Nothing says summer in NYC like SummerStage, and this year’s festival will bring over 100 performances and 200 artists to 17 of the city’s parks throughout the five boroughs.
Just once all the Memorial Day festivities are over, SummerStage will kick off the summer season with their first performance on Saturday, June 1. The free show will take place at their City Park’s Foundation newly renovated stage in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, and we’re excited to check out the new sounds.
Part of the $5.5 million transformation included a brand new stage along with a new sound system, better lighting, and new raised seating areas. They also partnered with West Elm for fun furniture and summer-ready decor to elevate parts of the new venue space. That said, this makes it all the more exciting to check out a few of their concerts between June and August (and they’re free anyway, so why not?).
The lineup for the season has finally been announced with notable performances by renowned and local artists from around the world in a variety of genres spanning salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie, reggae, Afrobeat, soul, and contemporary dance among others. Festival highlights will include George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic’s Farewell Tour with Galactic, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk; chart-topping alt-rock band Guster; Australian psych-rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard; Welsh indie-pop artist MARINA; British indie rock band Bloc Party; and legendary new wave icons The B-52s.
Here’s a look at the full schedule lineup that’s been released so far:
June 1 at 6 p.m.
Emily King / Durand Jones and the Indications at Central Park
June 8 at 7 p.m.
Parquet Courts / Sachiko Kanenobu / ARP / Prince of Queens (DJ set) at Central Park
June 10 at 8 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Ying Fang, Ben Bliss, Nathan Gunn, and Dan Saunders at Central Park
June 12 at 7 p.m.
The New York Cantors with Special Guests Shulem and Frank London conducted by Zalmen Mlotek presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at Central Park
June 12 at 7 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Met Opera stars Ying Fang, Ben Bliss, Nathan Gunn, and Dan Saunders at Brooklyn Bridge Park
June 13 at 7 p.m.
Big Freedia / Mike Q / BATEKOO / Hosted by Gina Yashere at Central Park
June 13 at 7 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Bahg, Joseph Lim, and Dimitri Dover at Jackie Robinson Park
June 15 at 7 p.m.
Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane and Matt Garrison Trio, Brandee Younger in association with Sony presents Blue Note Jazz Festival at Central Park
June 15 at 7 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Bahg, Joseph Lim and Dimitri Dover at Williamsbridge Oval
June 17 at 7 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Bahg, Joseph Lim, and Dimitri Dover at Socrates Sculpture Park
June 19 at 8 p.m.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo at Central Park
June 19 at 7 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Bahg, Joseph Lim, and Dimitri Dover at Clove Lakes Park
June 20 at 7 p.m.
20th Anniversary of Internal Affairs: Pharoahe Monch and Friends / Miss Mocha Sunflower The Rhythm Goddess at Herbert Von King Park
June 21 at 7 p.m.
Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE, A Dance Company at Herbert Von King Park
June 22 at 2 p.m.
THE AUSSIE BBQ: A.B. Original / Hermitude / San Cisco / The Teskey Brothers / Tkay Maidza / WAAX In Association With Sounds Australia, the Australian ConsulGeneral, NY and the Australia Council for the Arts at Central Park
June 22 at 6 p.m.
Everyday People and Special Guests at Herbert Von King Park
June 23 at 6 p.m.
Fete de la Musique: Zdar from Cassius / Les Negresses Vertes at Central Park
June 23 at 6 p.m.
Jesse Royal / Kabaka Pyramid / Max Glazer at Herbert Von King Park
June 23 at 5 p.m.
Only In Queens Festival: Sheila E. / Musiq Soulchild at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
June 24 at 7 p.m.
Japanese Breakfast/ House of Nod (DJ Set) at Central Park
June 26 at 7 p.m.
Alvvays/ The Courtneys / Ellis In association with the Consulate General of Canada at Central Park
June 27 at 7 p.m.
Boot Camp BBQ: Black Moon / Smif n Wessun at Betsy Head Park
June 29 at 7 p.m.
Young M.A / Funk Flex at Betsy Head Park
June 30 at 6 p.m.
Buika / A-WA / Blick Bassy / DJ Tara at Central Park
July 5 at 7 p.m.
Mighty Sparrow / CASYM Steel Orchestra at Springfield Park
July 6 at 6 p.m.
Ralph McDaniels & Friends Soul Jam ft. Blue Magic and DJ Hollywood at Springfield Park
July 7 at 6 p.m.
Efya / Blinky Bill / DJ Mohogany at Central Park
July 7 at 6 p.m.
Tabou Combo / Lakou Mizik/ DJ Sabine Blaizin In association with Afro-Latino Festival at Springfield Park
July 10 at 6 p.m.
M Ximena Sarinana / iLe / Nathy Peluso In Association with LAMC at Central Park
July 11 at 7 p.m.
Aterciopelados / Diamente Electrico / DJ Dayansita In Association with LAMC at Queensbridge Park
July 12 at 7 p.m.
A Palo Seco In Association with LAMC at Queensbridge Park
July 13 at 3 p.m.
20th Anniversary Latin GRAMMY’s Celebration In association with LAMC at Central Park
July 13 at 5 p.m.
Leon Gieco / Kevin Johansen / El Mato / Silvina Moreno / Juan Ingaramo In association with Cosquin Rock and LAMC at Queensbridge Park
July 14 at 4 p.m.
Family Day: Railroad Earth / Ranky Tanky at Central Park
July 14 at 6 p.m.
Avery*Sunshine at Queensbridge Park
July 17 at 8 p.m.
Merce Cunningham: SummerCool feat. Stephen Petronio Company / Melissa Toogood / Calvin Royal III / A-Y Dancers In Association with the Cunningham Centennial Celebrations with guest curation by Catherine Tharin at Central Park
July 18 at 7 p.m.
