(Photo: Nick Childers)
Hot on the heels of last week’s summer music festival announcements, the big daddy of them all– SummerStage– just dropped its dizzying lineup of more than 100 free shows across 17 parks throughout the city.
Highlights of this year’s genre-spanning, globe-trotting program include Studio 54 house DJ Nicky Siano’s gospel-dance project Hallelujah Disco and the Harlem Gospel Choir (6/24 in Central Park); Fela Kuti’s son and Afrobeat maestro in his own right Femi Kuti with his Positive Force band (7/29 in Central Park); a symphonic performance of David Bowie’s Backstar album, to go with the live-soundtracked screening of Bowie’s Lazarus at Kings Theater (7/9 in Central Park); Talib Kweli of Black Star (no relation to the Bowie album) in Brownsville’s Betsy Head Park (6/30); a 35th anniversary celebration of seminal hip-hop film Wild Style, hosted by DJ and radio host Funkmaster Flex in East River Park, where the final scene was shot (8/9); local synth-pop outfit Porches, in a show presented by Brooklyn magazine (8/11 in East River Park); Brooklyn indie faves San Fermin, coming off a triumphant SXSW (6/21, Coffey Park in Red Hook); and salsa legends Eddie Palmieri and Tony Vega (8/26 in Central Park).
Some more ticketed performances have also been announced, in addition to the previously announced Mac DeMarco shows in Central Park. East Village fixture Blood Orange will play Central Park on Sept. 26, and Aug. 8 will bring a slew of New Orleans horn-blowers, including the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Treme star Kermit Ruffins.
Speaking of jazz, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival will once again take over Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on Aug. 24-25 and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village on Aug. 26. This year, the Tompkins portion of the program will feature Gary Bartz Quartet, The Bad Plus, and Amina Claudine Myers, among others.
Here’s the entire rundown, courtesy of SummerStage.
SummerStage 2018 Artist Information
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Liam Gallagher / Richard Ashcroft, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:30 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:30 PM)
TICKETED
After achieving major success as frontmen for two of England’s most renowned rock bands, Liam Gallagher and Richard Ashcroft have broken from their respective groups to pursue solo careers, welcoming new collaborators, and removing themselves from the limitations of assigned genres. Gallagher, the former lead singer of Britpop/rock acts, Oasis and Beady Eye, released his first independent album, As You Were, in October 2017. Applying expertly-crafted melodies to instrumentation reminiscent of 1960s rock music, the album highlights Gallagher’s many years of songwriting experience. Debuting at number one in the UK, As You Were eventually became certified platinum, earning Gallagher the highest single-week vinyl sales in 20 years. Like Gallagher, Ashcroft has been able to use his background as lead singer for British alt-rock band, The Verve to accomplish industry success on his own. With the release of These People in 2016, Ashcroft is now responsible for four solo albums, each one peaking within the 20 top chart positions in the UK. Working with celebrated hip-hop producer, No I.D., and following his love of soul, funk, and gospel music, Ashcroft’s sound continues to evolve.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Gregory Porter / Victory, in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Grammy Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter is joined by the rising soul-folk phenomenon.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Bowie Symphonic: Ensemble LPR led by Evan Ziporyn performs Bowie’s Blackstar for cello and orchestra / solo cellist TBA / Donny McCaslin Group
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
An all-star orchestra group along with Bowie’s collaborators pay tribute to the late superstar’s final work.
