Dancing in the Streets moved to the Bronx in 2011, it has produced programs that reclaim, revitalize, and promote the rich cultural history of the Bronx, including T​he Bronx Revolution and the Birth of Hip Hop,​a multi­media production about the birth of Hip Hop by Joanna Haigood in collaboration with Hip Hop pioneers.

Full Circle Productions​is a non profit Hip­hop dance company based in the Bronx that preserves, evolves and shares its vibrant energy with students and audiences. Co­Artistic Directors Kwikstep and Rokafella are internationally acclaimed break dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, and musicians.

Emilio “Buddha Stretch” Austin Jr.​is a roving ambassador of Hip Hop dance who travels the world as choreographer, dancer, teacher, and competition judge. He has been

Illstyle & Peace Productions​is a Philadelphia­based hip hop crew of DJs, beatboxers, and dancers. Under the direction of B​randon “Peace” Albright,​the electrifying dancers’ spins, dives, flips, and kicks “seem to defy the laws of physics” (W​ashington City Paper)​.

Sunday, July 12
Cesária Évora Orchestra / Mayra Andrade / Dino D’Santiago
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
After the passing of Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora in 2011, thousands flocked to pay their respects to the great artist at a series of memorable concerts, including some of the greatest singers in world music joined the musicians who had regularly accompanied Cesaria, lending their voices to this ultimate tribute to the woman known as T​he Barefoot Diva.​Once the musical events were over, Cesaria’s musicians were more determined than ever to keep alive her repertoire, which had enchanted audiences all over the world.

So Khaly (piano), Totinho (saxophone), Miroca (percussion), Zé Paris (bass) and a few others formed the Cesaria Evora Orchestra,​playing a first concert at the 2014 Gamboa Festival in Praia as a tribute to the iconic singer and her tremendous achievements – especially as the international Ambassador of Cape Verdean music. The artists in the orchestra’s glittering line­up surpassed even their own usual high standards of musicianship and synergy. With them, two stars from the new generation of Cape Verdean music performed the songs that Cesaria made famous: the cool, crystal­voiced Nancy Vieira, whose fusion of new influences with the classic morna genre has won acclaim, and – in sensual, soulful contrast – the wonderful Jenifer Solidade. A virtuoso homage to a unique performer, so greatly loved, admired and missed.

Mayra Andrade​is lovely ­ adorable, generous and radiant. Her firmly­rooted, distinctive, poetic, topical voice was immediately described a few years ago as “the other Cape Verde” ­ the sound of a Cesaria Evora freed of the twists of fate and patina of tradition. L​ovely Difficult​is the fourth album by this singer, who makes it plain that her life and aims are not as straightforward as you might think. She is not just a neo­traditional artist. She may be adorable, but she is strong­minded, bold and determined, too; adorable, but a free spirit in both her music and life. Mayra’s singing is a blend of radiant, dancing colors, velvet beats and spicy melodies. Her voice is subtly seasoned with pepper, as if the Europe of pop had always been a tropical archipelago. The songs conjure up an eternal summer that disperses the mists and chills, but never resort to the tinsel of exoticism. Sung in Cape Verdean creole, English and Portuguese, they carry us away in their warm, adventurous unpredictability. Mayra’s pop spans the world’s entire vast sweep from Western romanticism to Southern sensuality, and domestic reggae to African 3/4 time. It is topical, tropical, traveling pop. Her aim was simply to make “music that reflected my life”. And her life has been very colorful.

Claudino de Jesus Borges Pereira was born in Portugal 30 years ago, where lived his parents of Cape Verdean origins. Dino joined the group Jaguar in 2004 and released (under the name of Dino SoulMotion) his first solo album untitled M​e and my Beloved​in 2008 on which features Tito Paris among others. Along with Virgul (DaWeasel), he founded Nu Soul Family the following year. Together they won the MTV award for Best Portuguese Act with the track T​his Is For My People.​With the encouragement of his father, Dino began to discover his roots on the island Santiago. The artist wanted to try to fuse Africa beats with Fado, he changed his stage name to D​ino d’Santiago​and returned to Cape Verde with feelings, experience and maturity that he put towards his new album – E​va.​Eva is the mother of us all and the symbol of Dino’s travel toward its origins in Santiago island. Eva expresses what is common to us all, binding us to the Eden Garden. Including collaborations with Sara Tavares, Hernani and Jay among others, the mix of Cape Verdean creole with Portuguese makes this album a representative blend of the unique sounds from Portuguese speaking countries.

Sunday, July 12
Family Day: Mister G / Soul Street Dance / DJ ASHO
St. Mary’s Park, BX
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A 2014 Latin GRAMMY nominee, M​ister G​is a former indie rocker who was awarded the first songwriting scholarship in the history of Berklee College of Music. Called a “kid­friendly bilingual rock star” by T​he Washington Post,​Mister G is the winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award and was named one of the “Best LiveActsforKidsandFamilies.” HisCDshavebeenselectedasbestalbumsoftheyearbyP​eople Magazine,​Parents m​agazine, E​ducation.com,​and T​he Washington Post.​

Houston based S​oul Street Dance​is one of the most dynamic premier street dance companies in existence. Their technical and artistic skills, stage presence, and wit allow them to push the performance envelope to an amazing standard of excellence. Although they are called a “Dance Company,” their talents far outstrip any one category. In addition to dance, Soul Street performers are actors, athletes (with uncanny strength), and lately, songwriters and musicians too.

Ariel Fernandez­Diaz aka D​J ASHO​is a Cuban cultural ambassador who has held notable performing and curatorial residencies at institutions such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts and at numerous hip clubs up

and down the Eastern seaboard and New York City. A dream came true when he was invited to offer his DJ distinctive repertoire at a very special Central Park Summer Stage event a few years back. Known from Miami to Oakland, in the DC area, he was the catalyst behind AfroCuba! which brought a rich mix of fans together on a weekly basis. In Cuba, he was among a generation of Black youth who identified with Hip Hop as a form of musical resistance. Previously, he’s worked as an engineer, producer, DJ, and author/columnist having established a leading magazine for youth and young adults focused on Black culture and identity. While he still considers himself a “Hip Hop head,” he’s deeply knowledgeable about the diverse music from his island nation. No musical set from DJ Asho is ever quite the same. Though, he does consistently combines amazing selections ranging from obscure and historical Yoruba tracks to the greatest hits from Timba and Son with nods to Fela and Boricua heavy weights such as Hector LaVoe and the Fania era. A musical ride with DJ Asho is pure alchemy; just the right dose of heady musicology and straight up fun to feed the mind and heal the soul.

Sunday, July 12
Gerardo Contino y sus Habeneros / screening: Celia: The Queen in association with ImageNation
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Selected by NPR/WNYC as Manhattan’s best band of 2015, gritty, witty and streetwise, the Havana­born Gerardo Contino,​”El Abogado de la Salsa,” is a Cuban singer and songwriter. This former lead singer of the Cuban mega­group NG La Banda is a party onstage: he loves to improvise, to pull the audience into call and response, and to provoke fans into hip­shaking abandon. Since moving to New York City, Gerardo started his own band, G​erardo Contino y Los Habaneros,​with Axel Tosca Laugart, Luisito Quintero, and John Benitez. They released their debut album, S​omos Latinos,​in 2013 to very high critical acclaim. He has toured all over the world and in his new hometown, NYC, he has performed at Brooklyn Academy of Music, Sounds of Brazil (SOBs), BB King Blues Club, Le Poisson Rouge, the Bronx Museum, Live at the Gantries, Roulette, Gonzalez y Gonzalez, Taj, and many others.

Celia the Queen,​is a loving look at the amazing life and legacy of a woman whose voice symbolized the soul of a nation and captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Erupting onto the Cuban music scene as the lead singer for La Sonora Matancera, Celia Cruz broke down barriers of racism and sexism. With the powerful weapon of her voice and the warm tolerance of her heart, Celia soon became all things to all people. The film shows the diversity of the people whose lives she touched, from stars like Quincy Jones, Andy Garcia, and Wyclef Jean to ordinary people all over the world who loved not only her music but her incredible spirit.

Tuesday, July 14
The Chi­Lites Queensbridge Park, QU 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

At the forefront of the 70s R&B Chicago scene, T​he Chi­Lites​broke away from the gritty sound associated with the Windy City by creating their very own ­ smooth and distinct ­ which put Chicago on the R&B map, and brought the band a string of top ten hits, gold singles, and gold albums. During the 70s, the group released 11 Top Ten R&B singles which ranged from smooth ballads to socially conscious protest songs. In 2000, The Chi­Lites were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2003, the group was featured in the documentary, O​nly The Strong Survive,​released by Miramax. Their song, “Are You My Woman,” is sampled and featured in the GRAMMY award winning Beyoncé track “Crazy In Love” featuring Jay­Z. The rapper also featured The Chi­Lites’ “That’s How Long I Love You” in his song “December 4,” which hit #1 on Billboard.

Wednesday, July 15
NPR and WNYC’s Ask Me Another: Celebrating 30 Years of SummerStage Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Ask Me Another​is a rambunctious live show from NPR and WNYC that blends brainteasers and local pub trivia with comedy and music. Host Ophira Eisenberg invites guests and listeners alike to stretch their noggins, tickle their funny bones, and enjoy witty banter and guitar riffs from the Ask Me Another one­man house band, Jonathan Coulton.

Join Eisenberg as she puts special SummerStage 30th Anniversary themed questions to a rotating band of puzzle gurus, contestants and special VIP’s (that’s Very Important Puzzlers), who then take a turn in the puzzle hot seat facing trivia games written especially for him or her. What you’ll hear resembles the casual intimacy of game night at a friend’s house: one where scores are forgotten in favor of hilarious gaffes.

SummerStage attendees can play along as the on stage contestants take a turn in the puzzle hot seat at this special live recording of the famed variety show. Stay tuned for the announcement of Ask Me Another’s VIPs!

Wednesday, July 15
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Recording both as P​arliament​and F​unkadelic,​G​eorge Clinton​revolutionized R&B during the ’70s, twisting soul music into funk by adding influences from several late ’60s acid heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Sly Stone. The Parliament/Funkadelic machine ruled black music during the ’70s, capturing over 40 R&B hit singles (including three number ones) and recording three platinum albums. Clinton and many former Parliament/Funkadelic members continued to tour and record throughout the ’80s as the P­Funk All Stars, but the decade’s disdain of everything to do with the ’70s – especially the sound of disco – resulted in critical and commercial neglect for the world’s biggest funk band, one which in part had spawned dance music. The early ’90s saw the rise of funk­inspired rap which re­established the status of Clinton & Co. as one of the most important forces in the recent history of black music. Parliament/Funkadelic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Thursday, July 16
Lyricist Lounge “Live at the BBQ” featuring Large Professor and Marley Marl
Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Large Professor​(LP) is a Hip Hop songwriter, producer, and DJ hailing from Flushing, Queens, NY. As head of ‘90s rap group Main Source, LP quickly took the airwaves by storm with conceptual songs and creative sampling techniques. As a “Hip Hopper from Birth,” LP blended the rawness of early B­Boy sounds with Jazz, Folk & Blues, creating a unique style that everyone loves. As a producer, he has worked beside some of the best lyricists in the game, and is the mastermind behind the song “Live At The Barbecue,” which introduced the world to Nas. A record collector since the early ‘80s, LP’s music knowledge is vast, garnering his DJ sets high praise from peers and fans alike. His involvement in numerous certified gold and platinum albums, movie soundtracks, and television shows makes LP an “Official Hip Hop Music Aficionado.”

Famous for representing the rap Mecca known as Queensbridge, and for introducing hip hop producers to the innovative craft of sampling, M​arley Marl,​born Marlon Williams, appeared at the forefront of many of hip hop’s most important moments and movements. He rocked alongside Mr. Magic on “Rap Attack,” co­founded the legendary Juice Crew, battled KRS­One and BDP in the infamous Bridge Wars, produced LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out,” broke new talent on Future Flavas, and even inspired the late great Notorious BIG ­ to name a few. Marley’s discography is extensive, with classics including “Around the Way Girl,” “Eric B For President,” “Nobody Beats the Biz,” and “The Symphony,” among hundreds of other trendsetting compositions. Marley Marl has received numerous awards for his chart successes, including a 1992 GRAMMY Award for LL Cool J’s Best Solo Rap Performance. He has also been recognized as a living

legend in hip hop, receiving the Legendary DJ Award at the 2013 Global Spin Awards. Marley Marl can be heard on New York’s mega station WBLS 107.5 FM, every Friday night between 8pm to 10pm.

