The 2024 NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks lineup has been announced. Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, it will take place from June 11–14, 2024.
Photo by Chris Lee.
Conductor Thomas Wilkins leads four free outdoor concerts at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 11); the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 12); Cunningham Park, Queens (June 13); and Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 14). The program includes Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, featuring Randall Goosby — who made his NY Phil debut on a Young People’s Concert at age 13 — as soloist; Elgar’s Wand of Youth Overture; the New York Premiere of Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances; Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol; and works by New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Dalya Shaman and David Wright. All four outdoor performances begin at 8:00 p.m. and conclude with fireworks by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks.
The Concerts in the Parks series has become an iconic New York summer experience since it began in 1965. It transformed parks across the city into a patchwork of picnickers and allowed them to hear classical music under the stars. More than 15 million listeners have been delighted by the performances since their inception.
The 2024 Concerts in the Parks marks Wilkin’s first time conducting the event, making his NY Philharmonic debut in 2015. He has since conducted and hosted numerous Young People’s Concerts, and returns in October 2024 for the Philharmonic’s exploration of Afromodernism on a program that features a New York Premiere by Nathalie Joachim and a reprise of Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances.
Following the Concerts in the Parks, musicians from the New York Philharmonic will perform a Free Indoor Concert on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at St. George Theatre in Staten Island. The program includes Clarke’s Prelude, Allegro, and Pastorale for clarinet and viola; Mozart’s Oboe Quartet; and Prokofiev’s Quintet.
The New York Philharmonic’s annual Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, are always a highlight of our year. It is a joy to see tens of thousands of New Yorkers turn out to enjoy free concerts under the stars, creating a sense of community and shared experience that is rare and vital. We are deeply grateful to Didi and Oscar, the visionary and generous couple whose love of music and of New York City’s parks is essential to making possible the ambitious tour of our hometown.
NY Phil President & CEO Gary Ginstling.
Admission to the 2024 Concerts in the Parks is free, and tickets are not required. Admission to the Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island is free. Tickets are required and are available here.
Hudson Yards has unveiled its initial events for backyard programming including a mix of Family Day, Movie Screenings, Summer Concerts and more. The program begins Friday, May 3 and continues through August 7 in the Public Square & Gardens.
Fans will be able to watch the free weekly concerts at Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood on Manhattanâs West Side. The Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series is located between 10th and 11th Avenue and between 30th and 34th Street.Â
Outdoor Entertainment
Once again, Hudson Yards and The Bowery Presents have teamed together to present an outdoor series of free, in-person performances in the Public Square & Gardens every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with world-class performers from June 19 through August 7. The lineup will feature performances by artists including Chayce Beckham on June 19, David Archuleta on June 26, Brynn Cartelli on July 10, Ray Bull on July 17 and Keke Palmer on August 7. Hudson Yards will unveil the performers for July 3, July 24, and July 31 in the coming week at their website.
The Public Theater Performances
The renowned Public Theater will bring Shakespeare to Backyard at Hudson Yards this summer as a part of its Mobile Unit series with 10 free, open-to-the-public performances of the bilingual musical adaptation in English and Spanish of The Comedy of Errors. Fans will enjoy a twist on the classic show featuring contemporary rhythms across Latin America with performance dates ranging from June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, and 21.
Family Day
Family Day, a fantastic set of family-friendly events all day long, starts off Backyard’s Family Fun programming on May 18. Family day will include a WonderSpark Puppet Show, a special Mozart concert for Munchkins, and a movie screening on the 30-foot Big Screen on the Public Square & Gardens. Along with plenty of family-friendly dining and shopping options, kids will enjoy face painting and personalized balloon sculptures created by balloon artists inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
Coinciding with Family Day, every month, the beloved New York Public Library will offer a free immersive storytime at Backyard with books, songs, and rhymes for the young reader (ages 0 to 12). After story time, kids can take part in a group art project. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to sign up for a library card and learn more about free programs and resources available through the New York Public Library system.