Monday, June 11, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Central Park, MN
8:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Free
Met Opera stars Latonia Moore, Mario Chang and Joshua Hopkins perform an evening of arias and duets from some of opera’s most beloved works.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Yiddish Under the Stars: Frank London and his Klezmer All Stars, Andy Statman, Pharaoh’s Daughter featuring Cantor Basya Schechter, Golem, Cantor Magda Fishman, Eleanor Reissa, Daniel Kahn & the Painted Bird, and Zalmen Mlotek
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Celebrating Yiddish soul with Klezmer artistry and noted stars.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Brooklyn Bridge Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Met Opera stars Latonia Moore, Mario Chang and Joshua Hopkins perform an evening of arias and duets from some of opera’s most beloved works.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Jake Paul – Team 10 Tour, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
Mixed in with some exciting live musical performances, audience participation, special guests, games and challenges, it’s going to be a jam packed show.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Rhiannon Giddens / Son Little
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
2017 MacArthur Genius grant recipient and Carolina Chocolate Drops co-founder Rhiannon Giddens performs with blues musician Son Little.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Only in Queens SummerStage Concert: Kool & The Gang
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, QNs
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Free
The incomparable Award-winning R&B group performs a career-spanning set.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Fête de la Musique: Vianney / Chassol / Joakim, in association with FranceRocks and Bureaux Export
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Annual festival championing important voices from France and beyond.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Big Daddy Kane: Long Live the Kane 30th Anniversary
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, BK
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
The lyricist and MC, one of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn’s finest, celebrates the 30th anniversary of his debut album.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
San Fermin / The Weather Station
Coffey Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Avant-garde Brooklyn indie-pop composers complement folk songwriter and The New York Times’ pick for this year’s best band out of SXSW.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Clove Lakes Park, SI
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Free
Rising stars Gerard Schneider, Gabriella Reyes de Ramírez, and Adrian Timpau, perform a program of favorite opera arias and duets.
Friday, June 22, 2018
“Hip Hop You Don’t Stop” in association with INSITU Dance Festival featuring It’s Showtime NYC / Lil Buck / Passion Fruit Dance Company / RestorationArt Youth Arts Academy / A Lady in the House Co with guest DJ KS360
Coffey Park, BK
8:00 – 9:00 PM Show
7:00 – 8:00 PM Pre-Show Dance Workshop: Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
3:00 – 4:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
Dance showcase featuring performances from worldwide “Memphis Jookin” phenom, local subway sensations, and more.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Williamsbridge Oval Park, BX
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Free
Rising stars Gerard Schneider, Gabriella Reyes de Ramírez, and Adrian Timpau, perform a program of favorite opera arias and duets.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Secret Circle / DJ Lucas / Nedarb
Coffey Park, BK
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
Independent hip-hop supergroup featuring Wiki, Antwon, and Lil Ugly Mane team up with Dark World founder DJ Lucas and and rising producer Nedarb.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Mariza / Noiserv / Renato Diz, in association with Arte Institute
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Internationally acclaimed singer and fado’s biggest star, Mariza returns to SummerStage with support from indie pop and modern jazz Portuguese up-and-comers.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Pride show: Nicky Siano’s Hallelujah Disco with the Harlem Gospel Choir and Melba Moore / The Illustrious Blacks
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Pioneering DJ with a long lasting influence on nightlife and dance culture joins forces with the Harlem Gospel Choir, Tony Award-winning R&B singer Melba Moore, and a gender-bending NYC-based dynamic duo.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Jay Critch / Tony Seltzer and Friends / Nuyorican Poets Cafe featuring muMs and Aurora
Coffey Park, BK
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
This multi-talented New York-bred MC is someone people can’t stop talking about with a music and poetry filled duet from Nuyorican’s finest.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Rock Rubber 45s film premiere with live DJ sets by Rich Medina, Stretch Armstrong, Spinna & Bobbito Garcia, special performance by lyricist Pharoahe Monch and guest appearance by Rosario Dawson, in association with Giant Step
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM )
4:00 PM Pre-show panel (RSVP required)
Free
NYC film premiere of Bobbito Garcia’s autobiographical documentary on basketball, sneaker, and music culture featuring interviewees Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rosie Perez, Questlove, Patti Labelle and more. Event includes live DJ sets plus appearances from artist Pharoahe Monch and actress/activist Rosario Dawson.