Friday, July 17
Soul Inscribed & the Spinning Wheel by Baba Israel / Twists & a Bridge by Jennifer Cendaña Armas Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hip Hop and theater artist​B​aba Israel,​multi­instrumentalist​Yako 440,​vocalist Duv, and saxophonist Sean Nowell are​Soul Inscribed,​a mix of Hip Hop, Dub, Funk, and Soul. The group will share excerpts from the BRIC Fireworks 2016 production and exhibition T​he Spinning Wheel.​The Spinning Wheel i​s an international collaboration between Baba, Yako, and UK based director Leo Kay of Unfinished Business. The Spinning Wheel e​xplores the life of Baba Israel’s late father, Steve Ben Israel. It combines storytelling, spoken word, and remixing in a ‘conversation’ between father and son. Steve Ben Israel was a jazz musician, poet, stand­up comic, activist and core member of the legendary ‘Living Theatre’. He passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of 1960’s counterculture and an archive spanning over 50 years. Drawing on this rich material for inspiration, T​he Spinning Wheel​remixes past and present to explore vulnerability and political integrity.

Jennifer Cendaña Armas​is an interdisciplinary artist dedicated to unifying communities and telling stories of diasporas. This commitment is rooted in growing up in immigrant barrios of Queens, being first generation Filipino­American, and representing the racial lineages of Filipino culture, leading to performances in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Theatre: s​kinimin12 a​t Downtown Urban Theatre Festival and New York City Hip Hop Theater Festival; Culture Project’s W​omen Center Stage Festival;​Mango Tribe’s S​isters in the Smoke;​Queens Theatre in the Park’s B​lack Theatre Festival.​Poetry/Singing: Binational Center of Cusco; London JazzFest​at Ronnie Scott’s Upstairs; Lincoln Center’s L​a Casita;​C​ity & Dope (​Barcelona); Joe’s Pub’s U​rban Griots;​U​rban Erotika;​Over The Edge (​Galway), S​poken​(Black Family Channel). Publications: Tayo; NYU Review for Law and Social Change;​W​e Got Issues! A Young Woman’s Guide To Leading An Empowered Life.​She also facilitates arts­social justice workshops and Red Tents globally.

Saturday, July 18
Freedom Party® NYC: Special SummerStage Anniversary Theme
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website:​www.freedomdanceparty.com
The Freedom Party®​is the longest running, weekly, Friday­night party in NYC history. Winner of Papermag‘​s highly coveted award for “Best Party (People’s Choice)” and runner up in U​RB​Mag’s “Best Party” (nationwide), Freedom was created in 2003 by Herbert Holler, DJ Cosi and Marc Smooth to provide a place for people from all walks of life to dance and be free. Today, it is a bona fide nightlife institution, with monthly events in both Chicago and Washington, D.C., as well. Playing a tight mix of danceable, soulful hits across all genres of music from the 60s through today, Freedom continues to fill its dance floor each week with fun, beautiful people from all over the globe looking to have an unforgettable, true NYC party experience.

Saturday, July 18
Rashida Bumbray & Dance Diaspora Collective: RUN MARY RUN / Master Class: Jamel Gaines Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Rashida Bumbray’s​choreography draws from traditional African American vernacular and folk forms including ring shouts, hoofing, and blues improvisation in order to interrogate society and initiate healing. Bumbray was nominated for the prestigious Bessie Award in 2014 for “Outstanding Emerging Choreographer.” Her performance R​UN MARY RUN i​n collaboration with Jason Moran and Dance Diaspora Collective was named among Best Concerts of 2012 by the New York Times’ Ben Ratliff. Bumbray is a recipient of the 2014 Harlem Stage Fund for New Work, and her work has been presented by Columbia

University, Caribbean Cultural Center, Dancing While Black, Harlem Stage, Project Row Houses, and Weeksville Heritage Center. Bumbray received her MA in Africana Studies from New York University and her BA in African American Studies and Theater & Dance from Oberlin College where she studied Jazz, Blues and Afro dance forms with Adenike Sharpley and collaborated with the late Wendell Logan’s Oberlin Jazz Ensemble.

Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet​(CO) is a professional dance company that merges rigorous classical and modern technique with African­American soul and spirit. Under the artistic direction of Jamel Gaines, the company has been hailed by reviewers in the United States and Europe for its “richness of dance tone” and “contagious vitality.” The company is comprised of unique performing artists whose talents include theatre, spoken word, multi­media/ visual arts, and instillation. Based in New York City, CO has been featured at the Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The Apollo Theatre, SummerStage in Central Park, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Martha Graham School, McCallum Theatre, Rialto Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and NewYork Theatre Workshop. Internationally, CO has toured in Rome, Italy; London, England; Acapulco, Mexico; Madrid, Spain; Kingston, Jamaica; Cologne, Germany; and Toronto, Canada. Our artists have been featured on Broadway stages such as: Fela!, The Lion King, Chicago, Fosse, and Memphis. Additionally, Gaines has collaborated with Notable artists such as: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Holiday, Max Roach, Savion Glover, Ornette Coleman, and Chris Brown. Jamel Gaines’ vision is to bring art to the masses that touches the human spirit.

Sunday, July 19
Jorge Drexler / Diego Garcia / Danay Suarez
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Uruguayan Madrid­based musician J​orge Drexler​won wide acclaim after becoming the first composer ever to win an Academy Award with a song in Spanish: “​Al Otro Lado del Río”​from the film T​he Motorcycle Diaries.​In the last few years he has received nominations in three consecutive Grammy Awards and four consecutive Latin Grammy Awards, and has won two Spanish Music Awards. Drexler is beloved for the beauty and intricate construction of his music and for the deft poetry of his lyrics. Critics have also hailed him as a keen observer of complex, timely themes such as technology and global interconnectedness, in addition to romance. Drexler’s songs have been featured in numerous other films, including James Ivory’s The City of Your Final Destination,​which he scored. His original song for the Spanish/Brazilian co­production L​ope,​directed by Andrucha Waddington, earned him the GOYA Award (Spanish Arts & Cinematographic Academy award) for Best Original Song in 2011.

Diego Garcia​knows how to mine romantic yearning in his work. His acclaimed 2011 solo debut L​aura​was the ultimate bedroom recording, an intensely focused and utterly entrancing chamber­pop song cycle about unrequited love, his own. The titular​Laura​was a woman he fell for in college but lost during a hectic period a decade ago when he was fronting Elefant, a New York City­based rock band that toured the world with artists like Interpol, The National and Morrissey. By the time L​aura​was finished, Garcia accepted the fact that she might only exist in his life as the subject of these songs. Then he miraculously won her back (and later married her). But those years of estrangement left an indelible mark and continue to inform his work. Garcia’s new album, P​aradise,​continues to expand upon the romantic sound he had begun to shape throughout his work on L​aura.​The album’s hybrid of influences, from the late­sixties ”Anglo” crooners like Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsborg, Leonard Cohen and Scott Walker to the early­seventies passionate balladry of Latin American artists like Roberto Carlos, Jose Feliciano, Piero, and Spaniard Julio Iglesias, is a musical reflection of who he is: a U.S.­bred son of Latin American parents who thinks in English, but can speak fluently in Spanish.

Danay Suárez,​was born in Havana, Cuba in 1984. Whereas her application to Cuba’s musical conservatory was denied, she never gave up on her dream. Danay joined “Opera de la Calle” in 2003 which allowed her to train and further expand her sound spectrum. She later went on to become one of the principal figures in Cuba’s underground Rap movement. Danay’s ability to adapt has allowed her to thrive in different genres

such as Jazz, Hip­Hop, Reggae, Dub­Step and traditional Cuban music. Her collaborations as a Havana Cultura solo artist took her to international stages and between 2009 ­ 2012 participated in shows in Paris, Manchester, London, Amsterdam, Turkey and Leeds. In 2013 she headlined Colombia’s famed festival “Hip Hop al Parque” where she sang before an audience of 120,000 fans. She has shared the stage and collaborated with Omara Portuondo, Roberto Fonseca, Robert Glassper, Gilles Peterson, X­Alfonso, Raul Paz, DJ Mala, Roberto Carcase & Interactivo. Danay’s latest album “Palabras Manuales” will be released this spring.

Sunday, July 19
Family Day: Wycliffe Gordon & Friends / B­Love’s Hip Hop Jazzy Groove / Karisma Jay & Abundance / Master Class: Samuel Coleman
Queensbridge Park, QU
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wycliffe Gordon’​s impressive career has taken him around the world, performing to great acclaim while solidifying his place in musical history as one of the best trombonists of his generation. He was awarded “Best Trombone” by Downbeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll for the last three years, and Jazz Journalists Association has named him “Trombonist of the Year” eight times. Wycliffe is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. He is a prolific composer as well as recording artist, and as a leader he has released more than 20 CDs and performed on countless recordings for artists of all caliber. His jazz arrangement of the theme song for NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily on stations around the world. Additionally, Gordon is one of America’s most committed music educators. Highly sought after for master classes and workshops, he also serves on the faculty at Manhattan School of Music and in 2014 he was named Artist­in­Residence at Georgia Regents University.

B­Love’s Hip Hop Jazzy Groove​is written, directed, and choreographed by Traci Bartlow and featuring Ray F. Davis. A native of Oakland, California Ms. Bartlow is proficient in many styles of dance, and uses African, Jazz and Hip Hop as a base for her choreography. Ms. Bartlow’s choreography has been presented at the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival, the Black Choreographers Festival, and The Sisyphus Syndrome­A Jazz Opera by Amiri Baraka. She has received commissions for her choreography from the Illadelph Legend Dance Festival in Philadelphia, and the Eastbay Community Foundation in Oakland, and is proud to be an official Frankie Manning Ambassador of Lindy Hop. As a historian on black dance she has worked for a wide range of artist and organizations such as Rhodessa Jones, Dessy Di Lauro, Martin Luther McCoy, The Coup, Cal Shakes and, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of California at Davis.

True to her name, Brooklyn native K​arisma Jay​has been dancing and performing since the tender age of 2. Currently, she is a featured performer with the international sensation, STOMP. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Brooklyn’s AbunDance Academy of the Arts. Teaching dance since the age of 10, she has become skilled at developing the confidence and charisma of even her shyest students, who range in age from 2 to 92. An alumna of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art (Dance) and NYU Gallatin (Pre­Med and Performing Arts), Karisma has performed/toured with prestigious dance companies such as Brooklyn Ballet, Maimouna Keita, Creative Outlet, Asase Yaa, and Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence. Her TV credits include programs aired on Netflix, BET, MTV, NBC, and VH1, to name a few.

Samuel Coleman​is an Alvin Ailey School trained dancer and teacher, with a focus on lindy hop (swing) dancing. Coleman teaches in Harlem and Albany, and performs with the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers and the Rhythm Stompers. Coleman was a 2011 Frankie Manning Ambassador scholarship recipient.

Sunday, July 19
Pete Rock / screening: NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC in association with ImageNation
Queensbridge Park, QU
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pete Rock​was born in the birthplace of hip hop—the Boogie Down Bronx, and raised in Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon. Music was a constant for the young man who would get his start supporting Marley Marl in

the mix on WBLS at the age of 16. Inspired by the Godfather of Soul. Driven to put his own soul on record. Destined to nourish the souls of any and all within earshot. When a Pete Rock production comes on, it doesn’t matter if you’re Kanye West or an everyday fan in Amsterdam: you will be changed.

Twenty years after the release of Nas’s groundbreaking debut album ‘Illmatic,’ N​AS: TIME IS ILLMATIC takes us into the heart of his creative process. Returning to his childhood home in Queensbridge, Nas shares stories of his upbringing, his influences — from the music of his jazz musician father Olu Dara to the burgeoning hip­hop scene in New York City — and the obstacles he faced before his major label signing at age 20. Featuring interviews with his ‘Illmatic’ producers (Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q­Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier) and musical peers (including Pharrell Williams and Alicia Keys), NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC is a thrilling account of Nas’s evolution from a young street poet to a visionary MC.

Wednesday, July 22

Milky Change / X Ambassadors

Central Park, MN

7:00 PM ­ 10:00 PM

TICKETED

You never know who you’re going to meet on the first day of school. Sometimes, you can end up being

introduced to one of the best friends you’ll ever know. That was the case for Clemens and

Philipp—otherwise known as M​ilky Chance.​The Kassel, Germany duo met in eleventh grade, and since

then have harnessed a style unequivocally their own. Weaving together elegant electronic production with

acoustic guitars and lilting, lush vocals, their full­length debut, S​adnecessary,​debuted in the Top 20 of

theBillboard Top 200 upon release, and it eventually went gold in Canada. Boasting over 122 million­plus

YouTube views, enjoying 2014’s “second longest run at #1” on Alternative and AAA, entering Shazam’s Hall th​

of Fame as the “12​most­Shazamed song of all­time,” and racking up platinum single sales in the United States as certified by the RIAA, “Stolen Dance” literally captivated millions. Ultimately, because of its emotional expanse, Sadnecessary signals even bigger things on the horizon for Milky Chance. Clemens leaves off, “At the end of the day, we’re most happy when people discover our music for themselves and have fun at one of our concerts. It’s just great when they listen to a song and connect it to a personal experience. That’s the most amazing thing, and we’d love to encourage that.”

