On May 19, the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative will celebrate its 5th anniversary at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with a presentation of works by Syrian composers, Love and Loss: Classical Music of Syria.
The one-night-only event begins at 8 p.m. featuring SMPI’s Takht al-Nagham (an Arab chamber music ensemble), led by Artistic Director Samer Ali. This group includes instruments traditional to the Takht such as the oud (Arab lute), qanun (Arab zither), and riq (tambourine).
The 5th-anniversary celebration will include works by Mahmood Aijan, Wanees Wartanian, Majdi al-’Aqili, Ramez Khaskiyya, Khalil Haj Hussein, and Ali, and traditional works by other Syrian composers. Joining Ali (violin) on stage are Marissa Arciola Ali (bass), Brian Prunka (oud), John Murchison (qanun), Nezih Antakli (riq), Gideon Forbes (nay), Lubana Al Quntar (vocals), and Zahra al-Zubaidi, Erik Jönsson, Marwa Morgan, and Stefan Paolini in the choir.
The theme of love and loss is common throughout the classical Syrian repertoire and remains relevant to their reality today. We are dedicated to preserving and invigorating the diverse regional music traditions of Syria, and this performance will promote the musical heritage through both older, lesser-known works and contemporary pieces. In this way, we celebrate the past, present, and future of Syrian music.
Samer Ali
The show also features several musicians who were selected after an audition process, which was open to anyone from the community who wanted to perform with SMPI; the musicians include Syrian siblings of from Pennsylvania: Kyla (violin), Chris (qanun), and Makayl Manja (violin); as well as Amirah Ismail (violin), of Egyptian descent and from Washington, D.C., and Laith al-Attar (oud), of Iraqi descent and also from the DC area.
Founded in 2018, SMPI promotes and celebrates the diverse musical traditions of Syria through preservation, innovation, research, and education, including music and dance performances, classes, workshops, and seminars, as well as digital resources and recordings. SMPI is partly funded by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
Syrian Native Samer Ali is a physician, violinist, oudist, composer, and founder and artistic director of SMPI, and has led Takht al-Nagham, SMPI’s Arab chamber music ensemble, in New York at Roulette Intermedium; Florida at Miami Beach Bandshell; and Washington, DC at Kennedy Center.
Marissa Arciola Aliis a bassist, strategist, and leader with a unique combination of artistic and business experience who has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations while playing with groups ranging from classical, to rock, and Middle Eastern music. As President of the SMPI board and member of Takht al-Nagham, she helps to move the organization forward by putting a focus on digital initiatives, prioritizing projects, and growing donation and fundraising prospects.
Damascus-born Lubana al-Quntar, considered one of the leading opera singers of the Arab world, has a repertoire that includes traditional Arabic, folk, and pop music. She completed her academic studies at the Royal College of Music in London and the Damascus Conservatory of Music and studied operatic performance at the Maastricht Academy of Music in Holland. She has appeared globally as an opera soloist and as a traditional Arab singer, and headed the opera department at the Damascus Conservatory where she taught opera and Arabic singing.
John Murchison is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist who performs in the worlds of pop and musical theater, jazz and avant-garde, and traditional music from the Middle East and Africa. Murchison is one of the most in-demand bassists for traditional Arabic music in the United States and also performs regularly on qanun, gimbri, oud, and percussion. He is a co-founder of Brooklyn Maqam, an organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and building a community around Arabic music in the NYC area.
Zahra al-Zubaidi is a New York-based Iraqi vocalist who performs a wide range of Arabic styles, with a focus on Iraqi music. She has performed as a featured artist around the US, and as a guest/chorus with several internationally renowned artists such as Muhammad Qadri Dalal, Lubana AlQuntar, with Takht al-Nagham and other ensembles like Safaafir and Hamid al-Saadi. In 2021, she was awarded the City Artist Corps grant to showcase women’s voices and the Iraqi Maqam and recently performed at NYC’s historic Joe’s Pub for the 2022 Habibi Festival.
New York City-based percussionist Nezih Antakli has performed nationally in numerous venues such as the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, as well as internationally on a variety of festivals around the world as well as on the Broadway Show “The Band’s Visit”. An alum of the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands (CODARTS), he moved to the United States in 2007 and has been involved in the Middle Eastern and Balkan music scene in the wider New York City and Philadelphia area.