Pre-show Panel: 45s: The Importance of 7″ Vinyl in Music Culture Past, Present, and Future with panelists Bobbito García, Rich Medina, Spinna, and Stretch Armstrong
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Jackie Robinson Park, MN
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Free
Rising stars Gerard Schneider, Gabriella Reyes de Ramírez, and Adrian Timpau, perform a program of favorite opera arias and duets.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Duck Down BBQ featuring Black Moon & Smif N Wessun with live band and special guests
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Brownsville MCs best known for the underground hip-hop mainstay Enta da Stage.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Raheem Devaughn / DJ Boogie Blind
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
The R&B singer and three-time Grammy nominee busts out the sensual melodies for a night of soulfulness.
Friday, June 29, 2018
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
Socrates Sculpture Park, QNs
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Free
Rising stars Gerard Schneider, Gabriella Reyes de Ramírez, and Adrian Timpau, perform a program of favorite opera arias and duets.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Talib Kweli / OSHUN
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre-show workshop: Voices of a People’s History featuring Staceyann Chin
Free
The acclaimed Brooklyn MC, who is one of the sharpest lyricists of his generation, is joined by rising neo-soul duo OSHUN.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
3 Sides of Damien Sneed: Classical, Jazz & Sanctified Soul with Brandie Sutton, Stefon Harris and Keke Wyatt / Jazzmeia Horn
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
The immensely talented multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, and composer Damien Sneed is joined by one of jazz’s brightest up-and-coming voices for a special night of music and movement.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Northern Beat: Broken Social Scene / Melissa Laveaux / The East Pointers
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
Free
One of Toronto’s influential indie rock mainstays joins forces with a uniquely enthralling singer-songwriter.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Melanie Fiona / DJ mOma
Betsy Head Park, BK
7:00 – 9:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
R&B, soul and reggae singer-songwriter performs along with the versatile DJ mOma of Everyday People.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
RAM / Paul Beaubrun / DJ Hard Hittin Harry, in association with Afro-Latino Festival
Springfield Park, QN
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
A jubilant celebration of Haitian music and culture brings legends and up-and-comers together.
Friday, July 6, 2018
The Legendary Ladies of SKYY / Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez
Springfield Park, QN
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre-show Dance Workshop: Freestyle Dance with Theresa Lavington
Free
Three shining stars of soul and disco bring good vibes along with the radio host and cultural mover-and-shaker.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Kranium / DJ Max Glazer / DJ PoLiSH (King Midas)
Springfield Park, QN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
Jamaica, Queens’ young dancehall star is joined by a reggae duo and talented DJ.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Taiwanese Waves: Soft Lipa / Sheng Xiang Band / Elephant Gym
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
The third annual celebration showcasing the best of Taiwanese tunes from hip-hop to rock.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
EPMD / DJ Sylk
Springfield Park, QN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
The influential MC duo performs with the multifaceted Queens DJ for a night of classic hip hop.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Barrington Levy / Third World / Kabaka Pyramid / DJ Gravy / Federation Sound
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, BK
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Five of Jamaica’s most acclaimed and longest-running groups join together for a night of dancehall, reggae, and more.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Oh Wonder / Sasha Sloan
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
This minimalist pop duo inspires nothing short of wonder.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Gabriel Garzón-Montano / Nicola Cruz / Tomasa del Real / DJ Bitman, in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Latin voices from Brooklyn, Quito and Santiago making huge waves in neo-soul, electronica, reggaetón and beyond.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Systema Solar / Very Be Careful, in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Queensbridge Park, QN
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Two genre-defying Colombian groups, including an Afro-Caribbean electronic collective and a vallenato group, bring their dynamic sounds to Queens.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
Queensbridge Park, QN
8:00 – 9:00 PM
7:00 – 8:00 PM Pre-Show Dance Workshop: Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
Free
Queens-based troupe celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance and live music.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Tito Rojas / Andy Montanez
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, BK
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Two of Puerto Rico’s most important salsa heavy hitters perform together on a rare double bill.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Jorge Drexler / Trending Tropics / ÌFÉ, in association with the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
2:30 PM Pre-show Film Screening
Free
The Oscar and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter pairs up with the debut of the new project from Calle 13’s Visitante and the Afro-Caribbean maestros of electronica performance.