For X​Ambassadors,​an unshakable sense of brotherhood has long shaped the sound and spirit of the band. Growing up in small­town upstate New York, frontman Sam Harris, his brother Casey, and childhood friend Noah Feldshuh bonded over an obsessive love for punk, rock & roll, soul, and hip­hop that defied the conventions of their peer group. Forming their first band in middle school, the three channeled their infatuation with artists as eclectic as The Stooges and The Staple Singers into a string of musical projects that sharply clashed with their local scene’s favoring of folk and country. After graduating high school and decamping to New York City in search of a greater music community, the Harris brothers and Noah joined up with L.A.­raised drummer Adam Levin—a move that helped X Ambassadors solidify their sound into a groove­fueled take on alt­pop, and ultimately land a deal with KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records.

Saturday, July 25
Jose Peña Suazo Y La Banda Gorda
Highbridge Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Joseph Virgilio Pena Suazo better known as B​anda Gorda​was born in city of Cotui, Dominican Republic. Joseph began studying the trumpet in 1987, and soon after joined the fire department band of Santo Domingo. Joseph then formed part of Cuco Valoy’s merengue band as a first trumpet player, where he became a composer, arranger and started making a name for himself throughout the Dominican Republic. After years of performing with various famous merengue groups including La Rokabanda, Pochy Familia y la Coco Band, Joseph fulfilled his dream to start his own musical project and La Banda Gorda was formed. His first album, F​ree At Last,​was well accepted by the Dominican community in the US, making Banda Gorda a

very popular merengue band from the Dominican Republic. After releasing their second album, C​andela Pura,​the band became a national and international musical phenomenon.

Saturday, July 25
Bombino / Young Fathers / Fantastic Negrito
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Born and raised in Niger, Omara “B​ombino”​Moctar is a member of the Tuareg Ifoghas tribe, which for centuries has fought against colonialism and the imposition of strict Islamic rule. During his lifetime, the Tuareg people have fought the Niger government to secure their rights on numerous occasions, causing Bombino and his family to flee several times. In exile, Bombino picked up the guitar and studied videos of Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler in an effort to master their licks. Bombino worked regularly as a musician and a herder in the desert near Tripoli, spending many hours alone watching the animals and practicing his guitar. Eventually, Bombino returned to Niger, where he continued to play with a number of local bands. As his legend grew, a Spanish documentary film crew helped Bombino record his first album, G​roup Bombino’s Guitars from Agadez Vol. 2,​which became a local radio hit. Bombino made his Nonesuch Records debut with the release of N​omad​on April 2, 2013. The album debuted at #1 on the B​illboard W​orld Music album chart and iTunes World chart and earned rave reviews.

Young Fathers​is ‘G’ Hastings, Alloysious Massaquoi and Kayus Bankole. The three men are each named after their fathers­­a unifying bond for a band that pushes against the binds of definition. They are rock and pop, hip hop and punk, and anything else you want to label them as. But really, they are none and all of these. The UK trio recently released their adventurous 12­track album White Men Are Black Men Too (Big Dada) to wide praise, including 5­star reviews from the UK’s The Guardian and The Independent. The album was written and recorded throughout 2014 while they were touring around the world, and then completed at their studio in Edinburgh. The new album is the follow up to their full length debut DEAD, one of the most original albums of 2014. The band went on to win the 2014 Mercury Prize for DEAD—the UK’s highest honor for an album. Young Fathers also performed single “GET UP” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last summer. The mesmerizing performance was their U.S. late night debut, bringing their lauded live show into U.S. homes for the first time. But enough about what they’ve done… here’s where they’re going.

Fantastic Negrito​is a man’s truth told in the form of black roots music. Each song is a true story about a musician from Oakland who experienced the highs of a million dollar record deal, the lows of a near fatal car accident that put him in a coma, and is now in the phase of rebirth despite his playing hand being mangled. Negrito’s music emphasizes rawness and space. Slide guitar, drums, piano. Rather than update the Delta Blues, Fantastic Negrito leaves the original sounds of Lead Belly and Skip James intact, building bridges to a modern sound with loops and samples of his own live instruments. But the primary element that drives Fantastic Negrito’s music is uncut realness and zero concern for “pop” anything.

Sunday, July 26
Rock Steady 38th Anniversary Concert: Whodini / Big Daddy Kane & more
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Originally founded in 1977 in the Bronx by Jimmy D and Jojo, R​ock Steady Crew​has become one of the most well­known and recognizable B­boy groups in the world. The pioneers and creators of break­dancing used dance battles as a means of recruitment to grow its talented team and gain national acclaim while touring throughout the world. Since its original generation of members, Rock Steady Crew has adapted all aspects of Hip Hop, from DJs to Emcees, and from Writers to B­boys & B­girls. More recently, Rock Steady Crew received a VH1 Hip­Hop honors award and performed on ABC’s D​ancing With the Stars.

Brooklyn­based R&B/Rap group W​hodini h​as been a mandatory staple in the Hip Hop scene since 1982 when they went on­air with Mr. Magic’s “Rap Attack” on WHBI radio. Their second album, 1984’s E​scape,​

was certified platinum. The duo (Jalil Hutchins and John “Ecstasy” Fletcher) went on to tour with fellow hip hop icons including Kurtis Blow and Run­DMC, and collaborated with Public Enemy.

Known by many monikers including Dark Gable, Black Caesar and King Asiatic Nobody’s Equal, B​ig Daddy Kane​has long been one of hip hop’s most lyrical, diverse, innovative, trendsetting M.C.’s . The baritone voiced, Bed­Stuy native is known for his rapid fire, metaphoric battle rap style, and has several certified Gold albums to his name. Kane has also collaborated with a who’s who of Hip Hop including Masta Ace, Public Enemy, Busta Rhymes, and UGK, as well as artists such as Barry White and Patti LaBelle. The GRAMMY award winner and VH1 Hip Hop Legend honoree has appeared in publications including R​ight On!​, S​ource,​ and even the infamous Madonna S​ex b​ook.

Monday, July 27
Dawes / First Aid Kit
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
TICKETED
While the city of Los Angeles has been both an inspiration and a home to the four members of D​awes,​they found themselves traveling East last fall to record their third album in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with newly enlisted producer Jacquire King. It was a chance to hunker down and work each day for a month away from familiar landmarks and routines. The tracks they laid down at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studio have yielded a 12­song disc of tremendous sonic and narrative clarity, book­ended in classic album fashion by two very different versions of the wistful “Just Beneath The Surface” – a misleading title, really, since the songs stacked in between dig so deep. Stories Don’t End is not so much a departure from the quartet’s previous efforts as a distillation of them. It spotlights the group’s maturing skills as arrangers, performers and interpreters who shape the raw material supplied by chief songwriter and lead vocalist Taylor Goldsmith into an artfully concise and increasingly soulful sound. Once again, Goldsmith displays a particular gift for tunes that balance tough and tender, hardboiled and heartbroken. If Goldsmith’s vocal delivery weren’t plaintive enough, the band ups the emotional ante with a beautiful wordless coda that intertwines Tay Strathairn’s piano and Goldsmith’s lead guitar.

Bittersweet is the word the Söderberg sisters prefer. “We like bittersweet songs, songs that affect you differently depending on how you interpret them,” says Klara, the younger of the Swedish siblings that make up F​irst Aid Kit.​“Making the melodies and lyrics head in different directions is very deliberate,” adds big sister Johanna. “A song like ‘Emmylou’ sounds cheerful, but the lyrics are the saddest thing you ever heard.” First Aid Kit’s first US­recorded album, The Lion’s Roar, juxtaposes sadness and beauty in the best traditions of folk and country music. They even cite the Louvin Brothers’ cheerfully brutal version of the old murder ballad “Knoxville Girl” as the perfect example of the sweet and sour they adore. And this new carefully constructed collection deftly succeeds in setting references to their hometown of Stockholm and long, dark Scandinavian winters against a backdrop of country­rock swing.

Tuesday, July 28
Rise Against
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM ­ 9:00 PM
TICKETED
“There’s a lot of raw emotion on this record,” begins R​ise Against​singer and guitarist Tim McIlrath as he describes the Chicago punks’ highly anticipated and searing new album, The Black Market on Interscope Records. “It’s a raw nerve,” he clarifies, “it’s going to be a hard thing to ignore.”These words should not be taken lightly. After 15 years, and six incendiary albums, Rise Against have become one of the most successful, challenging and revered punk rock bands on the planet. While selling four million albums globally across their last four releases – with 2011’s Endgame debuting at number one in Germany and Canada, and number two on the U.S. Billboard charts – they’ve also always adhered to the idea of music as a vehicle for change. In doing so, they’ve appeared alongside superstars like Adele and Sting on Amnesty

International’s Chimes Of Freedom – The Songs Of Bob Dylan compilation in 2012, toured with Rage Against The Machine’s iconic guitarist Tom Morello, campaigned against gun violence with the Demand A Plan organization and advocated the Make It Stop campaign’s attempt to raise awareness of LBGT teen suicides and bullying, working closely with “It Gets Better.” It’s important to keep this rich heritage of protest in mind when discussing The Black Market.

Seldom does the formation of a new band create the kind of anticipation that has awaited the arrival of Massachussets’ K​illswitch Engage.​When the legendary Overcast broke up in late 1998, a chapter in metal history sadly closed. Overcast helped give birth to the metalcore movement, which has become the dominant style of hardcore today. But Mike D’Antonio, Overcast’s leader and principal songwriter, still had a lot of music in him, and spent a year working with careful deliberation to find co­conspirators to help take metal to a new level. Mike began collaborating with Aftershock guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz in the summer of ’99 and they were soon joined by Aftershock guitarist Joel Stroetzel. excited about the direction the music was going, they started looking for a vocalist to complete the vision. as luck would have it, former Corrin/Nothing Stays Gold vocalist Jesse Leach became available. With this impressive pedigree, Killswitch Engage hits the ground running. Killswitch debuted as an opener for In Flames, and judging from the early reaction, has apparantly hit a nerve. Their self­titled first LP is the result of four consummate creators fusing their talents to produce a record of breathtaking originality and sophistication. Those familiar with the band member’s prior projects will be pleasantly surprised by the precision and ferocity of Killswitch Engage, as well as the unexpected dose of vocal melodicism. The album was engineered by drummer Dutkiewicz at Zing Studios in Westfield, Massachusetts. The music is technical, energetic and passionate. The lyrics represent a refreshing departure from the obvious.

“Killswitch Engage” is a monster debut, a classic piece of metal ear candy, that is destined to become a “must have” milestone record in the CD collection of every serious

Cultured on punk’s brashness, metal’s brutality, and confidence born in the cracks of Ingelwood’s side walks, you have L​ETLIVE.​Four years after their sophomore release, the expansive and raucous Speak Like You Talk, LETLIVE has suffered the growing pains that is the burden of any artist. Having to accept the reality that the life of the musician is only becoming harder to realize, let alone manage. After four years and many a lineup change the band has coalesced into a few young men well aware of the crap shoot that is the modern music industry. Letlive are betting on themselves, and they are all in, with far from nothing to lose. LETLIVE will be bringing the blood and sweat of their violently cathartic live show to the studio this summer, bracing for a winter release that is sure to serve as a true testament to something much greater than a “good album”. These men exhibit a potential the arts have been desperately pining for for far too long. This is the assurance of change, the tipping point of a revolution.

Tuesday, July 28
Mack Wilds hosted by Hot 97s Peter Rosenberg
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tristan Paul M​ack Wilds​is best known for his acting roles as Michael Lee and Dixon Wilson on HBO’s “The Wire” and CW’s “90210” respectively, but before he hit Hollywood, Wilds dreamed of a career in music. “I don’t remember a time in my life when music wasn’t a factor in my life,” the Staten Island native says. “I was immersed in what music was in the ’90s. Everything we heard in hip hop, I could look outside of my window
i n t h e p r o j e c t s a n d s e e i t g o i n g o n . ” T h e c i t y s e r v e d a s i n s p i r a t i o n f o r h i s d e b u t L P , ​N e w Y o r k : A L o v e S t o r y , ​ a 1990s hip hop­focused, R&B­laced tale of love and loss, featuring writing and production from Ne­Yo, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Havoc.

Wednesday, July 29 PHILADANCO! / TU Dance Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Philadelphia Dance Company (P​HILADANCO!)​is a nonprofit organization that presents the highest quality of professional dance performance and improves the skills of emerging and professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment, while increasing the appreciation of dance among its many communities. Across the nation and around the world, P​HILADANCO!​is celebrated for its innovation, creativity and preservation of predominantly African­American traditions in dance. Founded in 1970, PHILADANCO!​has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides, consistently performing for audiences representing an amalgamation of people from diverse communities. PHILADANCO!​is recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances. Inherent in our mission is a commitment to empowering youth with crucial leadership and development skills that facilitate achievement and success in the world of dance and everyday life.

Founded in 2004 by T​oni Pierce­Sands and Uri Sands​in Saint Paul, Minnesota, T​U Dance​is a leading voice for contemporary dance. The 12­member, professional company is acclaimed for its diverse and versatile artists, performing work that draws together modern dance, classical ballet, African­based and urban vernacular movements. The TU Dance repertory features original work by Uri Sands, as well as renowned choreographers including Dwight Rhoden, Ron Brown, Katrin Hall, Gregory Dolbashian and Camille Brown. Through celebrated performances of the professional company and accessible dance education at TU Dance Center, TU Dance provides opportunities for everyone to experience the connective power of dance.