Marwa Morgan is a New York City-based Egyptian singer and journalist who grew up in Cairo surrounded by classical Egyptian music and started singing at an early age, before moving to the U.S. in 2015, where she has performed with several ensembles, including Takht al-Nagham, The Middle East Music Orchestra at Rutgers University among others.
Brooklyn-based vocalist Erik Jönsson began singing at a young age in his church’s choir in the Hudson Valley, and decades later, he is still singing in church as a member of Trinity Church Wall Street’s Downtown Voices. He has also sung as a member of that choir at Carnegie Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) as part of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s production of L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, and Madison Square Garden in concert with Andrea Bocelli.
Tickets are now available for the 5th-anniversary celebration of the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Troy Chromatic Concerts and Troy Savings Bank Music Hall have announced the full 2023-24 Troy Chromatic Concert Series schedule, which marks the series’ 126th season.
Since 1918, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has been the exclusive venue of these concerts and it is an honor to now have the Troy Chromatic Concerts formally under the umbrella of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation. In 2023, the two organizations merged to ensure the legacy of these concerts carries on long into the future. The upcoming season will feature five phenomenal concerts, including a Grammy nominated cellist, an all Irish chamber orchestra and more.
Grammy award-nominee Seth Parker Woods has established a reputation as an innovator in the genre as a cellist of “power and grace”, who possesses “mature artistry and willingness to go to the brink” as praised by The Guardian.
Adventurous musicians The Knights, dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and removing barriers between audiences and music, team with Chris Thile. Accomplished mandolinist Thile is a founding member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and critically acclaimed MacArthur Fellow and Grammy Award-winner.
Formed in 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is considered to be one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. Presenting a program rich with energy and unusually adventurous, this is a can’t miss event.
Since 1999, Camerata Ireland have been pushing the boundaries of musical collaboration. Established by the internationally renowned pianist, Barry Douglas CBE, Camerata Ireland exists to celebrate the incredible musical talents that exude from this small island on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
Violinist Tessa Lark joins legendary guitarist Frank Vignola to create an intimate musical experience. Performing intricate original arrangements of classics that span from classical to jazz and old to new, the duo mixes elements of improvisation with their collective breadth of musical ingrates resulting in a unique and unforgettably exciting performance.
All performances take place at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Current subscribers may renew their tickets now, with new subscriptions open to the public on July 5th, and single tickets going on sale on August 1st.
International pop star Karol G has announced her “MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO” stadium tour. On September 7th and 8th, fans can join Karol to experience the richness of her Columbian culture at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Karol is renowned for her exuberant tours ranking top 10 on Pollstar’s most successful music tours in the world with her previous “$trip Love Tour.”
Karol G is a multi-platinum global recording artist with a leading Latin Music powerhouse. Karol has made history by being the first female artist to sell out three back-to-back shows at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico, the first female artist to reach #1 on Billboard Top 200 with a Spanish-language album, having the biggest debut for a Spanish Album on Spotify, and attaining the highest-grossing North American tour of all time as a Latin female artist.
The tour announcement was given following Karol’s dazzling debut on Saturday Night Live, where she performed “TUS GAFITAS” and “MIENTRAS ME CURO DEL CORA.” This tour is an addition to an increasing list of achievements such as winning two Grammys, receiving 199 Diamond certifications from the RIAA, and obtaining a 77 billion combined career stream. The pop star is currently the most viewed artist of 2023 on YouTube excluding features with over 990 million views.
Audience members will use Verified Fan to purchase tickets for the “MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO” tour. Registration for Verified Fan presale tickets begins now through Sunday, April 30th at 11:59 pm. Presale tickets can be bought here. Fans who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting on Wednesday, May 3. Starting Friday, May 5 at 12 pm limited general tickets will be sold here. Fans can also access VIP Packages which may include premium tickets, VIP parking and exclusive access to a pre-show lounge, special entry and more. VIP Package information can be accessed here. Visit here for all additional tour and ticket information.
MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO TOUR DATES:
Fri Aug 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
Fri Aug 18 – Pasadena, CA – Rose Bowl
Sat Aug 19 – Pasadena, CA – Rose Bowl – NEW DATE
Fri Aug 25 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
Sat Aug 26 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium – NEW DATE
Tue Aug 29 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
Sat Sep 02 – Dallas, TX – Cotton Bowl
Thu Sep 07 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
Fri Sep 08 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium – NEW DATE
Tony Award Nominee Shoshana Bean has announced her debut residency at the newly opened Midnight Theatre in west Manhattan.
Shoshana will take audiences on a musical journey of honesty, exploration and celebration of life, art, and friendship. Performances are on Thursday, May 25, Friday May 26, Saturday, May 27 at 8:00pm and Sunday, May 28 at 7:00pm.
Midnight Theatre is a new, state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of New York’s Manhattan West. The intimate 150-seat theater was conceptualized by Creative Director Warren Adcock to be a showcase for talent across a wide variety of entertainment, including magic, music, comedy, and Broadway cabarets.
Shoshana Bean was most recently seen starring opposite Billy Crystal in Broadway’s Mr. Saturday Night. Tony and Grammy nominated for her role as Susan Young, she has previously starred on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked and Jenna in Waitress. Her 6 independent studio albums and EP’s have landed her on top of the iTunes and Billboard charts, including the peak position of #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. She has sold out concerts around the globe and lent her voice to countless films and television shows, a few of which include: Sing, Enchanted, Glee and Galavant.
Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, appeared Off-Broadway in the 2000 revival of “Godspell”, and in Songs for a New World at City Center Encores. She won an IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of “Beaches”. She has appeared in Bloodline, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and recently filmed a solo concert special for PBS.
For more information on the residency, or to purchase tickets, please visit Midnight Theatres website.
Sorry we missed you the past couple months, we were too busy seeing shows! Hopefully you were too. May is here, the flowers are blooming, and so is the live music in Rochester. Here are five lovely shows popping up this month that you should probably go check out.
Acid Mothers Temple returns to the Bug Jar from Japan for the first time in a handful of years, bringing back their intensely psychedelic rock perfectly suited for the trippy little bar on Monroe. Whether you’re on drugs or not, prepare to be sent to another dimension. Austin’s My Education joins them and Rochester’s Pengo will get things kicked off.
The show starts at 9pm and tickets are $15/$18dos.
May 11: Seán Barna at Radio Social
A day before his new album, An Evening at Macri Park, drops on Kill Rock Stars, Seán Barna will play a free show at Radio Social. Be one of the first to hear this incredible queer singer/songwriter and his band perform the album, which was recorded locally at 1809 Studios. Pluck and Cece Vile will open the show.
Pimp Biscuits is Aqueous’ Mike Gantzer and Evan McPhaden, and Pickle Mafia’s Marco Cirigliano. They don’t get together often, but when they do, watch out! And with Aqueous on indefinite hiatus, all the more reason to get in to enjoy some Gantzer and McPhaden magic. With previously recommended Vertices opening the show, we’re in for a night of heavy improvisation. With Pigeons Playing Ping Pong opening up the Lilac Festival earlier in the evening, the possibilities for some nice sit-ins are high.
David Grisman’s son Sam recently assembled a band, heavy on Rochester talent, to explore the music of his father and Jerry Garcia and beyond. Area guitarist Aaron Lipp and drummer Chris English join him, and multi-instrumentalist Ric Robertson rounds out the quartet. They interpret the music acoustically, electrically, and eclectically. This one is going to sound great nestled in between the lilacs. Get there early for Organ Fairchild and Digglers Bridge.
Music starts at 4pm, Sam Grisman comes on at 7pm, and it’s all free.
Margaret Explosion is a long running institution in Rochester. There’s no one named Margaret and the music is decidedly unexplosive, but their regular gigs at the cafe inside The Little Theater are always a treat. Their shows are completely improvised “slow-motion psychedelia.” Melissa Davies has been joining the quartet on cello recently and the results have been stunning.
Saratoga’s famous Caffè Lena has announced “Sing In The Streets”, a six stage music festival celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Caffè Lena’s opening on Sunday, May 21st.
Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and the Caffe has been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for their important contributions to the development of American music.