Pre-Show Film Screening: Conversations with Otura Mun, a short 20 minute film featuring Otura Mun, lead singer of the band ÌFÉ
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Special Guest To-Be-Announced
Queensbridge Park, QN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
Special guest to-be-announced.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Family Day: Rebirth Brass Band / Big Chief Monk Boudreaux
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
Free
Bring the whole family along to a Mardi Gras celebration in Central Park featuring New Orleans brass band legends, alongside fun activities for all ages, including a performance of “The Big Good Wolf” from the CityParks PuppetMobile and a Second Line workshop with the Lady Buckjumpers of New Orleans.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Jungle Brothers and friends / O.C. / DJ Kool Red Alert with special guests DJ KOOL FLASH and more
Queensbridge Park, QN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM Pre-show workshop: Voices of a People’s History featuring Dres of Black Sheep
Free
Multi-generational celebration of hip-hop’s biggest influencers, innovators, and ingenues.
Wednesday, July 18 & Thursday, July 19, 2018
Dispatch, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
For over two decades, jam band juggernaut Dispatch has consistently sold-out arenas across the country and with help from their devoted fan-base, supported an array of humanitarian efforts in the process. Known for their upbeat, funk-folk rock, the trio (Brad Corrigan, Chad Stokes and Pete Francis) recently released their sixth full-length album (and their first in five years), 2017’s America, Location 12, which hit #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums. This summer, the group will hit the road alongside world music collective Nahko and Medicine for the People, led by Nahko Bear, and singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza, both of whom have Native heritage. The tour aims to raise awareness and funds for First Nations communities.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
George Lamond / Soul Sonic Force / The Philharmonik
Corporal Thompson Park, SI
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
Eclectic forces of New York and California bust out the salsa, freestyle, and more jams.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Mobile Mondays! CeCe Peniston / Robin S with Joey Carvello
Corporal Thompson Park, SI
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre-show Dance Workshop: Freestyle Dance with Theresa Lavington
Free
“Finally” singer with house music diva and classic disco/house DJ will bring the ‘90s movement to the masses.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Las Cafeteras / M.A.K.U. SoundSystem / iBomba (DJ Ushka & DJ Beto), in association with La Isla Bonita Summer Festival
Corporal Thompson Park, SI
5:00 – 7:00 PM
5:00 – 6:00 PM Pre-show workshop: Voices of a People’s History with Lemon Andersen
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
These three acts will guide audiences on a rhythmic journey ranging from beat music to future dancehall, breaking down borders.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Ginuwine / The Ladies of Pink Diamond / DJ Stacks
Corporal Thompson Park, SI
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
The provocateur, known for the R&B jam “Pony,” rides his rhythms into town along with Staten Island’s own DJ Stacks.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Central Park
8:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 7:00)
Free
Internationally renowned contemporary ballet company returns to SummerStage for the first time since 2003, performing works that infuse classical ballet with new expressive potential.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Judy Torres / TKA / GrandWizzard Theodore
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Bronx-born freestyle and dance mainstay performs along with freestyle trio TKA.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Bombazo Dance Co / The Sabrosura Effect, in association with Pepatian
St. Mary’s Park, BX
8:00 – 9:00 PM
7:00 – 8:00 PM Pre-Show Dance Workshop: Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
Free
Bronx-based troupes share a bill featuring dances celebrating and rooted in the Latin diaspora.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Pete Rock & The Soul Brothers / Hannah Williams & The Affirmations / DJ Emz
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
Free
Hip-hop producer and DJ performs deep song catalog with live band, joined by one of soul’s most prominent new voices.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
St. Mary’s Park, BX
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
A two-time Grammy winner, the band’s rousing hardcore salsa stylings never fail to get audiences dancing.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Femi Kuti & Positive Force / Jupiter & Okwess / DJ Geko Jones
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
Free
Purveyors of Afrobeat bring their funky, jazzy sound to Central Park, where they’re joined by rising stars, Congolese musician Jupiter Bokondji and his band Okwess.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Charlie Aponte
St. Mary’s Park, BX
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
The incomparable salsero brings rhythms old and new that will have audiences on their feet.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
The LOX / Young M.A / Special Guest DJ Funk Flex, hosted by Torae
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, BK
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Trifecta of street-inspired MCs with celebrated career of hip-hop anthems is joined by one of Brooklyn’s fastest rising stars and MCs.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Special Youth Dance Matinee
Central Park, MN
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free
A dance matinee program focused on engaging young people and the arts. More information and special guest artists to-be-announced.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Special Guests TBA / Movement of the People Dance Company
Central Park, MN
8:00 – 10:00 PM
6:00 PM Pre-show discussion with special guest to-be-announced. RSVP required.