Wednesday, July 29
Jellybean Benitez / DJ Street Tech / D­Train in association with Zulu Nation
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
John Benitez a​ka J​ellybean Benitez,​is a multi instrumentalist, songwriter, DJ, and remixer, who DJ’d in some of the hottest disco night clubs in the 70’s & 80’s including the famed Studio 54. Benitez scored two 80’s US pop hits, and has produced and remixed artists such as Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and the Pointer Sisters. Benitez continues to deejay globally, and is the Executive Producer of Studio 54 Radio,​which is heard exclusively on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Channel 54), and features 1classic dance from Jellybean’s personal collection and the vaults and collections of Studio 54 insiders.

Staten Island Native D​J Street Tech​has been DJing since 1991­92. Inspired by legendary DJ’S like as Pete “DJ” Jones, DJ Hollywood, Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Lord Yoda X, Grand Wizard Theodore, DJ Premier, Peter the Great (Techno DJ) & Bobby Konders, DJ Street Tech started as a freestyle/house DJ, before he started rockin hip hop and reggae. DJ Street Tech joined The Universal Zulu Nation in 1994, where he became as student of Afrika Bambaataa and has been rocking the decks ever since.

Thursday, July 30
TU Dance / Master Class: Calvin Wiley
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Founded in 2004 by T​oni Pierce­Sands and Uri Sands​in Saint Paul, Minnesota, T​U Dance​is a leading voice for contemporary dance. The 12­member, professional company is acclaimed for its diverse and versatile artists, performing work that draws together modern dance, classical ballet, African­based and urban vernacular movements. The TU Dance repertory features original work by Uri Sands, as well as renowned choreographers including Dwight Rhoden, Ron Brown, Katrin Hall, Gregory Dolbashian and Camille Brown. Through celebrated performances of the professional company and accessible dance education at TU Dance Center, TU Dance provides opportunities for everyone to experience the connective power of dance.

SummerStage Master Class veteran C​alvin Wiley​is an international fitness professional with over twenty years of experience and recognition. Known for his unique and provocative style of teaching and motivating others, Calvin’s dynamic choreography is high­energy and stylistically diverse.

Friday, July 31
Smorgasburg
Central Park, MN
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
TICKETED
Smorgasburg​is returning to Central Park! After a (too?) successful trial run last fall, the renowned Brooklyn food market is back for one summer night only. Eat and drink specialties from 25 of our favorite food vendors under the evening stars, grab a couple beers or sip a glass of wine, and enjoy some outdoor tunes in the greatest park in the world. Some folks aren’t aware that since 2010 Smorgasburg has operated the food­and­beverage concession at SummerStage, where four food vendors set up for all 50+ shows every summer. Asia Dog, Blue Marble Ice Cream, Lonestar Empire/Best Summer, and Pizza Moto. What a great foundation for a full­blown food fest! Look out for Smorg standbys like Mighty Quinn’s, Ramen Burger, Cemitas, Lumpia Shack, and Milk Truck, plus the best of this year’s new faces at the market (stay tuned for the full vendor lineup). Tickets are $10, which includes a $5 food voucher at the door.

Friday, July 31
Mr. Joy by Daniel Beaty featuring Tangela Large
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What happened to M​r. Joy?​A Harlem community is disrupted when the Chinese immigrant’s shoe repair shop, a neighborhood pillar for decades, does not open its doors. Nine customers, ranging from 11­year­old Clarissa, a budding shoe designer, to Bessie, a “gangsta granny,” reflect on the shop owner’s impact in this moving exploration of one community’s efforts to heal in order to dream again. M​r. Joy​stars actor and vocalist T​angela Large.​

Daniel Beaty​is an award­winning actor, singer, writer, and composer. His critically acclaimed plays Emergency, Through the Night, Mr. Joy, Breath & Imagination, a​nd T​he Tallest Tree in the Forest h​ave been performed at venues ranging from leading theaters and concert halls to maximum security prisons to the White House. Honors for off­Broadway and regional productions of his plays include two NAACP Awards for Best Actor, two Audelco awards for Outstanding Solo Performance, and an Obie Award for Off­Broadway Excellence in Writing & Performing.

Saturday, August 1
Dr. John & the Nite Trippers / Amy Helm
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The legendary D​r. John​is a six­time Grammy Award­winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Known throughout the world as the embodiment of New Orleans’ musical legacy, Dr. John is a true icon in American culture. His colorful musical career began in the 1950s when he wrote and played guitar on some of the greatest records to come out of the Crescent City, including recordings by Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Joe Tex and Frankie Ford. Dr. John headed west in the 1960s, where he continued to be in demand as a session musician, playing on records by Sonny and Cher, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones’ “Exile On Main St.” During that time he launched his solo career, developing the charismatic persona of Dr. John The Nite Tripper. His latest album “Locked Down”, released in 2012 with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys also won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. In 2013 Dr. John was awarded an honorary doctorate from Tulane University alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I​n 2014, Dr. John released S​ke­Dat­De­Dat…The Spirit Of Satch,​an album in tribute to another larger­than­life New Orleans legend: Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. A​fter a half century of creating music for others and himself, Dr. John continues to write, arrange, produce and interpret with a passion that has yet to wane.

Amy Helm’​s deep musical roots were enriched by a lifetime of exposure to the finest expressions of American musical tradition. The daughter of music legend Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus

Fagen, Helm wields a powerful voice that can both stir and soothe, whether she is singing traditional gospel, blues standards or her own heartfelt compositions. She is a gifted musician on both mandolin and drums, and was a founding member of the roots band Ollabelle, with whom she has recorded three CDs. While beginning her solo career, she continues to perform with both Levon Helm’s band and the Dirt Farmer Band as they carry on the eclectic roots music traditions from the Midnight Rambles.

Saturday, August 1
TKA / Flaco Navaja and the Razor Blades / Tony Touch
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
TKA i​s a dance group that was prominent in the 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Freestyle epicenters such as New York, Chicago, and Miami. The trio, hailing from New York City, were signed to Tommy Boy Records in the mid­80s, and released their debut album, S​cars of Love,​in 1987. The album spawned 6 Billboard Top Dance Hits and several pop hits. The success of the album spurred a mini Latin pop explosion as groups like Expose, The Cover Girls and Lisa Lisa stormed the pop charts. By the release of their second album L​ouder than Love,​TKA was traveling the world opening for groups like Boys II Men, Donna Summer and Paula Abdul. Following pressure from their record label to shift their sound, the group split up, but reunited in 2001.

Flaco Navaja​is a singer, poet and actor, born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He sings in both Spanish and English and has toured with various groups across the globe. You could say that if Héctor Lavoe boxed Rubén Blades, and KRS­1 was the referee, you’d get Flaco. In other words, his original style of poetry is a nostalgic, old sound layered with brand new spoken word, beat­boxing, and singing. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase “All That! Hip Hop, Poetry & Jazz” at the famous Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe. He has performed at national and international venues and events. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award­winning Russell Simmons’ DEF POETRY JAM and he has appeared on four episodes of the HBO series. Navaja is a member of Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in several films & television shows, includingP​ride and Glory,​F​ighting,​G​un Hill Road,​L​aw & Order,​C​SI NY​and the new webseries EASTWILLYB.​

Former 80’s B­Boy and current CEO, artist, and producer, T​ony Touch​(aka Tony Toca) continues to be a force to be reckoned with. An icon in Hip Hop and in the Urban Hispanic genre, Tony Touch is a true innovator who has revolutionized the DJ game time and again. From his legendary mixtapes, to his skills on the 1s and 2s, he has become one of Hip Hop’s most recognized DJs. He recently dropped his seventh commercial release, “The Piece Maker 3… Return of the 50 MCs,” and can be heard weekly during “Toca Tuesdays” on Shade 45, Eminem’s SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio Channel.

Sunday, August 2
Nação Zumbi / Nation Beat’s Carnival Caravan feat. Cha Wa / DJ sets by Vinil Pompéia in association with Brasil Summerfest
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Twenty years ago, one of the most important groups in Brazil launched its first record, D​a Lama ao Caos.​ The debut album by Chico Science & Nação Zumbi​w​as a milestone for a group of friends, that by creating a scene, started a movement that ultimately destabilized the axis of musical production in Brazil. Their second album, A​frociberdelia,​was launched in June 1996, but in less than a year, the band ­ and the world – would lose their front man Chico Science. Despite the huge blow, it wasn’t the end. N​ação Zumbi​reestablished itself and ever since has reinvented themselves year after year, and album after album. Having released six studio albums, Nação Zumbi brings manguebeat to life, and continues to be one of the most influential and respected Brazilian music bands today.

Carnival Caravan​is a new collaborative touring concept featuring Brazilan­American group​Nation Beat and New Orleans band C​ha Wa.​The goal? To incorporate Brazilian, New Orleans and related music, dance

and art into a show that explores the cultural exchange between North and South America. Nation Beat’s Scott Kettner and Cha Wa’s Joe Gelini met in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day in front of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux’s house awaiting the Golden Eagle Tribe. As Scott & Joe paraded with the Golden Eagles to the legendary corner of Second & Dryades they began a musical dialogue that became the inspiration for this musical collaboration. Its no surprise that even though they were playing instruments & rhythms from separate continents, the message was the same. It became clear there was a musical & cultural connection that was understood without words.

Do you remember when, back in the days, friends used to get together around record players to listen to new music releases and enjoy the deep sounds coming out of the vinyl? For most people this is the past, but not for the popular radio show, “V​inil Pompéia”​. Featuring Chiquitito Corazon, Brig82 and Camilo Fyahman, the vinyl only radio show, aims to bring back the ritual of playing vinyl. “Vinil Pompéia” brings a diverse musical selection and precious tips about the record culture through the hosts and many special guests. The show proved to be so popular on the air, that it has come out of the virtual world and onto the dance floor. The “Vinil Pompéia” team travels around Brazil playing parties with the quality at the edge of the needle, as people say. Whether in the virtual or real world, “Vinil Pompéia” is becoming an oasis for vinyl lovers and everyone who appreciates good music.

Sunday, August 2
Family Day: Little Club Heads / Sugar Free Allstars / Hopalong Andrew
Clove Lakes Park, SI
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Little Club Heads​have revolutionized the idea of “family time” by providing a dance party experience for children aged 1 to 12 years­old, and their parents too. Parents socialize with each other while children have the opportunity to mingle, dance, perform, build self confidence, enjoy live entertainment, and stay fit. Over the past five years, Little Club Heads have performed at hundreds of events and entertained over 100,000 guests.

Sugar Free Allstars i​s a Family Funk super duo from Oklahoma City. Chris “Boom!” Wiser and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin joined forces in 2001 and quickly gained a following with a high­energy live show that has been described as a hip­shaking, head­bopping, southern­based explosion of fun for all ages. Sugar Free Allstars are among the ‘Top 12 Family Music Artists in America’ according to T​ime​magazine. They’ve had two #1 songs on SiriusXM radio’s ‘Kids Place Live,’ and in 2012 were featured on a Grammy Award­winning album. Their most recent album is A​ll on a Sunday Afternoon.​

Singing the great folk songs, fireside ballads, and cowboy favorites from the silver screen, H​opalong Andrew‘​s concerts are geared towards all ages. A one­man band, with guitar, banjo, harmonica, and a vintage Samsonite suitcase drum, Hopalong Andrew is a bit like Roy Rogers meets Pete Seeger and Jesse Fuller. You’ll square dance, dosey­doe, ride the “Hopalong Express,” visit the “cozy corral” and “cozy campfire,” and have an all­Americana good time. Hopalong Andrew is former NYC Urban Park Ranger Andrew Vladeck. He began his career as “The Singing Ranger” while stalling an event for the NYC Parks Commissioner’s arrival. He is also touring musician with a number of outfits (Fireships, The Honey Brothers). In a typical day he’ll play for children in the morning, seniors in the afternoon, and a rock venue at night.

Sunday, August 2
Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue / screening: Get on Up in association with ImageNation
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In 1983, F​elix Hernandez​began a two­year project traveling the U.S. collecting hundreds of hours of interviews with R&B artists. The material was used for a 13­part radio documentary called Harlem Hit
Parade, which was syndicated to 70 NPR stations in the mid­80’s. In 1986, Felix introduced R​hythm Revue,​ New York’s first radio show devoted exclusively to classic soul and R&B. It premiered on WBGO and is now

in its 29th year. In 1989, Felix was awarded the first of many production grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts, to develop and produce a weekly radio presentation of live blues and R&B. BluesStage, hosted by the late Tony­winning actress and singer Ruth Brown, ran six years on 200+ NPR stations. The series featured 234 unique episodes of live performances, recorded and produced by Hernandez on location nationwide. In 1991, Felix did his first R​hythm Revue Dance Party​at Tramps in New York City. The party outgrew Tramps and moved to the Roseland Ballroom in 1992, where it was held for over two decades. Felix’s unique mix of classic soul, disco and funk consistently draws a crowd of 2,500 to 3,500 dancers per event.

Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, G​et On Up​gives a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of James Brown (Chadwick Boseman), taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Boseman is joined in the drama by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis, Lennie James, Tika Sumpter, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd.

Monday, August 3
Beautiful ­ The Carole King Musical: Songs in Concert
Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Long before she was Carole King, music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and a dream. From the back rooms of music factories to the stage of Carnegie Hall, B​EAUTIFUL​tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise from teenage songwriter to the rock & roll hall of fame. The unforgettable music of top 10 hits, including S​ome Kind of Wonderful,​T​he Loco­motion,​Y​ou’ve Got A Friend,​O​ne Fine Day,​N​atural Woman,​and many more. During the musical explosion that was the 1960’s in America, one woman wrote the songs that made a nation sing. Her name was Carole King. Her story is BEAUTIFUL.

Tuesday, August 4
Tito Nieves
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
With more than three decades of musical history behind him, H​umberto “Tito” Nieves​­ the “Pavarotti” of Salsa ­ is still going strong. In 2011, the Puerto Rican­born, NYC­raised star launched his very own record label, Tito Nieves Music Corp. with the release of his 30th studio album, M​i ultima grabacion.​Lead single, “Eres Linda” roared onto the Latin Billboard Tropical Airplay chart in its first week and became his 26th chart entry. Nieves began his career with Orquesta Cimarron before joining the Hector Lavoe Orchestra, and later, Conjunto Clasico, where he shared the stage with Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. In 1988, Nieves set out as a solo artist and was signed to the legendary RMM Records. His first album with the label, C​lassic,​which included the hit “Sonambulo,” earned him his first of many Gold Records. Throughout his career Nieves has incorporated English into his recordings as he has defied the language barrier with his versatility and crossover appeal. His music speaks to the hearts and minds of people everywhere, regardless of the language they speak. Tito counts among his plethora of recognition, three Ace Awards, a Premio Lo Nuestro, and several GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY award nominations.

Wednesday, August 5
Father John Misty with Angel Olsen & Summer Moon
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM ­ 10:00 PM
TICKETED
Many of the superlatives describing A​ngel Olsen​refer to how seemingly little it takes for her to leave an audience speechless, even spellbound. But Olsen has never been as timid as those descriptors imply, and the noisy, fiery hints in her earlier work find a fuller expression on her newest LP, Burn Your Fire for No Witness. Angel Olsen began singing as a young girl in St. Louis, where she explored the remarkable range

of her voice and the places it could take her songwriting. Her self­released debut EP, “Strange Cacti,” belied both that early period of discovery and her Midwestern roots. Cautious and homespun on the one hand, the EP transported us to a mystical, unrecognizable world on the other, and it garnered extensive praise for its enigmatic beauty. Olsen then went further on Half Way Home, her first full­length album, which mined essential themes while showcasing a more developed voice.

Wednesday, August 5
Ratking / Bishop Nehru in association with MeanRead and Pigeons & Planes
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In 2014, Harlem underground hip hop crew​RATKING​dropped S​o It Goes,​their acclaimed debut release on Thom Yorke’s XL Recordings imprint Hot Charity. Described as “an exhilarating and reckless lyrical portrait of a maybe­vanishing city; part Vonnegut, part Dipset, part Suicide,” the album was featured on COMPLEX Magazine’s list as among the best new albums of 2014. After wrapping a year on the road and their first Australian tour, the group is back with their latest effort 7​00 Fill.​

Bishop Nehru​is as a multi­talented renaissance teen from Spring Valley, NY. Bishop is known for his talents as a self­taught hip­hop artist/producer/musician/ director/actor. Over the past year, Bishop has released 2 critically acclaimed projects, toured with the legendary Wu­Tang Clan, collaborated with UK super group Disclosure and landed a global Converse Ambassador campaign. Bishop just released his project with the reclusive underground hip­hop legend ­ MF DOOM titled “NehruvianDOOM” and is prepping his upcoming record that will be executive produced by Nas to come out on Mass Appeal.

Thursday, August 6
Caribou in association with MeanRed
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Having followed up his Polaris Prize­winning 2007 record A​ndorra w​ith the universally adored S​wim i​n 2010, Dan Snaith has spent the intervening five years touring the world, bringing not only the sounds of​Caribou​to the stage but proving his immeasurable worth as a DJ with epic 71⁄2­hour­long sets. In 2012, Caribou were personally invited to join Radiohead on the road while Dan released his first album under the guise of his dancefloor­loving pseudonym Daphni to widespread critical acclaim. Following the shape­shifting sounds of that album (J​iaolong) a​nd the brightly textured, fluid constructions of S​wim​– both inward­looking records in their own way – Dan withdrew to the basement once more to work on Caribou’s next opus. Only he didn’t: his latest album, O​ur Love​(2014), isn’t the sound of isolated creation but the sound of Dan at his most connected – with love for his listeners, his collaborators, and those closest to him.

Friday, August 7
Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring Sarah Jones
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sarah Jones i​s a former N​uyorican Poets Cafe​grand slam champion whom the N​ew York Times​has called “a master of the genre.” Come spend an evening with Sarah’s characters, old and new!

Sarah Jones is a Tony and Obie Award winning playwright and performer. She is perhaps best known to theater audiences for her multi­character, one­person show B​ridge & Tunnel,​which was originally produced by Oscar winner Meryl Streep and became a critically acclaimed hit on Broadway. Sarah is also known to many for her popular TED Talks given at the world renown annual TED conference, and which have been viewed more than 2 million times online. She was recently invited to The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland where she was honored to be the first artist to perform on a stage normally reserved for Heads of State and captains of industry. She is currently completing her new one­woman show, Sell/Buy/Date,​which tackles issues of human trafficking and the sex trade, and is a commission for the NoVo Foundation.

Saturday, August 8
30th Anniversary DJ Celebration: Quantic / Gilles Peterson / Afrika Bambaataa in association with Giantstep
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Quantic,​aka Will Holland is a British born musician, producer and DJ making soul, electronic & Latin music saturated in the tropical soundwaves of the Caribbean. Holland has developed a sound that bridges heritage and progression, marrying spontaneous musicianship with deep, exciting tonality.Holland has completed his fourth Q​uantic​record, which is his fifteenth studio album to date, which features influences from Ethiopian Jazz to Haitian Compas, Salsa Dura from his Colombian homestead, to Detroit techno, with electric sub bass and beat programming, all part of Q​uantic’s​trademark sound. Holland records and mixes from his own Sonido del Valle studio where he utilizes a range of vintage studio equipment, working as part sound engineer, musician and producer to procure a rich and original sound.

When all is said and done, whichever role G​illes Peterson​is performing – DJ, broadcaster, producer, compiler, label boss, or plain old record collector – the music is always the bottom line. His passion and enthusiasm is unfailing and deeply infectious. Starting off life as a club DJ, Peterson continues to spin passionately in venues around the world. As for the radio, his new 3­hour Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music has seen him take his unique musical mix to a new and growing audience of music lovers whilst the syndicated Worldwide radio show continues to spread his musical gospel… well, worldwide. From Sun­Ra to James Blake to Theo Parrish and Flying Lotus – if it swings in the right places, it’s in. Peterson is also at the forefront of his own independent label, Brownswood Recordings, which launched in 2006 as an outlet for his favourite new discoveries.

Afrika Bambaataa​is one of the three main originators of break­beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the “Grandfather,” “Godfather,” and “The Amen Ra,” of Hip Hop Culture as well as The Father of The Electro Funk Sound. Through his co­opting of the street gang the Black Spades into the music and culture­oriented Zulu Nation, he is responsible for spreading rap and Hip­Hop culture throughout the world. He has consistently made records nationally and internationally, every one to two years, spanning the 1980’s into the next Millennium 2000. Due to his early use of drum machines and computer sounds, Bam (as he is affectionately known) was instrumental in changing the way R&B and other forms of Black music were recorded. His creation of Electro Funk, beginning with his piece “Planet Rock,” helped fuel the development of other musical genres such as Freestyle or Latin Freestyle, Miami Bass,Electronica, House, Hip House, and early Techno.

Saturday, August 8
Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company / Master Class: Karisma Jay
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
For the past forty­three years A​lpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company​has stayed true to its primary mission of expanding opportunities to provide a platform for multi­cultural choreographers and dance artists. Under the artistic direction of Enrique Cruz DeJesus, Alpha Omega continues to create, perform and educate through dance by presenting important, exciting, illuminating and exhilarating dance programming. The main techniques employed are modern and the richness in background is such that the audience is treated to many different styles and influences. The dances range from urban life to that of tribal influence, and from the abstract to the dramatic. Alpha Omega’s extensive performance history includes local, national and international engagements at venues such as Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors and Alice Tully Hall, Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Smithsonian Institute, Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out, the United Nations, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and many more.

True to her name, Brooklyn native K​arisma Jay​has been dancing and performing since the tender age of 2. Currently, she is a featured performer with the international sensation, STOMP. She is also the Founder and

Artistic Director of Brooklyn’s AbunDance Academy of the Arts. Teaching dance since the age of 10, she has become skilled at developing the confidence and charisma of even her shyest students, who range in age from 2 to 92. An alumna of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art (Dance) and NYU Gallatin (Pre­Med and Performing Arts), Karisma has performed/toured with prestigious dance companies such as Brooklyn Ballet, Maimouna Keita, Creative Outlet, Asase Yaa, and Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence. Her TV credits include programs aired on Netflix, BET, MTV, NBC, and VH1, to name a few.

Sunday, August 9
Glass Animals / Taylor McFerrin / BattleFest League Dancers in association with MeanRed
Central Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Glass Animals​vocalist and songwriter David Bayley draws influence for both music and artwork from his involvement in the world of medicine and neuroscience (at just 22 yrs old, he has studied both) creating a sound with it’s roots spread between the electronic and live instrumentation. The result is the warm, narcotic space between a downbeat, slow­burning groove and electro­pop catchiness.

Brooklyn­based producer, composer, pianist, DJ and live musician T​aylor McFerrin​released his first full length LP, E​arly Riser,​in June 2014 on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label. Taylor’s musical style is equally influenced by the legends of 60s/70s Soul, the kings of the Modern Beat Generation, Golden Era hip hop, free form jazz and electronic music. By playing all of the instruments on his productions, while also relying heavily on sampling and chopping up his live takes, he has found a sound that seamlessly bridges myriad musical worlds and draws the listener into a constantly shifting audio soundscape.

Brooklyn’s own extreme dance league, B​attleFest,​brings its best dancers out for a live performance. “Flex” dancing as it’s known, involves dance battle competitions that are at once flights of fancy as well as poetic evocations of the streets.

Sunday, August 9
INVINCIBLE: Michael Jackson Tribute / Marika Hughes & Bottom Heavy
East River Park, MN
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
INVINCIBLE​is a live multi­media spectacular with performances of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits including, “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Man In the Mirror” and many more! The show features talented artists who can sing live while also executing the intense dancing that the King of Pop was so famous for. This show captures the spirit and essence of watching and listening to Michael Jackson perform live onstage like no other! Don’t miss the “Dance Like Michael” workshop prior to the performance.

Bottom Heavy​instantly established itself as a strong new sound; flowing freely between funky instrumentals, dreamy lullabies in soul and blues inflected songs. M​arika Hughes​fronts the band with such ease and so naturally it makes one wonder why cellos haven’t always fronted bands. Her stylings are reminiscent of her classical upbringing yet defy expectation as she moves us with her supple vocals through jazz, funk, soul, rock, and back again. The band can tip its hat to some of our greatest artists as influences; Gil­Scott Heron, Roberta Flack, Don Pullen, Charles Mingus and Cassandra Wilson, The Staple Singers, to name only a few. As you are charmed by her cello, her voice, and her band, you will be charmed by Marika herself: fiercely authentic, her audience an old friend invited along for the fabulous ride.

Sunday, August 9
Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue / screening: Our Latin Thing in association with ImageNation
East River Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In 1983, F​elix Hernandez​began a two­year project traveling the U.S. collecting hundreds of hours of interviews with R&B artists. The material was used for a 13­part radio documentary called Harlem Hit
Parade, which was syndicated to 70 NPR stations in the mid­80’s. In 1986, Felix introduced R​hythm Revue,​

New York’s first radio show devoted exclusively to classic soul and R&B. It premiered on WBGO and is now in its 29th year. In 1989, Felix was awarded the first of many production grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts, to develop and produce a weekly radio presentation of live blues and R&B. BluesStage, hosted by the late Tony­winning actress and singer Ruth Brown, ran six years on 200+ NPR stations. The series featured 234 unique episodes of live performances, recorded and produced by Hernandez on location nationwide. In 1991, Felix did his first R​hythm Revue Dance Party​at Tramps in New York City. The party outgrew Tramps and moved to the Roseland Ballroom in 1992, where it was held for over two decades. Felix’s unique mix of classic soul, disco and funk consistently draws a crowd of 2,500 to 3,500 dancers per event.