Sports Watch Parties
Hudson Yards has also announced they will host Sports watch parties. Backyard will feature hundreds of live-streamed games, series, and tournaments on The Big Screen. These will include the most popular international sporting events and games, such as cricket, sailing, horse racing, baseball, basketball, golf, Formula 1 races, hockey, football, soccer, tennis, and more. Upcoming special viewing parties include the Kentucky Derby airing on May 4, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Race on May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo party at Verano, and The Wells Fargo Championship PGA TOUR event airing from May 9 – 12.
Power Hour
Starting on May 14th, there will be free courses in yoga, Pilates, and dance cardio fitness on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on the Public Square & Gardens. Level 2 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is home to the upscale wellness and athletic company Alo Yoga, which is offering classes there. With each in-store class, Alo Yoga will be giving away a gift card. Alo Flow, Alo Power Flow, Alo Dance Cardio, and Alo Mat Pilates will be taught by well-known influencer fitness instructors, such as Victoria Rodriguez, Sarah Wolff, Lulu Soni, Kayla Principato and Serena Tom .
Backyard at Hudson Yards will kick off on May 3, and fans will get a chance to enjoy a full season of outdoor programs featuring a jam-packed calendar of free concerts, live sports screenings, theater performances, fitness classes, and more. For more information about the 2024 program, fans can visit here to register and learn more.
Bryant Park announces the 2024 lineup for its free summer performing arts series: Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America. The annual festival will feature 25 live music, dance, and theater events between May 31 and Sept. 13. All shows are free and casual with no tickets required with more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available.
Photo Credit: Ryan Muir.
Picnic Performances has grown to become one of New York City’s foremost outdoor performing arts festivals. Last summer, more than 75,000 people attended the series and nearly half a million enjoyed the free performance livestreams. Bryant Park Picnic Performances has become a vital outdoor platform for the City’s arts institutions, showcasing long-standing partnerships with Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, Harlem Stage, The Town Hall, and Joe’s Pub, as well as new partnerships with New Victory Theater, World Music Institute, and Belongó.
The Bryant Park 2024 season features GRAMMY winners, world-class dance companies, theater stars, celebrations of centenaries in jazz and opera, a James Bond-themed finale, and dozens of local artists and spotlight performers from Ghana, New Orleans, Mexico, and South Africa.
“Thanks to Bank of America’s support, Picnic Performances has become a summer tradition for tens of thousands of New Yorkers. There is no easier way to enjoy this city’s exemplary arts and culture: just join us on the lawn” said Bryant Park’s president Dan Biederman.
Picnic Performances Leon Bostein leads the American Symphony Orchestra performing at Bryan Park’s Picnic Performances, 9/7/2023. Photo by Chris Lee.
Highlights of the Bryant Park 2024 Picnic Performances include the New York City Opera honoring the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini with a two-night celebration of his music featuring orchestra, chorus, and star vocalists. The summer of Puccini continues with a fully staged production of Tosca in August. Internationally acclaimed dance companies – including Mark Morris Dance Group, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, and David Dorfman Dance – headline multiple evenings of Contemporary Dance alongside established, rising, and student companies.
Jazzmobile celebrates the Centennial of legendary jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, “The Divine One,” with a jubilant performance by the acclaimed vocalist Charenée Wade and her septet. Carnegie Hall Citywide presents five concerts in July and August, beginning with a special evening with Pulitzer-Prize-winning composer Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players with special guests. Carnegie Hall will also present the acclaimed South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai, GRAMMY Award-nominated bandleader of The Late Show Band Louis Cato, the high-energy Afrojazz trailblazer Michael Olatuja and Lagos Pepper Soup, and red-hot salsa dura band La Excelencia.
Photo by Fadi Kheir.
Joe’s Pub brings rising theater stars Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca for Broadway en Spanglish, featuring bilingual performances of iconic show tunes with Mariachi Real de Mexico and more guest stars TBA. As part of New Victory Theater’s summer series New Victory Dance, Ephrat Asherie and Barkin/Selissen Project join for an interactive dance event curated specifically for kids and families. World Music Institute welcomes Ghanaian highlife band Gyedu-Blay Ambolley (NYC debut).