Lisa Lisa & Cover Girls / DJ Lucy Euclid / Hosted by Vinnie Medugno at Corporal Thompson Park
July 19 at 7 p.m.
Jody Watley / Mobile Mondays at Corporal Thompson Park
July 20 at 4 p.m.
Ana Tijoux / L’Unicorns / DJ Shame Hosted by Jen and Magie In association with La Isla Bonita at Corporal Thompson Park
July 21 at 4 p.m.
Force MDs and U.M.C’s with Red Alert / DJ Xcel & DJ Thrilla Hosted by Tariq at Corporal Thompson Park
July 25 at 6 p.m.
Grand Wizzard Theodore & Uptown Vinyl Supreme w/ Dj Perly, The B.O.O.M. (Bronx Organic Orchestra Melinated) and The Boogie Down All-Stars at Soundview Park
July 26 at 7 p.m.
Lalo Rodriguez / Los Hermanos Moreno / DJ Lucho at Soundview Park
July 26 at 8 p.m.
Fela! The Concert Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island
July 27 at 6 p.m.
Alceu Valença / Cordel do Fogo Encantado / LaBaq / DJ Grace Kelly In association with Brasil Summerfest at Central Park
July 27 at 6 p.m.
Slick Rick / DJ Chuck Chillout at Soundview Park
July 28 at 3 p.m.
Magic System / Smarty / Selma Uamusse / DJ Birane at Central Park
July 28 at 6 p.m.
The Tedsmooth Oldschool Jam: Freestyle Edition with Cynthia, Lissette Melendez, George Lamond / DJs Eddie B Swift, G-Bo The Pro, Breakbeat Lou & Tedsmooth/ Hosted by Master Z at Soundview Park
July 31 at 11 a.m.
Youth Matinee at Central Park
July 31 at 8 p.m.
FELA! The Concert (PM) at Central Park
July 31 at 7 p.m.
Ray de la Paz / Edgar Joel / DJ Kamala at Crotona Park
August 1 at 7 p.m.
Samini / Efya at Crotona Park
August 2 at 6 p.m.
Garifuna Collective / Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theater at Crotona Park
August 3 at 6 p.m.
Taiwanese Waves: One Fang / Tizzy Bac / A Bao / 9m88 at Central Park
August 3 at 6 p.m.
EPMD 30th Anniversary “Unfinished Business” / Funk Flex B-Day Celebration at Crotona Park
August 3 at 7 p.m.
The 70’s Soul Jam: The Stylistics, The Manhattans, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island
August 4 at 7 p.m.
Corinne Bailey Rae / Jose James / DJ Natasha Diggs from Soul in the Horn at Central Park
August 8 at 7 p.m.
Crumb / Phony Ppl / Purr In Association with DoNYC at East River Park
August 9 at 7 p.m.
Elisa Monte Dance at East River Park
August 10 at 6 p.m.
VP Records 40th Anniversary: Elephant Man / Junior Reid / Estelle / Raging Fyah at Central Park
August 10 at 6 p.m.
Mountain Goats at East River Park
August 11 at 7 p.m.
Lila Downs / Lido Pimienta / DJ Ripley at Central Park
August 11 at 6 p.m.
Eddie Palmieri / Baby Power / DJ Sonni at East River Park
August 14 at 7 p.m.
OMAR / Nakhane / DJ Wildcat at Marcus Garvey Park
August 15 at 7 p.m.
The Clark Center 60th Anniversary Tribute: George Faison Universal Dance Experience / 5Plus / Dyane Harvey-Salaam / Juel D. Lane / Amy Hall Garner Dances / HSA Dance Ensemble In Association with El Barrio ArtSpace at Marcus Garvey Park
August 17 at 6 p.m.
Black Woodstock Anniversary: Igmar Thomas / Talib Kweli / Keyon Harrold & Special Guests In association with Moon31 / Future Sounds at Marcus Garvey Park
August 18 at 6 p.m.
La Sonora Ponceña / Jose “El Canario” Alberto / DJ C. DeVone Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island
August 18 at 8 p.m.
Selena for Sanctuary: Cuco / Ambar Lucid / DJ Svani / Santuario House Band with Music Direction by Adrian Quesada at Central Park
August 18 at 6 p.m.
The Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin/ DJ Queen Majesty In Association with DoNYC at Marcus Garvey Park
August 21 at 8 p.m.
Carnival of the Animals (Work-in-Progress excerpt) with Wendy Whelan and Marc Bamuthi Joseph / Film: Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan at Central Park
August 25 at 7 p.m.
La India / Cimafunk / DJ Sonni / DJ Lucho at Central Park
August 27 at 7 p.m.
The Originals at Central Park
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 2019 Schedule:
August 23 at 7 p.m.
Harlem 100: Mwenso & the Shakes / Brianna Thomas / Vuyo Sotashe / Fred Wesley/ Jazzmobile presents: Winard Harper & Jeli Posse at Marcus Garvey Park
August 24 at 3 p.m.
Dee Dee Bridgewater / Ravi Coltrane / Quiana Lynell / Reclamation: Camille Thurman, Nikara Warren and Brandee Younger in association with the Jazz Gallery and the Joyce and George Wein Foundation at Marcus Garvey Park
August 25 at 3 p.m.
Carl Allen’s Art Blakey Tribute / George Coleman Trio / Fred Hersch / Lakecia Benjamin at Tompkins Square Park
For a list of the Summer Benefit Shows and more information about the SummerStage events, check out their site at summerstage.org.
Featured image source [summerstage.org Gallery]
Also published on Medium.