Anchored on the Fania All Stars’ historic performance at the Cheetah Club on the evening of August 26, 1971, O​ur Latin Thing​captures the New York salsa explosion of the ‘70s in all its power and passion. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Leon Gast, the movie features performances from Cheo Feliciano, Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago and Pete ‘El Conde’ Rodríguez. Gast also takes to the streets of Spanish Harlem where the Salsa phenomenon was born, and brings viewers behind the scenes and into the recording studio for a peek into the creative process with producer/keyboardist Larry Harlow.

Tuesday, August 11
Rakim / DJ Tedsmooth
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In the history of Hip Hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as R​akim​Allah. Universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic “Eric B. is President” in 1986 with long time collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered to this day. No serious discussion of the music’s greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend. Now with twenty­five years at the top of Hip Hop’s Greatest list, the Long Island, NY native not only continues to record for himself, but also works with young artists signed to his own record imprint, Ra Records. With recent tributes in 2012 such as being named the #1 Lyricist of All Time by T​he Source magazine, receiving the coveted BET Lifetime Achievement Award and being nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two original music projects, his first feature film role and sold­out international tours keeping the world’s eye on the one many call The GOD EmCee, Rakim Allah continues to lead where others just follow.

N e w Y o r k C i t y ­ b a s e d T e d d y R a f a e l M e n d e z , a k a D​ J T e d s m o o t h ​h a s b e e n t h e f o r c e b e h i n d s o m e o f t h e hottest remixes, many of which can be attributed to taking already hit records to the next level. Regularly endorsed by radio and his DJ peers, his remixes can be frequently heard on air and in clubs around the world. Included among them are, Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It,” K Michelle’s “V.S.O.P” featuring Jadakiss, Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” and Miguel’s” Adorn” featuring Diddy and French Montana. In 2012, he delivered Beyonce’s “Love on Top,” which was lauded as one of greatest remixes ever made. Tedsmooth’s skill goes far beyond a DJ. The artist, producer, and songwriter is responsible for co­writing and producing Lumidee’s Billboard Hot 100 tune “Uh Oooh,” The Voice of Harlem’s classic “No Music,” and has also produced records for other artists with the likes of Grafh, Busta Rhymes, Styles P, and Vado. He has been a staple of the New York City club scene for nearly three decades.

Wednesday, August 12
The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music
Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
George Faison, internationally celebrated producer, writer, composer, director, choreographer and dancer, made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best

Choreography for T​he Wiz.​In honor of the Broadway hit’s 40th anniversary this year, Faison will present performances of original songs and dances from the show. Mr. Faison also heads the Faison Firehouse Theater in Central Harlem, which he founded in 2000 along with Tad Schnugg.The Firehouse is a technologically advanced theater where Mr. Faison develops digital applications for the performing arts as well as original theater pieces. The 130 seat theater, branded “Hollywood of Harlem” by the media, is a full service performing arts and cultural center with fine arts galleries, rehearsal facilities and a cabaret theater.

Wednesday, August 12
Mobile Mondays! Live Everybody Loves Roy Ayers
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Mobile Mondays! i​s a NYC music movement founded by Operator Emz & takes place every Monday at The Bowery Electric. The MM Mission is to keep real music alive, preserve & celebrate DJ culture & bring back the true vibe & soul of New York City! Mobile Mondays! encompasses all the great eras of NYC Nightlife Culture & the TRUE NYC Sound. We are Funk & Soul, Rock & Roll, Pop, Reggae, Rhythm & Blues, Disco and anything else classic and danceable on 45 RPM singles! The MM All Stars include Operator Emz, Joey Carvello, Natasha Diggs, Just Blaze, Misbehaviour & $$$Mike, Hosted by Miss Rebecca & SNKR Joe. MM brings NYC’s vinyl rats, music lovers & artists together & takes NYC back to an era when DJs dug a little deeper. For the artists and creatives who congregate, Mobile Mondays! is a chance to go back to the New York City they love best; when records were events, the DJ was on the pulpit and the dance floor was epic.

Vibraphonist/vocalist​Roy Ayers​is among the best­known, most­loved and respected jazz/R&B artists on the music­scene today. Now in his fifth decade in the music business. Ayers, known as the Godfather of Neo­soul, continues to bridge the gap between generations of music lovers. In the ’60s he was an award­winning jazz vibraphonist, and transformed into a popular R&B bandleader in the ’70s/’80s. Today, the dynamic music man is an iconic figure still in great demand and whose music has been sampled by music industry heavyweights, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac, and Ice Cube. Always the consummate showman, Roy Ayers has managed to incorporate his jazz virtuosity, with driving funk, melodic rhythms and stirring vocals into an amalgam that almost defies its description as “smooth jazz”. Roy Ayers is and shall always be a music icon and a part of popular worldwide culture… h​e is, without question, a legend in his own time.

Michael Greene​is a DJ, music producer, and hip hop expert. He is a noted collector and curator based in New York City & Mobile Mondays! Founder. In the 90’s Greene went from college radio to co­host one of the first commercial hip hop radio shows in LA, “The Joint.” On KBET, Greene combined his encyclopedic knowledge of music with sardonic humor, earning fans and making “King Emz” a local celebrity. He also found himself working at the newly minted Interscope Records, as a promotor of records like “The Chronic.” After years on the business side of the music industry, Greene turned his focus to production and events. He produced records for Cyndi Lauper, MIA, Joell Ortiz and collaborates with artists like longtime friend John Stanier of Battles, playing events like the Silent Disco party at MoMA. Adidas asked Greene to help design the Adidas Pro Model for 2013, bringing his sneaker guru know­how to their operation in Berlin. As a DJ, Greene has worked for Nike, Sony, Warner, Universal, and Absolut for events worldwide.

For well over a decade N​atasha Diggs​has been digging deeper to provide the soundscape for events across the globe in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing, Prague, Los Angeles and Berlin. As resident of New York City’s premiere all­vinyl 45 party, Mobile Mondays!, Diggs has become a force to be reckoned with and one of the most sought­after DJs in the 45 game. Whether playing all vinyl or not, Natasha has been recognized for her eclectic taste and diverse musical knowledge and on any given night her sets might dip into soul, funk, disco, rock, hip hop, house, world music and beyond. Natasha has played alongside or opened for artists such as Lauren Hill, Erykah Badu, Grandmaster Flash, Rakim, Dam Funk, The Pharcyde, Kenny Dope, Large Professor, Mark Ronson, Omar, DJ Spinna, Cut Chemist, Spinderella, DJ Scratch, Prince Paul, Just Blaze, DJ Muro, and many more.

$Money Mike$​A.K.A. “Quiet Storm” Michael is a Native New Yorker who actively began spinning in the late 90’s. while the heart of his sound is Hip Hop influenced, his aspirations to produce led Him to discover other styles of music. His style is now dominated by R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Jazz and Reggae. Michael is also known for working at the legendary Rock and Soul Records for the past 12 years & also A1 Records.

Thursday, August 13
The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music / Master Class: Darrin Henson
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
George Faison, internationally celebrated producer, writer, composer, director, choreographer and dancer, made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography for T​he Wiz.​In honor of the Broadway hit’s 40th anniversary this year, Faison will present performances of original songs and dances from the show. Mr. Faison also heads the Faison Firehouse Theater in Central Harlem, which he founded in 2000 along with Tad Schnugg.The Firehouse is a technologically advanced theater where Mr. Faison develops digital applications for the performing arts as well as original theater pieces. The 130 seat theater, branded “Hollywood of Harlem” by the media, is a full service performing arts and cultural center with fine arts galleries, rehearsal facilities and a cabaret theater.

Darrin Dewitt Henson​is an award winning choreographer, actor, and writer. Henson grew to fame as Lem Van Adams on the hit Showtime spin­off series S​oul Food.​For five seasons, Henson engaged audiences with his believable portrayal of a street hustler turned husband, father, and businessman. Henson has been featured in films including T​he Express,​S​tomp the Yard,​and C​hocolate City,​and has created a popular web series “The Hotel,” which can be seen via YouTube. Henson has been nominated for four NAACP Image Awards ­ three times for his role on S​oul Food,​and once for his book I​ntimate Thoughts.​

Friday, August 14
The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music / Master Class: Darrin Henson
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
George Faison, internationally celebrated producer, writer, composer, director, choreographer and dancer, made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography for T​he Wiz.​In honor of the Broadway hit’s 40th anniversary this year, Faison will present performances of original songs and dances from the show. Mr. Faison also heads the Faison Firehouse Theater in Central Harlem, which he founded in 2000 along with Tad Schnugg.The Firehouse is a technologically advanced theater where Mr. Faison develops digital applications for the performing arts as well as original theater pieces. The 130 seat theater, branded “Hollywood of Harlem” by the media, is a full service performing arts and cultural center with fine arts galleries, rehearsal facilities and a cabaret theater.

Darrin Dewitt Henson​is an award winning choreographer, actor, and writer. Henson grew to fame as Lem Van Adams on the hit Showtime spin­off series S​oul Food.​For five seasons, Henson engaged audiences with his believable portrayal of a street hustler turned husband, father, and businessman. Henson has been featured in films including T​he Express,​S​tomp the Yard,​and C​hocolate City,​and has created a popular web series “The Hotel,” which can be seen via YouTube. Henson has been nominated for four NAACP Image Awards ­ three times for his role on S​oul Food,​and once for his book I​ntimate Thoughts.​

Saturday, August 15
Brazilian Film Festival of NY: Baby do Brasil / screening: Samba & Jazz
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Baby do Brasil i​s considered one of the biggest Brazilian singers, and a music legend who has been revolutionizing the history of the Popular Brazilian Music (MPB). Baby is famous for her soft, indescribable and unique voice, and strong rhythmic versatility not only in her ballads but also in her electric songs. She began her career along with Moraes Moreira, Galvão, Paulinho Boca de Cantor and Pepeu Gomes, creating

the Novos Baianos group. The band formed in 1970, and quickly reached national media, including being named as the best album of Brazilian music of all times by Rolling Stones. After the success of the music movements of Bossa Nova and Tropicalismo, the Novos Baianos was recognized as the new Brazilian music movement with the fusion of all styles of Brazilian roots with the appearance of a new artistic language that has been influencing the new generation. In 1978, Baby do Brasil started her successful solo career, and today, “Baby is a main reference in the history of the Brazilian female singing. Novos Baianos, Baby and Pepeu, Baby do Brasil. Today she has incorporated all the group of the public personas that she has created and, most importantly, she sings better than ever.” Caetano Veloso, one of the biggest Brazilian composers of all time.

Directed by Jefferson Mello, author of the book “Paths of Jazz,” this feature length documentary intends to draw a parallel between​J​azz and Samba, showing in a versatile and unpretentious way the synergy between these two rhythms and the cities in which they are most present: Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans, respectively. S​amba & Jazz​p​ortrays, through unusual situations, the authentic artistic expression of distant peoples, but with a feeling in common: a passion for music. The aim of the work is to expose the similarity of musical and behavioral aspects of people of these two cities: it is samba and jazz, its myths, its agents, its traditions, freedoms, adjustments and mergers, their knowledge, inclusion or marginalization, artists from stage and from streets and the whole atmosphere of the rhythms. It is history, culture and entertainment condensing into a single composition.

Saturday, August 15
Tinder & Ash / Ephrat Asherie Dance / Kiebpoli & Shine / Claire Parsons Co. / Brooklyn United Marching Band
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hailing from every corner of the U.S., five circus artists found themselves in the same place (the New England Center for Circus Arts) with the same vision (to create a show about personal loss and transformation using the virtuosity of circus and the artistry of theater). Amaya Alvarado, Anthony Oliva, Fe Fox, Lauren Feldman, and Megan Gendell had performed individually and together in festivals, shows, and cabarets from Philadelphia to San Francisco, Manhattan to Latvia. Through a residency with the circus­mecca TOHU in Montreal, these five diverse yet kindred­spirit artists created T​inder & Ash,​a highly physical journey of losing and finding ourselves and each other. Through humor, fierceness, and tenderness, the theatrical craft of its storytelling, and the virtuosity of its circus arts (trapeze, hand­balancing, hoop diving, hand­to­hand, and partner acrobatics), T​inder & Ash​illuminates the human experience ­ where it begins, where it ends, and the many arrivals and departures in between.

Founded in 2012, E​phrat Asherie Dance​(EAD) has had their work presented at the Apollo Theater, the Ahmanson Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, New York Live Arts and Dixon Place, among other venues. Artistic Director, Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie is a NYFA artist and has received various grants and awards to support her work including a Mondo Cane! commission from Dixon Place, a Swing Space and Workspace residency from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and a Travel and Study grant from the Jerome Foundation. Ephrat has performed and taught throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Peru, South Africa and Israel. She has appeared on NBC, MTV, Comedy Central and at City Center, Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Ephrat holds a B.A. in Italian language from Barnard College and is a MFA candidate at the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee. She is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and the Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Program and dances with her crew MAWU, a house dance collective.

