Posts Tagged ‘Free concerts’

SummerStage Brings Free Concerts to New York City

SummerStage is a largely free outdoor concert and performing arts series scheduled in 18 parks throughout New York City during the five summer months (through September).

The end of August shows are particularly exciting and will have you on your feet with rhythms, dance, and music befitting the hot “dog days” of summer.

The week of August 21 scheduling includes a screening of “Mr. Gaga,” the story of choreographer Ohad Naharin and his signature movement language developed during his tenure as artistic director of contemporary dance powerhouse Batsheva Dance Company. Starting this film-oriented evening on August 22 will be a performance by GALLIM, whose artistic director, Andrea Miller, was a Batsheva company member and is now forging her own path with her Brooklyn-based company. The program begins at 6pm and is free. Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, enter at 72nd Street.  For more information, visit https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/.

Eddie Palmieri

On Sunday night, August 26, the tempo kicks up salsa-style with a free concert from salsero Tony Vega and Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz band leader Eddie Palmieri, who will be performing with his band La Perfecta. While bleacher seating is available at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (enter on 72nd Street, off Fifth Avenue), you’ll want to be on your feet closer to the stage to dance to the rhythms of this amazing musical group. The show starts at 6pm. Refreshments are available.

One of the most anticipated events in New York City also happens this week, the 26th edition of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, which runs from August 24 through August 26, with free concerts, panel discussions and workshops. There will be live performances in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, near where Parker worked, and in Tompkins Square Park, near where Parker lived. (Note the house near East 10th Street with the Charlie Parker plaque on it). This year’s highlights include a celebration of Charles Tolliver’s Paper Man with Jack DeJohnette, Gary Bartz, Buster Williams; Monty Alexander and the Harlem Kingston Express; and a special commission with trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, Immanuel Wilkins, and Joel Ross.  Shows in Marcus Garvey Park are scheduled for Friday August 24 at 7pm, Saturday August 25 at 3pm, and Sunday August 26 at 3pm.  All concerts are free.

Many of the shows are benefits and the City Parks Foundation depends on contributions to keep this wonderful free series alive for all to enjoy.

https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Free Bulgarian Concert Evenings Offer Classical Music on Upper East Side

With the leaves changing colors and the temperatures cooling down, it feels like the time to cozy up indoors with some wonderful classical music. If you’ve ever imagined yourself at one of the famous student gatherings held in the home of composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, you have a chance to experience something similar in New York.  In Saint Petersburg, Rimsky-Korsakov gave protégés like Igor Stravinsky the opportunity to share their musical talents with others. In Manhattan, it’s the American Foundation for Bulgaria who is inviting you for an intimate evening of music.

Svet Stoyanov

Svet Stoyanov

The Bulgarian Concert Evenings are free to all, in performance at the Bulgarian consulate, 121 East 62nd Street, on the Upper East Side.  These musically filled evenings celebrate the talents of more than forty Bulgarian artists along with other musicians of international acclaim. The entire program is managed on a volunteer basis by the Bulgarian musicians, demonstrating their love for their art.

In true salon fashion, seating is limited. While concerts are free, a $20 donation is suggested to help further this wonderful program.  Ten concerts are scheduled from October through May. The first concert is scheduled on Monday, October 20, at 7pm.  The full schedule and information about donations can be found at www.bceny.org.

Carnegie HallTo kick off their season, there’s a gala at Carnegie Hall’s Weil Recital Hall on October 16 for a modest price (tickets are only $40, $30, or $20 for the concert). The evening’s program features works by Bela Bartok, Antonin Dvorak, Emil Tabakov, and Rafael Piccolotto de Lima. Accompanying musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will be violist Dov Scheindlin, cellist Joel Noyes, violinist Georgy Valtchev, percussionist Svet Stoyanov, and pianists Anna Stoytcheva and Lora Tchekoratova.  154 West 57th Street. Tickets and information at www.carnegiehall.org, or 212.247.7800.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Staten Island – Free Concerts and Events in August

Start your day or evening with a wonderful (and free) ride across New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry, and catch a bus or train to these freebies happening in various parts of Staten Island.

August 1: Noted percussionist Johnny Ray plays salsa at Tappen Park from 7-9pm. Stapleton, Canal Street, Water Street, Bay Street, Staten Island, 212-639-9675, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/R028/

August 2: It’s a night of Beatles music at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark starting at 7pm.  This annual event, with tunes performed by local musicians, is a benefit to raise awareness of autism. The park is the home of the Staten Island Yankees and is just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry. St. George, 75 Richmond Terrace at Wall Street, Staten Island, 718-720-9265 http://www.nycgo.com/venues/richmond-county-bank-ballpark

August 3: St. George is also the site for the next evening’s Waterfront Festival, happening from 1-9pm along St. George Promenade, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry. There will be entertainment, local artists, food, and shopping, with fireworks sponsored by Macy’s set for 9pm. Rain date is August 4.  St. George, 1 Bay Street (at Borough Pl), Staten Island.

August 8: The third event from the Starlight Concert series showcases Billy Joel cover band 52nd Street and Witness at the Conference House Park. Pittsville Street, Hyland Boulevard, Richmond Avenue, Tottenville, 212-639-9675, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/conferencehousepark

August 12: A morning family-friendly program by Disney-sponsored SummerStage Kids will bring jazz to Willowbrook Park from 10:30-11:30am.  The band Robbi K & Friends plays improvisations of original compositions and jazz favorites. http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/summerstage-kids/ , Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 718-698-2186, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/willowbrookpark

August 14: Also for the entire family, an especially the littlest kids, a dance party created by DJ Little Club Heads spins both current dance tunes and original music at Faber Park from 10:30-11:30am. Richmond Terrace, 718-816-5558, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/faberpark/

August 15: Westerleigh Park is the site for the fifth concert from the Starlight Concerts series, with performances by Due South and Fireflies.  Willard Avenue, Springfield Avenue, Maine Avenue, Neal Dow Avenue, Staten Island. http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/westerleighpark

August 17-18: It’s an evening of fireworks and music at the annual August Back to the Beach celebrations at Midland Beach (and South Beach).  Now in its 18th year, the program includes performances by Brooklyn Keys, Parkway Soul (Motown) and Function 11.  The following evening’s line-up is Reminisce, Rave On, Disco Unlimited and New York Minute. Fireworks are scheduled for 9pm on both evenings. Midland and South Beach boardwalks, Midland Beach, Father Capodanno Boulevard (between Miller Field and Seaview Avenue), Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fdrboardwalkbeach/highlights/12257

August 21: Disney-sponsored SummerStage Kids returns to Staten Island Faber Park from 10:30-11:30am for the final event on Staten Island with The Ohmies for a morning of interactive story with singing and dancing. Richmond Terrace, 718-816-5558, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/faberpark/

August 22: The final event of The Starlight Concerts series comes to Clove Lakes Park with music by De’ja Vu and Alive n’ Kickin’.1150 Clove Road, Sunnyside, Staten Island, 718-398-8000, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/CloveLakesPark

August 30: Closing out the summer of free music and events is the End of the Summer Doo-Wop Concert, a Borough President James P. Molinaro presentation, at Wolfes Pond Park. Music, starting at 6:30pm, it features a concert by Cameos and Manhattan Skyline, to be followed by fireworks at 9pm. Rain date is August 31. Cornelia Avenue, Staten Island, 718-390-8000, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/wolfespondpark

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Staten Island Offers Up Free July Family and Music Events

Staten Island made the news this year thanks to Hurricane Sandy’s devastating effects. However, this summer is all about the borough’s determined rebuilding with a bevy of concerts and events free to all. Borough President James P. Molinaro wants to make sure everyone knows that Staten Island hasn’t given up; in fact, it’s just the opposite with programs to entertain and bring the community together all summer.

Here is July’s list of wonderful happenings in Staten Island. For those of you who have never been to Staten Island, you can begin your exploration with a wonderful (and free) ride across New York Harbour on the Staten Island Ferry, marvelling at the Statue of

Liberty and the Manhattan skyline en route.  When you arrive either walk to the event, or catch an easy bus or train to these free events.

July 18: The Starlight Concerts summer series begins the summer festivities at Silver Lake Park from 7:30-10pm with oldies band The Clusters (some of you might remember their tunes from the late 50s including “Darling Can’t You Tell” and “Pardon My Heart”) and Sweetwater. Silver Lake Park Road, North Shore of Staten Island, Staten Island, 212-639-9675, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/silverlakepark. ‎

July 22: The street festival Van Duzer Days offers up a full day of live music from 1-6pm, headlined by local funk-rock group Friction Division, all-girl post-punk band Yeti, and hip-hop group The Rising Sun Allstars . 381 Van Duzer Street, Stapleton, between Beach and Wright streets. http://vanduzerdays.wordpress.com/about/

July 25: The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer Recital Series in Clove Lakes Park is a program of arias and duets, from 7-8pm, with artists Ying Fang (soprano), Mario Chang (tenor), and Brandon Cedel (bass-baritone), accompanied by Bradley Moore on the piano. Sunnyside, 1150 Clove Rd  Staten Island, (718) 390-8000, http://bit.ly/18jnocb

July 25: For more oldie tunes, The Starlight Concerts series presents The Expressions, along with the Jimmy Buffet Tribute band Parrotbeach from 7:30-10pm at Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Richmond Terrace, Tysen Street, Kissel Avenue, Henderson Avenue, North Shore of Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sailorssnugharbor.

July 28: A Children’s Day Extravaganza takes place from 2-5pm at the Willowbrook Carousel with Music with Patrick along with arts & crafts, face painting, inflatable rides, games and prizes for all. Northern tip of Staten Island, 1 Eaton Pl (at Victory Blvd), Staten Island, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/willowbrookpark

July 30-31: A dance and music atmosphere will prevail at Tappen Park from 7-9pm on these two evenings, with concerts led by radio DJ Felix Hernadez’s Rhythm Revue and his distinctive mix of soul, Motown, funk and salsa. The second night features Brooklyn acapella group The Persuasians as well. Stapleton, Canal Street, Water Street, Bay Street, Staten Island,  212-639-9675, http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tappenpark/

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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More Free Concerts in New York City — Downtown and Brooklyn

Summer Concert Series in NYC: Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn

Manhattan and Brooklyn keep on rocking this summer with even more outdoor festivities.  And the music is as free and beautiful as the outdoor setting.  Try to arrive early to get the best spaces.

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Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series in NYC: Classical, Jazz, Opera, Broadway and more

No matter how hot it is outside, or even if the weather turns rainy, free (and mostly outdoor) entertainment during the summer is a key part of New York City culture.  Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine, and some friends and enjoy a picnic as you listen to some of the city’s most glorious theater and music offerings… free of charge.  Do note that some of these events require you to arrive significantly early to get a spot.  It’s always best to pre-arrange a meeting time with your friends so you can take turns holding your turf.

More on Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series in NYC: Classical, Jazz, Opera, Broadway and more

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