Free
Acclaimed New York-based companies return to SummerStage after blazing trails and winning awards with their uncompromising approaches to movement, politics and the human condition.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Tito Nieves / Bodoma & Garifuna Culture Band
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre-Show Garifuna Drums, Dance & Culture Workshop
Free
The inimitable salsa star is joined by the local Bronx group, who will be performing neighborhood favorites.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
The Movement: Messiah / Darell / Young Flow / El Sosa / Nelly Nelz
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Five stars of the burgeoning Latin trap scene showcase their indefatigable sounds.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Ultimate Break Beats: BreakBeat Lou, Special Ed, Nice and Smooth and Lord Finesse
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre Show Hip-Hop Dance Workshop with Fabel
Free
One of the maestros behind some of hip-hop’s most classic beats breaks it down with fellow NYC hip-hop heavyweights.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Sister Nancy & Shinehead with DJ Misbehavior
Crotona Park, BX
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM Pre-show workshop: Voices of a People’s History featuring muMs aka Craig Grant
Free
Queen of Jamaican dancehall is joined by Bronx-born reggae fusion rapper for an evening of riddims and grooves.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
The Originals (Stretch Armstrong / Clark Kent / D-Nice / Rich Medina / Tony Touch)
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Five legendary DJs come together to form an untouchable collective that will turn Central Park into one big dance floor.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
BaianaSystem / Hamilton de Holanda Trio feat. Roberta Sá / Xênia França, in association with Brasil Summerfest
Central Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
1:00 – 2:00 Pre-Show Panel: The Cultural Shift of Social Justice, RSVP Required
Free
Presenting three sensations of Brazil, including a new Carnaval mainstay, a bandolim maestro with a vocalist extraordinaire, and a rising-star of Afro-Brazilian pop jazz.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
VOODOO THREAUXDOWN featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band, and special guests Cyril Neville, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and Kermit Ruffins, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
In celebration of New Orleans’ tricentennial this year, bandleader, singer-songwriter and horn-blower extraordinaire Trombone Shorty (born Troy Andrews) will lead a night of jazz performances from the city’s finest that will honor the musical traditions of their beloved hometown. With his band Orleans Avenue, Trombone Shorty has become well known for his unique brass band blare that incorporates deep-groove funk, the blues and hip-hop. He has performed at the White House, the Grammy Awards, and the NBA All-Star Game, and collaborated with artists ranging from Eric Clapton to Lenny Kravitz and fellow New Orleans natives Galactic. The preeminent jam-band, Galactic brought their R&B infused brand of jazz-funk onto the scene in the early ’90s. With 11 studio albums released since then, the group’s sound has continually evolved to include elements of electronica and rap, and led to collaborations with Mystikal and Macy Gray, to name a few. Perhaps the best embodiment of NOLA’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been around for over 50 years. Whether performing in the city’s French Quarter, or on stages around the world, the rotating cast of band members serves as a veritable living history of New Orleans music and culture. Building on the second-line brass band tradition, the younger, nine-piece New Breed Brass Band carries on the legacy of New Orleans’ renowned brass bands with a contemporary twist, incorporating funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop elements. Also joining the celebration are New Orleans legends Cyril Neville, of The Meters and The Neville Brothers, blues singer and guitarist Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and jazz trumpeter and composer Kermit Ruffins.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Wild Style 35th Anniversary Reunion at The Amphitheater with Special Guest DJ Funk Flex
East River Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre Show Hip-Hop Dance Workshop with Fabel
Free
Documenting the rise of hip hop, this iconic film celebrates its anniversary with original cast members, in the very park where the final scene was shot.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
GOOD VIBES with Jason Mraz and Brett Dennen, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