In staying true to Lena’s founding vision of simplicity, kindness to strangers, and art above profit, “Sing In The Streets” will take place for free at six stages around Caffè Lena’s neighborhood, making this festival a community event. Two artists will share each stage, with performances at Impressions of Saratoga, Library Terrace, Frog Garden, Caffè Lena’s Courtyard, Caffè Lena Upstairs, and Ben & Jerrys.
“SING IN THE STREETS’ LOCATIONS AND PERFORMERS:
IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA Steve Candlen is an Albany based drummer who has been performing both nationally and locally since the late 80’s and was the winner of the 2005 “Music For Miracles” Songwriting Contest.
Travis Gray – A virtuosic musician and songwriter, with masterful guitar work. In his 20+ years writing, recording and performing around the world, Gray’s work has ranged from contemplative singer-songwriter to fronting powerhouse 6 piece bands and back again
LIBRARY TERRACE Rick Bolton– From playing in garage bands on northern Lake George, to touring out west, only to return home and help launch a thriving music scene in Saratoga, Singer/Songwriter Rick Bolton is no stranger to the Caffe Lena neighborhood.
Rees Shad & the Conversations – Rees Shad & The Conversations refer to their sound as ‘Swinging Americana Done Right.” Those who know Shad’s catalog have come to refer to him as a wordsmith and a songwriter’s songwriter.
FROG GARDEN Bill & Finnegan Ackerbauer – Father and Son Folk duo Bill & Finnegan will bring their lighthearted family and children songs Bill and Finnegan made famous with virtual concerts through the Johnstown Public Library in a series called Singin’ in the Kitchen.
Novus Cantus– With a flair for storytelling and theatricality, these brothers have created a show for kids that draws on their love of world music, rock and classical. Parents will recognize nods to Jethro Tull, Rusted Root, Gypsy Kings and Metallica
CAFFÈ LENA COURTYARD Jimi W. – Jimi W. is a singer songwriter based out of the capital region of Upstate NY. His sound combines influences from songwriting legends such as James Taylor and Tom Waits with a modern eclectic indie-folk twist.
Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs – The Adirondack duo have brought their blend of modern yet classically old-timey sounds, blues, bluegrass, and classic americana tunes, and dabble at entertaining endless other influences and flights of fancy.
CAFFÈ LENA UPSTAIRS Angelina Valente – Valente’s singer/songwriter style strips music down to its bare bones with a folk/pop sound. Her soft piano and strong voice, along with honest lyrics, create an exceptional, emotional experience – a travelogue through folk, bluegrass and indie pop-rock.
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Reese has quickly made a name for himself in the Capital Region music scene with his precocious songwriting and charming stage presence, while The Carriage House Band includes some of the finest and most versatile musicians in the Capital Region
BEN & JERRY’S Margo Macero Duo – Known to deliver unforgettable performances with passionate powerhouse vocals and impressive guitar solo and the ability to impact a wide audience, Macero is not only a genuine artist, but an inspiring and relatable person.
Blue Ranger – Here to remind us that there are small moments of magic in the everyday, Albany’s Blue Ranger create subtle, melodious folk stories that ruminate on universal introspection.
For More information on “Sing In The Streets”, please visit Caffè Lena’s website.
Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine delivered an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Steel on April 25th. With Olivia’s whimsical and dreamy indie-folk sound, followed by Lizzy’s soulful and emotionally charged ballads, the night was filled with an electric energy that left the audience mesmerized. The two talented musicians complemented each other perfectly, creating a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton is a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida. Growing up as the youngest of four children to an English teacher and a literary writer, Barton was a sensitive child who quickly took to songwriting. Her musical influences range from The Eagles, James Taylor, and Indigo Girls, which have all shaped her writing style. Her writing can now be compared to contemporary indie folk rock artists such as Margaret Glaspy, Pinegrove, The Staves, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Olivia Barton Setlist: Good Day, I Don’t Sing My Songs, Control Freak, Sonic [Unreleased], I Don’t Do Anything, if i were a fish [corook cover, with corook], I Love You Just For Trying
Lizzy McAlpine – Photograph by Caroline Reynolds
Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has been writing music since the 6th grade. She studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston before leaving in her junior year to pursue music full-time. McAlpine’s debut studio album, Give Me a Minute, released in August 2020, received critical acclaim and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify. She has since released an 8-song EP “When the World Stopped Moving: The Live EP”, made her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and released her second studio album, Five Seconds Flat. She has a growing global fanbase, as shown by her entirely sold out Spring tour, including 2 shows in NY. With a unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has solidified her place in the indie-folk scene.