Asian American Arts Alliance features MacArthur ‘Genius’ pianist Vijay Iyer and his trio. The beloved Bryant Park tradition Accordions Around the World returns with 2024 GRAMMY nominee Zydeco star Dwayne Dopsie and Latin funk band Afro Dominicano. American Symphony Orchestra kicks off its season with Beyond the Hall, a program highlighting music from beyond the confines of the traditional concert hall.
Finally, The Town Hall and Belongó celebrate John Barry’s iconic James Bond music with an all-star lineup of musicians led by Arturo O’Farrill with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and composer arranger and slide trumpet master Steven Bernstein, together with exciting surprise special guests.
The Picnic Performances are one of the best ways for New Yorkers to get outdoors and celebrate the arrival of Spring and Summer. We believe that the arts are a unifying force that promote cultural understanding, and we are thrilled to continue our support of one of the most iconic green spaces in the city. We are excited to be, once again, the presenting sponsor of the Picnic Performances, marking a more than 10-year-long partnership with Bryant Park.
José Tavarez, president, Bank of America New York City.
This season, 16 shows will be live-streamed for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Additional media support is provided by public radio stations WBGO and WQXR.
Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers light bites and beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Additional artist and performance information will be available in the coming months. For the most current information please visit here.
The Uncharted Concert Series returns for its 10th year to Greenwich House Music School for six Thursday evening performances. The shows from April 4 to May 9 see alumni artists from the past decade of the concert series. All shows take place in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.
Uncharted is a performance resource for New York City-based musicians seeking to develop original material and premiere first-look projects in an intimate concert setting. The 2024 season include concerts from Camila Meza with Aaron Goldberg, Queen Esther, and Alea.
Also performing are Mireya Ramos with Trevor Turla, Raquel Acevedo Klein, and Dana Lyn with We the Gleaners. This line-up of strong women headliners underlines Uncharted’s commitment to promoting female diversity in performance.
The Uncharted Concert Series sees the performances of various genres like jazz, classical, mariachi, R&B and more. The six shows take all place on Thursday nights from April 4 to May 9. Each act will be unique and ready to move the crowd in more ways than one. All performances are filled with exciting, talented, and diverse vibrations.
This is a concert series that encourages artists to take risks and work out new or existing material, collaborations, and projects for an intimate concert experience. In keeping with Greenwich House Music School’s artist advocacy work, 100% of ticket and merchandise sales go directly to artists.
“The Uncharted series has afforded some of New York City’s most original, diverse, and talented local performers with financial support and physical space to explore fresh directions. On our tenth anniversary, we’re excited to welcome back several of the series’ shining stars for a second chance at new discoveries. We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life at these one-night-only performances in the Greenwich House Music School Recital Hall.”
Rachel Black, Director of Greenwich House Music School
General entry tickets to all shows are $20. Ticket sales include access to a pre-show open wine/beer bar. For more information on the Uncharted Concert Series and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Caroga Arts String Project & Arts Collaborative Education (SPACE) program has announced Mildred Elley College as its first corporate sponsor. The Faith Ann Takes Family Foundation has already donated $25,000. This will help the program continue its mission of giving students in grades 6 through 12 at Wheelerville and Johnstown Schools instruments, string instruction, and vital mentoring. The String Project & Arts Collaborative Education new program aims to create affordable arts education opportunities for students across Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie counties.
Faith Takes serves as Chairwoman of the Board of Empire Education Corporation, the corporate parent of Mildred Elley Colleges.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Faith Takes, who share Caroga Arts’ dedication to opening new avenues of opportunity for students in our region,” said Stephanie Price-Wong, Caroga Arts’ Director of Education and Community Engagement. “Their support will amplify the SPACE program as we work to foster local students’ long-lasting appreciation and engagement with the arts.”
All kids participating in the SPACE program in the spring and fall of 2024 will see a significant decrease in tuition and musical instrument costs thanks to the sponsorship, which will open up arts education to families that may not have been able to afford lessons in the past. The Spring 2024 program has already started and is still accepting applications from students in both districts for its first semester. It also plans to schedule performances around the counties of Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie.