Kiebpoli Calnek (Kiebpoli) and Shawana Kemp (Shine) attended the High School for the performing Arts here in New York City. They are collaborating for the first time with this piece that will expand into a full production. They have come together to create a collage of sound and movement. K​iebpoli Calnek​is an actress and aerialist. She is a graduate of CCNY, a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, and of the Actors’ Equity Association. Her works have received generous funding and support from Elizabeth Streb, Astrea Foundation, Asian Arts Initiative, and The New York Foundation for the Arts. Kiebpoli is also founder

and artistic director of Black*Acrobat, a social enterprise that seeks to empower fringe communities through the vertical world of aerial acrobatics with devised theatrical performances. Our shows tackle provocative dark subjects and re­imagine stories of the black diaspora. Fusing arts & activism by depicting what seems impossible, Black*Acrobat’s work inspires and educates while curating spaces for community (r)evolution and sustainment. S​hawana Kemp​is a native New Yorker and the founder of Shine and the Moonbeams. Shawana has appeared at Symphony Space, Carnegie Hall Kids, and the Getty Museum in LA, among other venues, singing her smart and original tunes to diverse audiences. With retro R&B music that both kids and adults love, Shine and the Moonbeams sing about subjects kids can relate to: standing up to bullies, surviving harried morning routines, and celebrating individuality. A five­time winner of Amateur Nights at the legendary Apollo Theater, lead singer Shawana Kemp’s evocative delivery is heartfelt, insightful, and emotional.

Marmalade i​s a dance and circus production by Swedish company C​laire Parsons Co.​Aimed at young children 2­6 years old, Marmalade is a delicious, sensory performance about meeting, mixing and blending. Mira and Viktor taste and feel in poetic movements and circus actions in an exquisite and visual experience where the audience is invited to join. Marmalade looks at the world through body, eye, feeling and taste in a room with fluffy skirts, soft circus and Fellini music. Swedish choreographer Claire Parsons and her company have created innovative and high quality performances for young audiences since 2005. Marmalade p​remiered in September 2013 and has since been performed over 250 times in Sweden and internationally.

T h e B​ r o o k l y n U n i t e d M a r c h i n g B a n d ​i s a c o m m u n i t y ­ b a s e d o r g a n i z a t i o n t h a t s e r v e s N e w Y o r k C i t y y o u t h . As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry and allows each student to participate in an all­encompassing and life changing activity. Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance Opportunities. It is through these pillars that they strive to build strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.

Sunday, August 16
Stretch and Bobbito 25th Anniversary concert / screening: Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Stretch and Bobbito​explores the social impact of what the Source Magazine voted “The Best Hip Hop Radio Show Of All­Time.” The film is a story of quirky friends who became unlikely legends by engaging their listeners and breaking the biggest rap artists ever. During the 1990s, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia (Kool Bob Love) introduced the world to an unsigned Nas, Biggie, Wu­Tang, and Big Pun as well as an unknown Jay­Z, Eminem, Fat Joe, and the Fugees through their eponymous radio show. The total record sales for all the artists that premiered on their show exceeds 300 million. Stretch and Bobbito created a platform that changed music forever, but their musical merits are only half the story. Their show had a cult following in the art/fashion world and prison population. All would loyally tune in for the offbeat humor just as much as for the exclusive music. Stretch and Bobbito brought a unique audience together, and inspired a movement. Unfortunately, Stretch and Bobbito eventually parted ways, ending a landmark run that the NY

th Press once regarded as, “The Best Late Night Radio (All Genres).” In 2010, they reunited for a 20​

anniversary broadcast, which rated as the world’s #1 Twitter topic. Their impact is still felt today, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Sunday, August 16
Tinder & Ash / Ephrat Asherie Dance / Kiebpoli & Shine / Claire Parsons Co. / Brooklyn United Marching Band
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Hailing from every corner of the U.S., five circus artists found themselves in the same place (the New England Center for Circus Arts) with the same vision (to create a show about personal loss and transformation using the virtuosity of circus and the artistry of theater). Amaya Alvarado, Anthony Oliva, Fe Fox, Lauren Feldman, and Megan Gendell had performed individually and together in festivals, shows, and cabarets from Philadelphia to San Francisco, Manhattan to Latvia. Through a residency with the circus­mecca TOHU in Montreal, these five diverse yet kindred­spirit artists created T​inder & Ash,​a highly physical journey of losing and finding ourselves and each other. Through humor, fierceness, and tenderness, the theatrical craft of its storytelling, and the virtuosity of its circus arts (trapeze, hand­balancing, hoop diving, hand­to­hand, and partner acrobatics), T​inder & Ash​illuminates the human experience ­ where it begins, where it ends, and the many arrivals and departures in between.

Founded in 2012, E​phrat Asherie Dance​(EAD) has had their work presented at the Apollo Theater, the Ahmanson Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, New York Live Arts and Dixon Place, among other venues. Artistic Director, Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie is a NYFA artist and has received various grants and awards to support her work including a Mondo Cane! commission from Dixon Place, a Swing Space and Workspace residency from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and a Travel and Study grant from the Jerome Foundation. Ephrat has performed and taught throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Peru, South Africa and Israel. She has appeared on NBC, MTV, Comedy Central and at City Center, Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Ephrat holds a B.A. in Italian language from Barnard College and is a MFA candidate at the University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee. She is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and the Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Program and dances with her crew MAWU, a house dance collective.

Kiebpoli Calnek (Kiebpoli) and Shawana Kemp (Shine) attended the High School for the performing Arts here in New York City. They are collaborating for the first time with this piece that will expand into a full production. They have come together to create a collage of sound and movement. K​iebpoli Calnek​is an actress and aerialist. She is a graduate of CCNY, a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, and of the Actors’ Equity Association. Her works have received generous funding and support from Elizabeth Streb, Astrea Foundation, Asian Arts Initiative, and The New York Foundation for the Arts. Kiebpoli is also founder and artistic director of Black*Acrobat, a social enterprise that seeks to empower fringe communities through the vertical world of aerial acrobatics with devised theatrical performances. Our shows tackle provocative dark subjects and re­imagine stories of the black diaspora. Fusing arts & activism by depicting what seems impossible, Black*Acrobat’s work inspires and educates while curating spaces for community (r)evolution and sustainment. S​hawana Kemp​is a native New Yorker and the founder of Shine and the Moonbeams. Shawana has appeared at Symphony Space, Carnegie Hall Kids, and the Getty Museum in LA, among other venues, singing her smart and original tunes to diverse audiences. With retro R&B music that both kids and adults love, Shine and the Moonbeams sing about subjects kids can relate to: standing up to bullies, surviving harried morning routines, and celebrating individuality. A five­time winner of Amateur Nights at the legendary Apollo Theater, lead singer Shawana Kemp’s evocative delivery is heartfelt, insightful, and emotional.

Marmalade i​s a dance and circus production by Swedish company C​laire Parsons Co.​Aimed at young children 2­6 years old, Marmalade is a delicious, sensory performance about meeting, mixing and blending. Mira and Viktor taste and feel in poetic movements and circus actions in an exquisite and visual experience where the audience is invited to join. Marmalade looks at the world through body, eye, feeling and taste in a room with fluffy skirts, soft circus and Fellini music. Swedish choreographer Claire Parsons and her company have created innovative and high quality performances for young audiences since 2005. Marmalade p​remiered in September 2013 and has since been performed over 250 times in Sweden and internationally.

T h e B​ r o o k l y n U n i t e d M a r c h i n g B a n d ​i s a c o m m u n i t y ­ b a s e d o r g a n i z a t i o n t h a t s e r v e s N e w Y o r k C i t y y o u t h . As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry and allows each student to participate in an all­encompassing and life changing activity. Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance

Opportunities. It is through these pillars that they strive to build strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.

Wednesday, August 19
ALT MODE / ARCH Dance Company
Central Park, MN
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Alt Mode,​as in: alternate modalities (working title), is a body of musical works written by composer/producer RYAT (Christina McGeehan), reconstructed into a performance that integrates dance, live electronic music, video mapping, interactive media and set design. Directed and choreographed by Kate Watson­Wallace, and composed and designed by RYAT, the work asks questions about what it means to be a woman on stage, radical female presence in a popular context and equity within the form. In this work, RYAT and Watson­Wallace continue to explore how they wear their identities, working with themes of doubleness, drag, the other, pleasure and melancholy, as sources of power. They explore ecstatic states, state­shifting, and pleasure as revolution, as ways to propose new futures.

Ever evolving in music and art, R​YAT,​comes from the land of meditative avant jazz improvisations, classical analyzing, hip hop sampling culture, electronic beat making, sound processing, multi­medium performance and visual experimentation. Currently residing in LA, RYAT (also known as Christina McGeehan) composes for film and dance, and produces conceptual albums. RYAT has been commissioned by organizations such as Annenberg for PIFA festival and has collaborated with groups like Nadastrom, jazz artists including Taylor McFerrin, King Britt, Cinematic Orchestra and Mark Guiliana, and visual artists such as Steve Teeps. RYAT enjoys working with many different kinds of artists in all mediums to create futuristic sound and visual experiences.

Kate Watson­Wallace​is a choreographer, director, and visual artist based in Brooklyn, NY. She creates experimental performances for the stage, site­based locations, and music videos. Works include: C​AR,​an audience for 4 audience members who sit inside a moving vehicle, S​TORE,​a performance installation inside an abandoned mega­store, E​verywhere,​a participatory online dance experience, M​ash Up Body,​a collaboration with ManMan drummer Christopher Sean Powell, and P​erform Me,​an interactive performance and installation where all audience members are also performers. She has received numerous awards for her choreography including: two Map Fund grants through Creative Capital and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts in Choreography, among others. Watson­Wallace co­directs the interdisciplinary performance company anonymous bodies with Jaamil Kosoko. She has toured internationally as a performer, choreographer and teacher.

Jennifer Archibald is the founder and Artistic Director of the​Arch Dance Company a​nd Archcore40 Summer Program. She is a graduate of The Ailey School and the Maggie Flanigan Acting Conservatory where she studied the Meisner technique. Ms. Archibald has choreographed for the Atlanta Ballet, Ailey 2, Cincinnati Ballet, and commercially for the New York Knicks City Dancers, as well as chart listed singers and actors. Her 2016 commissions are for Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet Memphis, and Kansas City Ballet. Ms. Archibald’s works have been performed at many venues including, New York’s City Center, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Aaron Davis Hall, Jacob’s Pillow Inside|Out Stage, Rialto’s Off The Edge, and in Times Square. Ms. Archibald was a participant in Ailey’s 2013 New Directions Choreography Lab, and was 1 of 4 choreographers selected as a choreographic Fellow for the Lab under the direction of Robert Battle. She is also the choreographer for “Seven,” a biographical work of Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner Kersee, commissioned by St.Louis based MADCO dance company. Arch Dance Company has been presented on two National Performance Arts Grants and was the Artist in Focus dance company presented by the Jamaican Performing Arts Center. Ms. Archibald is a lecturer for Hip Hop Dance and Culture for Columbia University’s Barnard College Dance Department. Internationally she has taught in China, Ecuador, Brazil, Sweden, Russia, Slovenia, and Canada. This year, Rhode Island College, Howard University, Fordham Ailey, and Balettakademien will present her work for their artist in residence programs.

Friday, August 21
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Oliver Lake Big Band / King Solomon Hicks in association with Jazzmobile / Michela Taps, Bird Lives!
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
For the past decade, O​liver Lake’s Big Band​has served as one of his greatest achievements and most sophisticated compositional outlets. He is currently celebrating the second recorded release of his Big Band, entitled Wheels, which has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Lake attributes much of his diverse array of musical styles and disciplines to his experience with the Black Artists Group (BAG), the legendary multi­disciplined and innovative St. Louis collective he co­founded with poets Ajule Rutlin, and musicians Julius Hemphill and Floyd La Flore over 35 years ago. As a co­founder of the internationally acclaimed World Saxophone Quartet with Hemphill, Hamiet Bluiett and David Murray, Oliver continues to work with a variety of groups, and collaborates with several notable choreographers, poets and a veritable who’s who of the progressive jazz scene, performing all over the U.S., Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. In addition to his musical endeavors, Oliver is also an accomplished poet, painter and performance artist.

Michela Marino Lerman​is a star in the tap dance community. Born and raised in NYC and mentored by Buster Brown, Gregory Hines, Leroy Myers and Marion Coles, Lerman performs regularly at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Minton’s, Smalls (where she also runs the first and only acclaimed weekly tap jam) and countless other NYC jazz venues. Lerman has danced with musical greats such as Barry Harris, Benny Golson, Roy Haynes, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Harry Whitaker, Marcus Strickland, Ravi Coltrane, Reggie Workman, Revive the Live Big Band, Jon Batiste, Johnny O’Neal, Jennifer Holliday, and many more.

In recent years, Lerman has performed and taught in Brazil, Canada, Italy, Korea, Peru, Spain, and Sweden as well as at U.S. venues throughout the East, South, Midwest, and West Coast. Recognizing that tap and bebop share the same historic language of rhythm, she has dedicated herself to accentuating the bonds between them. Lerman is honored to perform at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival this summer. “He was such an innovator and a driving force in this music, as well as an important influence on tap. We hope to contribute, in some way, to his tremendous legacy.”