Lizzy McAlpine Setlist: an ego thing, Over-the-Ocean Call (Andrew), all my ghosts, firearm, doomsday, Give Me A Minute, Nothing / Sad N Stuff, called you again, ceilings, Broken Glass [Unreleased], I Guess [Unreleased], In What World, erase me, come down soon [Unreleased], Pancakes for Dinner, orange show speedway
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton’s set was an intimate and engaging affair, with the crowd hanging onto every word and chord. From the very beginning, the audience was in sync with the performer – with one fan even shouting out that they were fellow acapella academy alumni like Barton. She kicked things off with “Good Day”, a buoyant and soulful tune that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Barton’s banter between songs was just as charming and captivating as her music, with the singer reminiscing about her time living in Brooklyn and working at three restaurants simultaneously. She congratulated the crowd on their strength and resilience, telling them that they must be “strong as hell” to make it in the city. The standout song of the night was undoubtedly “Sonic”, a brand new, unreleased track that Barton explained was actually about the restaurant chain “Steak and Shake” and also about the love of her life. The singer stumbled adorably during her performance, accidentally blending the chords of “I Don’t Do Anything” with “Sonic” – a moment that only added to the overall charm of the night. She closed out her set with “If I Were a Fish”, bringing up her partner and fellow musician Corook to sing the song together – a fitting end to an unforgettable set.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
The US leg of The End of the Movie Tour is going on all the way until May 13 in Oakland, CA before Lizzy jets off to Dublin for the European leg of the sold out tour.
To conclude the 67th season of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, they’ll go back, a long time ago, to a galaxy far far away. “May the Fourth Be With You” will be performed at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts in Vestal on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm.
Maestro Daniel Hege will lead the Philharmonic in performing the music of John Williams, including themes from The Force Awakens, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, and of course, the original Star Wars Suite. Additionally, there will be live narration by Joshua Sedelmeyer, who will weave together the epic story of Star Wars with the music.
Joshua Sedelmeyer is an alumni of the Ithaca College BFA Acting program and studied abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia (National Theatre Institute’s Mats program) and the IC London Center in England. Josh is based in Upstate New York, between Binghamton and Ithaca, and works regularly with many companies throughout the region. He is often sought for his physical acting approach (Edgar, King Lear), his playfulness and vivacity within ensembles (Clown, The 39 Steps), and for his comfort with adapting to a wide range of theatrical styles (Puppeteer in The Snow Queen, Austin in True West, Edmund in Long Day’s Journey into Night).
Josh also has developed an ease at creating rapport with audiences during interactive performances, such as “Pops” concerts with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra (The Magical Music of Harry Potter, A Night at the Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, and Star Wars, May the Fourth).
Founded by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg in 1955, the Binghamton Philharmonic was founded by David Agard and Russell Hawkes, presenting an annual series of classical, pops, and chamber music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The professional musicians of the Philharmonic, represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians, hail from the Southern Tier, New York City, and surrounding states.
For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
The Chenango Blues Festival recently finalized the lineup for its 30th Anniversary Celebration, with the addition of two-time Grammy winner, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Traveling from Louisiana and long-time area favorites, the band will kick off the two-day festival, which begins on Aug. 18 and concludes the next day, with a free admission show. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will anchor what promises to be a memorable 30th-anniversary celebration.
The Chenango Blues Fest is a family-friendly event run by an all-volunteer staff. Their motto is “by fans, for fans” and they really mean it. If there is an opposite to the high dollar, corporate festivals proliferating around the country, this is it.
John Primer, who was just announced as an inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame, will follow. Primer is one of the last Chicago bluesmen to have played with legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim. The show will close with Curtis Salgado, the Portland, Oregan based blues and soul man who is a past Blues Music Award winner as Artist of the Year.
The celebration will continue with a headlining set by Charlie Musselwhite on the Infield Stage, sponsored this year by Norwich Rehab; Kerry, Inc., and the Raymond Foundation. Musselwhite has received numerous awards, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and performed with several musicians. Preceding him on the infield stage will be Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar blues, Memphis soul, and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk.