TICKETED
California born-and-bred singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and Brett Dennen have teamed up to bring their upbeat, folk-pop sounds and “Good Vibes” to Central Park. Hitting it big with his 2002 single, “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” off his debut album, Mraz has released five chart-topping studio albums, won two GRAMMY Awards, and nabbed the ASCAP Song of the Year award for his 2010 hit “I’m Yours.” In 2017, he made his Broadway debut, joining the cast of the Tony Award-nominated musical, The Waitress. Guitarist Brett Dennen has released six acclaimed studio albums and his songs have been featured on a number of television shows from Parenthood to About A Boy. His latest single “Already Gone,” debuted in January 2018. Rolling Stone magazine named Dennen as an “Artist to Watch.”
Friday, August 10, 2018
Peridance Contemporary Dance Company
East River Park, MN
8:00 – 9:00 PM
7:00 – 8:00 PM Pre-Show Dance Workshop: Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
Free
New York City contemporary dance scene staple makes its SummerStage debut.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Porches / Sunflower Bean / Crumb, in association with Brooklyn Magazine
East River Park, MN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
New York indie-pop stalwart is flanked by two local psychedelic-rock up-and-comers.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
KOREA GAYOJE: TOKiMONSTA / Kero One, in association with Korean Cultural Center New York and MeanRed
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
Breaking boundaries, Korean-American musical forces bring the beats with lyrical jazz rap, defiant hip-hop, and atmospheric electronic hits.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Jerry Rivera / Nuyorican Poets Cafe: La Bruja and Chembo Corniel
East River Park, MN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
This stacked bill combines one of the best-selling salsa artists with activist-poet Caridad de la Luz and Grammy-nominated percussionist Corniel.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Music + Revolution: Greenwich Village in the 1960s hosted by Richard Barone
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Some of the revolutionary era’s best and brightest stars unite with the next generation to celebrate the place where it all started.
Featuring: Jesse Colin Young, Melanie, José Feliciano, Maria Muldaur, Nellie McKay, David Amram, Marshall Crenshaw, Happy Traum, The Kennedys, Tammy Faye Starlite, Anthony DeCurtis (Rolling Stone editor), Jeffrey Gaines, Steve Addabbo, and Richard Barone.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Dej Loaf
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, BK
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
One of today’s most gifted working MCs proves that she’s just getting started.
Monday, August 13, 2018
O.A.R. with special guests Matt Nathanson and The New Respects, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
For over two decades, American rock band O.A.R. (short for Of A Revolution) has been known for their live show experience and extensive summer and festival touring. With eight studio albums to their name, O.A.R. has topped the charts with rootsy rock hits such as “Love and Memories,” “Shattered (Turn The Car Around),” and “This Town.” Their latest single, “Just Like Paradise,” was released in February 2018. This summer the group will hit the road with singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Nathanson. Known for his upbeat, folk-rock sound, the California based Nathanson has been releasing music since the early ‘90s and has toured as both a solo act and with a full band. His music has been featured on television shows including One Tree Hill, 90210, Scrubs and CSI. His latest album, the more introspective Show Me Your Fangs, was released in 2015.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Alice Smith / Akala / DJ Stormin Norman
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 – 9:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Pre-show workshop: Voices of a People’s History featuring Celisse Henderson
Free
A powerhouse vocalist with a signature style of rock, pop, and R&B takes the stage with the rising British-born rapper, poet and activist and one of Harlem’s most established DJs.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Jeremy McQueen’s Black Iris Project
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
8:00 – 9:00 PM
7:00 – 8:00 PM Pre-Show Dance Workshop: Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
Free
To ring in the centennial of Nelson Mandela’s birth, the New York-based ballet troupe will perform “MADIBA,” along with a world premiere set to a contemporary interpretation of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.”