Saturday, August 22
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Dr. Lonnie Smith / Andy Bey / Jeff “Tain” Watts / Camille Thurman / Norma Miller / Master Class: Samuel Coleman
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dr. Lonnie Smith​is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. An authentic master and guru of the Hammond B­3 organ for over five decades, he has been featured on over seventy albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry. Consequently, he has often been hailed as a “Legend,” a “Living Musical Icon,” and as the most creative jazz organist by a slew of music publications. Jazz Times magazine describes him as “a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a turban!” His unpredictable, insatiable musical taste illustrates that no genre is safe, as Lonnie has recorded everything from covers of the Beatles, the Stylistics and the Eurythmics, to tribute albums of Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and Beck–all by employing ensembles ranging from a trio to a fifteen­piece big band. Always ahead of the curve, it is no surprise Dr. Smith’s fan­base is truly worldwide.

Andy Bey‘​s silky baritone has become one of the finest instruments in jazz, resonating through decades of American standards. A lyrical storyteller, he possesses “a film noir voice: languid, mysterious, and surpassingly beautiful” (The New York Times). Bay’s four­octave range starts at a low C and he is virtually alone today in his ability to summon the deep, manly burnish of some of the great band baritones, like Billy Eckstine. But singing softly seems to be his comfort zone now, and his voice often has a kind of musical iridescence, slipping between croon and falsetto. He extends a word by letting the tone trail off in a long exhalation or through a springy vibrato that shakes all the accumulated meaning from a phrase built up by

years of interpretation.Though well known and respected among musicians, Andy Bey was not all that well represented on records until 1996’s “Ballads, Blues and Bey,” at that time his first solo recording in 22 years. He feels that his obscurity is partly due to not going along with what he calls the ”black male singer syndrome” ­­ record producers and club owners expecting him to sing nothing but the blues, and he explains, he holds a de facto role as a natural outsider in jazz. Bey’s roots are in the era before categories.

Jeff Watts,​the drummer they call “Tain,” spent his formative years with Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and his compositional skills now command equal attention. Jeff initially majored in classical percussion at Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University, where he was primarily a timpanist, followed by enrollment at the Berklee School of Music. Jeff joined the Wynton Marsalis Quartet in 1981 and proceeded to win three Grammy Awards with the ensemble for B​lack Codes From The Underground,​J​Mood​and M​arsalis Standard Time ­ Volume 1.​Watts left Wynton Marsalis in 1988. After working with George Benson, Harry Connick. Jr. and McCoy Tyner, he joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1989, winning Grammy’s for I​Heard You Twice the First Time​and C​ontemporary Jazz.​In the film and television industry Jeff has appeared as both a musician on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and as an actor, Rhythm Jones in Spike Lee’s “Mo Better Blues”. Jeff joined Kenny Garrett’s band after returning to New York in 1995 and continued to record and tour with Branford Marsalis as well as Danilo Perez, Michael Brecker, Betty Carter, Kenny Kirkland, Courtney Pine, Geri Allen, Alice Coltrane, Greg Osby, McCoy Tyner, Steve Coleman, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Harry Connick Jr, and Ravi Coltrane.

Camille Thurman,​multi­talented saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer and educator is a young musician emerging on the horizon, acquiring an impressive list of accomplishments that extend well beyond her years. Her lush, velvety, rich & warm sound on the tenor saxophone has eluded others to compare her sound to the likeness of tenor greats Gene Ammons, Dexter Gordon and Lester Young to name a few. Camille’s ability to sing 4 octaves and perform vocalese has given her the capability to influence audiences with melodies reminiscent to the sounds of Minnie Riperton, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Her ability to take the sounds evocative of yesteryear’s legends and creatively pair them with the nuances, edge ad freshness of today’s music has not only expanded the possibilities of jazz in the upcoming generation but also gained her the respect of audiences in Israel, Switzerland and around the world.

Norma Miller​is one of the creators of the acrobatic style of swing dancing known as the Lindy Hop. As a child, she watched the dancers at the legendary Savoy Ballroom perched on the fire escape outside her mother’s Harlem apartment. When she was 12, she was “discovered” dancing outside the Savoy, and in 1934 was invited to join Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, soon to make an extended tour of Europe. Upon her return, she appeared in the Marx Brothers’ movie A​Day at the Races​(1937), and from 1937 to 1940 Miller performed with Ethel Waters. Pursuing a career in both dance and comedy, she began working with comedian Redd Foxx in 1963 and later joined him on the 1970’s television series S​anford and Son​serving as both a stand­up comic and choreographer. In addition to a rich and long career as a dancer, Miller has become a seminal historian of swing dance. Her biography, S​wingin’ at the Savoy: A Memoir of a Jazz Dancer,​documents the swing dance era, and her recollections on Ken Burns’s J​azz​documentaries provided a first­hand account of the Harlem music and dance scene. She has taught swing dance, including master classes at Stanford University and the University of Hawaii, and has choreographed dance scenes in Spike Lee’s M​alcolm X​and Debbie Allen’s S​tompin’ at the Savoy.​

Samuel Coleman​is an Alvin Ailey School trained dancer and teacher, with a focus on lindy hop (swing) dancing. Coleman teaches in Harlem and Albany, and performs with the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers and the Rhythm Stompers. Coleman was a 2011 Frankie Manning Ambassador scholarship recipient.

Sunday, August 23
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Joe Lovano / Rudresh Mahanthappa: Bird Calls / Myra Melford / Michael Mwenso
Tompkins Square Park, MN
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Grammy­winning saxophonist and composer J​oe Lovano​stands alone at the vanguard of large and small group jazz. In 2015 alone, two major ensembles will be on display: Joe Lovano’s Village Rhythms Band – a natural extension of the tenor giant’s evolving body of work where West African influences and party atmospheres connect New York City and Lagos, and the acclaimed Wayne Shorter­influenced Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet: Sound Prints. From his Grammy­nominated symphonic work to his role as Gary Burton Chair of Jazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, the Cleveland native fearlessly challenges and pushes his conceptual and thematic ventures in a quest for new modes of artistic expression and new ways to define the jazz idiom. In 2014 Lovano won awards for Multi­reeds Player and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from the Jazz Journalists Association and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year from Down Beat Magazine. He has released 23 celebrated albums on the Blue Note label; with the last three focusing on his quintet Us Five.

Few musicians share the ability of alto saxophonist/composer R​udresh Mahanthappa​to embody the expansive possibilities of his music with his culture. What has materialized is a sound that hybridizes progressive jazz and South Indian classical music in a fluid and forward­looking form that reflects Mahanthappa’s own experience growing up a second­generation Indian­American. The current manifestations of that trajectory include his latest project B​ird Calls,​which issued its first release in February 2015. Mahanthappa has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, and numerous commissions. He has been named alto saxophonist of the year for three years running in Downbeat Magazine’s International Critics Polls and for five years running by the Jazz Journalists’ Association. In April 2013, he received a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, one of the most prominent arts awards in the world.

Pianist, composer and Guggenheim fellow M​yra Melford​draws inspiration from a vast spectrum of cultural and spiritual traditions and artistic disciplines. In 2013, she released her first solo recording, L​ife Carries Me This Way​and premiered L​anguage of Dreams,​her most ambitious project to date, combining narration, dance, and video with music for her quintet, Snowy Egret, which has a new release out in March 2015 (Enja/Yellowbird). Melford also performs in the collective Trio M with bassist Mark Dresser and drummer Matt Wilson, and the duo, Dialogue, with clarinetist Ben Goldberg. In 2013, Melford was named a Guggenheim Fellow and received both the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award and a Doris Duke Residency to Build Demand for the Arts at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, where she was the Artistic Director of the New Frequencies Fest:Jazz@YBCA in February 2015. She won the 2012 Alpert Award in the Arts for Music and has been honored numerous times in DownBeat’s Critics Poll.

Jazz vocalist and bandleader M​ichael Mwenso​is a fixture of the Uptown jazz scene but is making his way downtown with his signature style and vocal chops. From a young age, the Sierra Leone­born singer has held his own with artists like James Brown in addition to playing and leading his own bands around the world. In 2010, Mwenso, personally invited by Wynton Marsalis, joined the programming team at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he now heads the After­Hours program at Dizzy’s Club Coca­Cola. Mwenso has performed with Jon Hendricks, Jamie Cullum, Reginald Veal, Maceo Parker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marsalis and more.

Sunday, August 23
RCA Summer Concert Celebration featuring: Jazmine Sullivan / Jordan Bratton & more
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After a short hiatus from music, eight­time GRAMMY Award nominee J​azmine Sullivan​tells her story in all its unfiltered, unabridged, and unrestrained glory on her third full­length album, R​eality Show.​The Philly native served as the primary writer on each of the album’s twelve tracks, and for the first time, she also assumed the role of executive producer. As a result, R​eality Show e​ncompasses everything from R&B and soul to Hip Hop, funk, and even a little disco. Jazmine’s evolution shines throughout the album loud and clear. She has come a long way since her gold­certified 2008 full­length debut, F​earless.​The record boasted the chart­topping singles “Need You Bad” and “Bust Your Windows” and achieved seven GRAMMY

Award nominations. Her sophomore effort 2010’s L​ove Me Back​garnered critical acclaim as well as her eighth GRAMMY nomination for “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles).” Along the way, Jazmine also received B​illboard’​s “Rising Star Award” and played to sold out crowds worldwide.

You’ve got to understand music’s traditions in order to reinvent them. J​ordan Bratton​certainly does. The 18­year­old singer, songwriter, multi­instrumentalist, and producer possesses a prodigious grasp on all aspects of music. His critically applauded 2014 mixtape, T​he Grey Area,​and debut single “Danger 3” are wholly the products of his personal production and songwriting vision. Armed with a multitude of talents, he stands poised to truly break ground.

Wednesday, September 2
Lake Street Dive / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
Central Park, MN
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After a jaw­dropping performance at a concert event in late 2013 that celebrated the music of Coen brothers’ film I​nside Llewyn Davis, L​ake Street Dive​burst onto the music scene with the release of their critically­acclaimed album B​ad Self Portraits​(2014). An incredible year followed: R​olling Stone​magazine called them “the year’s best new band,” and the group showed off their chops with stunning performances on multiple late night television shows including, L​ate Show With David Letterman, Ellen,​and even T​he Colbert Report.​I​n fact, Stephen Colbert counts himself as one of the band’s biggest fans. The members of Lake Street Dive met as students at the New England Conservatory in Boston, and hail from across the country: trumpet/guitar player Mike Olson is from Minneapolis; vocalist Rachael Price from outside Nashville; stand­up bassist Bridget Kearney is an Iowa native, and drummer Mike Calabrese hails from Philadelphia.

London siblings​Kitty, Daisy & Lewis D​urham are talented songwriters/musicians whose background is rooted in the tradition where songs are handed down and sung at family gatherings, playing any instrument they lay their hands on. Their songs are an eclectic mix up of Pop, R’n’B & Blues, Psychedelic Rock, Soul, Country, Jazz and Ska. On the group’s latest album,​Kitty, Daisy & Lewis The Third,​themes of fresh adulthood and lost loves run throughout. With the enlisted help of legendary Clash guitarist Mick Jones as producer, KD&L recorded T​he Third​in their self­constructed, 16­track analogue studio in a derelict Indian restaurant in Camden Town. The band has sold over a quarter of a million albums worldwide, sold out headline tours and have opened shows for major bands including Coldplay and Stereophonics. From a very young age they have been inspiring audiences at their packed shows, each taking turns on vocals and jumping from one instrument to another. Joining them on stage are their mum former Raincoats drummer Ingrid Weiss on bass, the original Bombay Bad Boy ­ Daddy Grazz ­ on rhythm guitar, and Jamaican trumpet legend Eddie “Tan Tan” Thornton.

Thursday, September 24 Walk the Moon
Central Park, MN
7:00 PM ­ 10:00 PM TICKETED

Formed in Cincinnati by singer/keyboardist Nicholas Petricca, W​ALK THE MOON​built up a devoted following on the strength of their ecstatic live show and their undeniably infectious single “Anna Sun.” A relentless touring machine with an ever­snowballing family of fans, the band quickly graduated from Ohio club scene favorites to international stars. They hit the late­night TV circuit with performances on Letterman, Fallon, Conan, and Carson, played for massive crowds at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, and joined the likes of fun., Pink, Panic! At The Disco, and Fitz and the Tantrums on the road.

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The 2015 SummerStage festival is presented by:

Capital One Bank, Disney, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Ommegang, Rekorderlig Cider, AQUAÇAI, City Winery, Hendricks Gin, and JWT are official SummerStage sponsors. Additional funding generously provided by the Dalio Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; The Harold and Mimi and Steinberg Charitable Trust; J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation; The Shubert Organization; The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; and the Harkness Foundation for Dance. New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; National Endowment for the Arts, through the Access to Artistic Excellence Program; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; NYC Council Member Rosie Mendez; and NYC Council Member Debi Rose. Additional support is generously provided by our dedicated festival audience and SummerStage Members.

Media sponsors include: Time Out New York, Relix, Zoom Media & Marketing, Big Screen Plaza, Remezcla, The Village Voice, WNET, WNYC, WFUV, WBGO, and QNS.com.

In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.