“It is an honor to be the first corporate sponsor of the SPACE program, helping Caroga Arts enrich the educational experience for students in our area,” said Faith Takes. “Music was a lifesaver for me as a student. I learned the importance of collaborating with others, the discipline of practicing, and learning to express myself through music. We look forward to watching the program’s growth throughout 2024 and beyond.”
Caroga Arts intends to use the SPACE program to offer mentorship workshops and outreach performances that are more easily accessible to all children in Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie counties, in addition to weekly in-school classes.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its addition of the Castalia String Quartet to their Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series. The quartet consists of violinists Uli Speth, Debrah Devine, violist Amy Tompkins and cellist Ruth Berry. The show will commence on February 11 at 3pm at the Phelps Mansion Museum in Binghamton.
The Castalia String Quartet formed in 2019. They perform throughout the upper Catskills, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Central, and Southern Tier regions of New York State. The group’s performances include collaborations with other musicians to form a variety of chamber ensembles.
The individuals of the quartet show profound emotion in their skillful playing. Merged together, this quartet provides expression and beauty through classical music.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra promotes dozens of shows and events throughout the year, all of them of the orchestral variety. The orchestra is the largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra in the Southern Tier of NY, active since 1955.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra remains like an engine of symphony to this day, providing works of art for orchestra enjoyers from all over the globe.
Tickets are $25 and can be found on the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra website or the box office in Binghamton. For more information on the Castalia String Quartet’s show with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra in February, click here.
A hallmark event in the North Country of New York, the 2024 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will kick off later this week, starting February 1 through February 11. The history-rich event is a celebration of Saranac Lake, dating back to 1897 and the longest running event of its kind in the United States.
Winter Carnival button design by Garry Trudeau
Former Saranac Lake resident and Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau has designed the 2024 Winter Carnival button, lending the influence of 1940s horror and comic books and to accent the “Creepy Carnival” theme. Find out how to pick one up, either by mail or at businesses in Saranac Lake.
As is tradition, the ice castle is being built along the shores of Saranac Lake, with a recent process photo shared on Facebook by Meachele Burgoyne Manchester.
Of course, no Winter Carnival is complete without the live music at The Waterhole all throughout the week. Pick up a week long pass and save! Things kick off on February 2 with Annie in the Water and Organ Fairchild. Get the full scoop and ticket details here.
2024 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Schedule
Thursday, February 1
11am to 12:30pm & 4pm to 5:30pm: Drop off times for the Winter Carnival Sun Catcher Contest at the NYS Boat Launch to the right of the Ice Palace; display and voting throughout the Carnival. Find info on Sun Catcher Contest.
5:30pm: *23rd Annual Past Royalty Mixer & Dinner – Open to past royalty only, $, at the Red Fox Restaurant
Friday, February 2
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
1pm to 5pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
7:30 pm *Women’s Civic Chamber Coronation of Winter Carnival Royalty, at Harrietstown Town Hall Post Coronation *Winter Carnival Royalty Reception, at the Elks Lodge
Saturday, February 3
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
10am to 6pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
10am: NBT Bank Ice Palace Fun Run at the Ice Palace – 4 miles, at the Ice Palace, State Boat Launch
10am to 3pm: Edward Jones Arctic Golf Build-an-Obstacle Contest (Located at Prescott Park)
10am to 4pm: *Paul Smith’s Booster Club Chocolate Festival, at Romano’s Saranac Bowling Lanes
11am: Long Run Wealth Advisors Curling Exhibition, on Lake Flower near the Ice Palace
11am: *Paul Smith’s College Woodsmen Exhibition, at Riverside Park
12pm: Heat Keepers Icicle Contest, at Riverside Park (icicle check-in at 11:30am)
12pm: Lake Placid Curling Club “Hit the Button” Curling Competition, on Lake Flower & open to all ($)
12:30pm: Saranac Teachers Association Little Ladies Fry Pan Toss, at Riverside Park (for girls 6 to 17, registration from 11am to 12pm)
2:30pm: New Time & Day! LifePower Chiropractic Ultimate Frisbee Games (Saranac Lake High School Football Field, Call 518-637-3238 for details)
1pm: Taylor Rental Ladies Fry Pan Toss, for ladies 18 and up, at Riverside Park (registration 11am to 12:30pm)
5pm to 7pm: *Catholic Daughters/Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner going to local scholarships. (St. Bernard’s School Cafeteria 63 River St $)
7pm: Lighting of the Ice Palace & Hotel Saranac Opening Fireworks Display (roads close at 6:15pm)
Sunday, February 4
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
10am to 6pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
10am to 3pm: Edward Jones Arctic Golf, at Prescott Park
10am to 3pm: *Skate Lake Colby sponsored by Adirondack Health – demos, free skate, straight line drag races for ice skates and kick sleds 2pm to 3pm, at the beach at Lake Colby
10am: *White Stag Downhill Ski Races, at Mt. Pisgah
11:30am: *Arctic Bar-B-Que with Friends of Mt. Pisgah, $, at Mt. Pisgah Ski Center
1pm: The Blue Buns Wheel-a-Palooza, a bathing suit-clad around town bike ride (Located at Ice Palace, State Boat Launch)
2:30pm: Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters Flower Ball, on Lake Flower ice car A “Totally 80s” ice car sculpture in progress on January 27, 2022.
Monday, February 5
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
1pm to 5pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
7pm: *Ecunemical Service (St Lukes Church followed with cider & donuts, Rev Vance Mortinsen & Rev Bill Cooper)
Tuesday, February 6
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
1pm to 5pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
5pm: Winter Carnival Grand Marshall Reception, $, Hotel Saranac
6pm: Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner, $, Hotel Saranac
Wednesday, February 7
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
1pm to 7pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
5pm to 7pm: Family Night at the Palace, sponsored by Hudson Headwaters Health Network, at the Ice Palace, State Boat Launch
6pm: Curtis Lumber Snowshoe Races at Dewey Mountain, all ages
Thursday, February 8
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
1pm to 5pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
6pm: American Management Association Torchlight Skiing & Fireworks, at Mt. Pisgah Ski Center)
Friday, February 9
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
10am: Adirondack Bank Innertube Races, at Mt. Pisgah Ski Center
12:30pm to 2pm: Coakley Home & Hardware Children’s Skating Races, at Saranac Lake Civic Center
1pm to 6pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
2pm to 4pm: Coakley Home & Hardware Family Open Skate, free hot chocolate, at the Saranac Lake Civic Center
7:30pm: *Rotary Club Variety Show; tickets available at Chamber of Commerce, Ampersound, and NBT Bank; $; at Harrietstown Hall
TBD Firefighter’s Broom Ball, at Saranac Lake Civic Center
Saturday, February 10
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
10am to 11am: Meet the Winter Carnival Characters at the Ice Palace (Located at Ice Palace)
10am to 6pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift Shop, near the Ice Palace
10am: *CanAm Snow Rugby, at the Saranac Lake High School Track Field
11am: *Paul Smith’s Woodsmen Exhibition, at Riverside Park
12pm: Gala Parade Lineup, register at Nice n Easy Mobile
1pm: Gala Parade presented by Casella Waste and North Country Community College, from the firehouse on Broadway to LaPan Highway
New Time & Day Guide Boat Realty “Storming the Ice Palace” Closing Fireworks Display (Ice Palace)
Sunday, February 11 – Last Day
All Day Clue Hunt – Available outside History Hut & Gift Shop near the Ice Palace. Are you able to solve the clues in town?
10am to 3pm: Winter Carnival History Hut & Gift shop, near the Ice Palace
10am: Community Bank Adult Cross-Country Ski Races, at Dewey Mountain
11am: Bionique Testing Labs Snowflake Volleyball Tournament, at Saranac Lake Civic Center, Rotary Field
11am: Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters Flower Ball, on Lake Flower
12pm: Adirondack Health Youth Cross-Country Ski Races (Dewey Mountain, Call 518-891-2697, Children Event Fees covered by Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club)
12pm to 1:45pm: Face painting before Kiddie Parade (Located at Hotel Saranac)
2 PM: Casella Waste Systems Kiddie Parade from Hotel Saranac to Harrietstown Town Hall
Visit here for a printable Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2024 schedule and for more info on events and buttons.