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Pape Diouf & la Génération Consciénte
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM Pre-Show African Percussion Workshop and CityParks PuppetMobile performance of “The Big Good Wolf”
Free
The Senegalese mbalax star brings his singular sound along with his band La Génération Consciénte.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Mura Masa / Jessy Lanza, in association with MeanRed
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Two iconoclasts of electronic music, one based in the UK and the other in Canada.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Rapsody
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
The enrapturing Grammy-nominated MC brings her wisdom and sharp rhymes to the stage.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
“Mr. Gaga” with GALLIM
8:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
6:00 – 7:00 Pre-show GAGA/People Dance Master Class. RSVP Required.
The documentary tells the story of Ohad Naharin, the renowned choreographer and artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, with a performance by the Brooklyn-based dance troupe.
Friday, August 24, 2018
CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL: Charles Tolliver’s 50 Year Anniversary of Paper Man featuring Gary Bartz, Jack DeJohnette, Buster Williams & Surprise Guest / Brianna Thomas, in association with Jazzmobile
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Free
Jazz veterans and rising stars pay tribute to innovator and bebop master Charlie “Bird” Parker.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL: Monty Alexander – Harlem Kingston Express / Catherine Russell / Keyon Harrold / Matthew Whitaker Trio
Marcus Garvey Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
Jazz veterans and rising stars pay tribute to innovator and bebop master Charlie “Bird” Parker.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL: Gary Bartz Quartet / The Bad Plus / Amina Claudine Myers / UNHEARD: Adam O’Farril, Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross commissioned in association with The Joyce and George Wein Foundation under the artistic supervision of The Jazz Gallery
Tompkins Square Park, MN
3:00 – 7:00 PM
Free
Jazz veterans and rising stars pay tribute to innovator and bebop master Charlie “Bird” Parker.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Eddie Palmieri La Perfecta / Tony Vega
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Free
For one night only, two legends of New York salsa converge.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Voices of A People’s History featuring Staceyann Chin, Rachel Dratch, Michael Ealy, Laura Gómez, Celisse Henderson, Viggo Mortensen and more
Central Park, MN
8:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Free
Critical readings, songs and more that highlight lesser-told narratives in history on the 50th anniversary of The March on Washington.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Mac DeMarco, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mac DeMarco returns to SummerStage for the first time since his celebrated 2013 performance at SummerStage in East River Park. Five years and three acclaimed studio albums later, DeMarco’s distinguished psychedelic pop-rock sound continues to intrigue and delight, with his most recent release, 2017’s This Old Dog, hitting #1 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Blood Orange, produced by The Bowery Presents
Central Park, MN
6:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors at 5:00 PM)
TICKETED
Blending together elements of R&B, funk, and ‘80s pop, Blood Orange is the most recent project of British producer and singer Dev Hynes. A well-established songwriter (having worked closely with Solange and Tinashe, among others), Hynes reached critical acclaim with his 2016 album, Freetown Sound. Hynes’s distinctive R&B/electronica grooves, paired with spoken-word poetry and vocal sampling, earned the record top-20 spots on both Noisey’s and Pitchfork‘s Best Albums of 2016.
Thursday, September 28, 2018
Angelique Kidjo’s Remain in Light / Resistance Revival Chorus
Central Park, MN
7:00 – 10:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
Free
Africa’s premier diva stuns with songs from her much-anticipated Talking Heads cover album, opened with New York’s women’s choir collective singing songs of joy and resistance.