Leading up to those acts is Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds hailing from Brooklyn, who has built a loyal following on the strength of Arleigh Kincheloe’s dynamic vocals, a rock-solid rhythm section, horns, and a keen sense of fun. Kicking off the festival at 11:30 a.m. is Gabe Stillman, fresh off rave reviews for his performances on the recent Blues Cruise. Following is ace saxman Jimmy Carpenter, who, when he isn’t touring the world or sitting in with a who’s who of blues players he is the musical director of the Big Blues Bender – one of the premier events in the blues world.
These are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform, and this year’s 30th Anniversary Celebration is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Friday’s show is free, and Saturday’s is free for those 17 and under. Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chenango Blues Festival are now available.
Friday Schedule
Tent Stage Parking opens – 4:30 p.m. Festival gate opens – 5:00 p.m. 5:30 – 6:45 – Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience 7:15- 8:30 – John Primer 9:00 – 10:15 – Curtis Salgado
Saturday Schedule
Infield Stage Parking Gate Opens – 10:00 a.m. Festival Gate Opens – 11:00 a.m. 11:30 – 12:25 – Gabe Stillman Band 12:45 – 1:45 – Jimmy Carpenter 2:45 – 4:00 – Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds 5:15 – 6:30 – Tommy Castro & the Painkillers7:40 – 9:00 – Charlie Musselwhite
Tent Stage 1:45 – 2:45 – Guy Davis 4:00 – 5:15 – Melody Angel 6:30 – 7:40 – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band 9:00 – 10:15 – Honey Island Swamp Band
The City Parks Foundation has announced the start of its 2023 SummerStage season, which begins June 3 and will host several events in Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.
Returning for its 37th year, the 2023 season continues until September 30 and will combine free and benefit shows. City Parks’ 2023 season will continue to showcase established and emerging artists from across the globe, presenting many genres including salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance, and more.
Locations for the 2023 City Parks Summerstage season. Credit: Lauren Martin.
The City Parks Summer 2023 season will additionally shine a celebratory spotlight on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, highlighting the genre’s influence globally with a diverse, multi-faceted series of events showcasing all elements of hip-hop culture, from live performances and DJ sets to dance and graffiti displays across the five boroughs.
SummerStage is back for another exceptional year of free programming. It’s an honor to bring to parks artists that are reflective of each neighborhood’s rich cultural fabric, whether these performers are familiar or completely new discoveries. Feeling the joy and wonder of live music with other New Yorkers is an experience that is unmatched and should not be underestimated. At a time when we are increasingly isolated, SummerStage uses our city’s parks — vital resources in every neighborhood — to connect audiences with each other in a very emotional and magical way and, ultimately, to create community.
Heather Lubov, City Parks Foundation’s Executive Director
This season will feature acclaimed local artists returning to their New York roots. Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim will bring his soulful R&B sounds back to Brooklyn when he performs on July 14 in Von King Park; R&B legends Kool & The Gang will return to SummerStage on July 22 in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Corona Park; salsa legend Eddie Palmieri will have crowds dancing on August 14 in Crotona Park; and fans of New York City’s Latin -infused freestyle sound will enjoy high-energy performances by DJ Frankie Cutlass and The Cover Girls on August 12 in Staten Island’s Stapleton Waterfront Park.
The City Parks 2023 Season will also feature ticketed benefit shows in Central Park to help support City Parks Foundation’s free performances, and these shows begin at the start of the season on June 3, at Central Park with artists Hippo Campus and Gus Dapperton. More benefit shows will be announced throughout the season.
The City Parks Foundation is dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Their programs — located in more than 300 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City — reach over 275,000 people each year.
The City Parks Foundation SummerStage is one of New York’s most beloved, broadly accessible, free outdoor performing arts festivals, with SummerStage annually presenting nearly 80 free and benefit performances in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs to 217,000 fans. With performances in genres representing the cultural fabric of New York City ranging from jazz, hip-hop, Latin, global, indie, and contemporary dance, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts festival landscape. Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage.
City Parks 2023 Season Schedule
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton – Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert
Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert
Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert
Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert
Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert
Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit
Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert
Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre / Michael Mayo – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert
Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert
Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert
