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Summer Sounds From All Around
Central Park and Prospect Park host a slew of summer music
Béla Fleck brings the banjo back to Africa
Central Park’s Summerstage
Bring a blanket and plenty of water, find yourself a cool place on the Astroturf, and enjoy free concerts of all kinds in Central Park. Over twenty years of performances have made this series a staple for hot fun. Become a member to enjoy a leisurely entrance and reserved seating.
July 5: There’s nothing smoother than Afrobeat and an afternoon in the park, with performances from the haunting African songstress Oumou Sangare, French sister duo Les Nubians, and French/Nigerian singer/songwriter Asa.
July 19: This day of reggae will no doubt draw the largest crowd of the season, especially with grandfather madman Lee “Scratch” Perry on the bill, so arrive early. With Dubblestandart, Subatomic Sound System and Alpha Blondy and The Solar System.
August 3: Banjo lovers band together to attend this showing of Throw Down Your Heart, a film documenting a man’s quest through Africa to find the roots of the banjo. With a performance by Béla Fleck and Toumani Diabaté
Other highlights of Summerstage include: The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital on July 13; Q-Tip and guests on July 18; M. Ward, Yuka Honda and guests on August 1.
Visit the Summerstage website for complete schedule details.
Prospect Park Hosts Celebrate Brooklyn
Now in its 30th year, the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival was founded to spark the revitalization of Prospect Park after budget cuts left the historic park neglected. Always diverse, this year’s performances are sure to entertain. Become a friend of the festival for entrance and seating perks.
July 17: Robert Cray’s smooth voice leads the pack of this season’s blues offerings. With The Sweet Divines.
July 24: Buckwheat Zydeco are the current kings of Louisiana Zydeco are sure to bring a feel-good dance party to the sound of a raging accordian. With The Holmes Brothers.
July 30: The reggae roots superstars Burning Spear spark up dancing and big crowds. With Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens.
August 1: With “13 Most Beautiful,” an homage to Andy Warhol, Dean & Britta (former Galaxie 500/Luna rockers) prove indie rock still matters. With Crystal Stilts.
August 6: Finally fulfill those adolescent fantasies of performing Purple Rain at this screening and sing-a-long. With the retro disco sounds of Brooklyn’s Escort.
These ticketed blockbuster events will benefit future seasons of Celebrate Brooklyn: TV on the Radio on August 11; Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal on August 12; Animal Collective on August 14 & 15.
Visit the Celebrate Brooklyn website for complete schedule details.