sum-cpark.htm

This summer, there are so many exciting out door activities to choose from and many of them are free. One of our favorites is Central Park’s SummerStage, a series of concerts, dance performances and readings. You can see anything from classical dance to singer, Chaka Khan – the possibilities abound. SummerStage takes place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue and walk West. Admission to all free concerts is on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required. SummerStage gates open ninety minutes prior to show time on weekends and sixty minutes prior to show time on weekdays. See below a selection of the SummerStage 2003 events. For a full listing please go to the their web site, www.summerstage.com.

 Saturday, June 28 at 3:00pm - Icelandic Poetry Chanting with three of Iceland’s finest Singapore Sling, Apparat Organ Quartet and Trabant.

 Sunday, June 29 at 3:00pm - Canada Day, the annual musical birthday party for our neighbors to the north. The afternoon will feature performances by Rufus Wainwright, Daniel Lanois, The Dears and Sarah Slean.

 Saturday, July 5 at 3:00pm – Chaka Khan and Indira Khan perform with Timmy Regisford and friends. This concert is presented in Association with Club Shelter and a suggested donation of $10.00 will be appreciated.

 Wednesday, July 9 at 8:30pm – The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble from India, one of the foremost proponents of the Odissi style of classical Indian dance will perform excerpts of In Search of the Goddess accompanied by live musicians. Canadian, Molissa Fenley and Dancers’ repertoire will include two trios, 331 inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony and Delta, with a score by John Cage. They will also perform Water Music inspired by the text and music of Joy Harjo.

 Sunday, July 13 at 3:00pm - New Zealand Sounds, kaleidoscopic tour of New Zealand through its music will feature performances by King Kapisi, Greg Johnson, Wai and Pine.

 Thursday, July 17 at 7:30pm - THE MOTH, a drama group presents “You Talkin’ to Me? New Yorkers on the Edge.” This evening of storytelling features one theme, six storytellers, ten minutes each (and one violin). The pieces will be performed by Jessi Kline, Shelagh Ratner, Rudy Rush, and Colin Quinn. Hosted by Andy Borowitz.

 Friday, July 18 at 8:30pm – The Heidi Latsky Dancers will perform excerpts from Bound and other repertory pieces. Risa Jaroslow and Dancers will perform Strings Attached, in collaboration with Obie award-winning composer Deidre Murray.

 Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm - British sensation Zadie Smith will continue to chart her own literary territory with a reading of The Autograph Man. The Guggenheim Fellow recipient, Louis Edwards spins a tale of African-Americana in the reading of Oscar Wilde Discovers America.

 Friday, July 25 at 8:30pm - Nicholasleichterdance company will premiere a new segment of Never End, with live music by Jonathan Mele. The Douglas Elkins Dance company will perform I Hear Mermaids Singing and excerpts from Narcoleptic Lovers.

 Sunday, July 27 at 5:00pm – A Year Of The Blues, a tribute to Janis Joplin on her 60th birthday will be performed by Big Brother and the Holding Company, members of Kozmic Blues Band. This is a benefit concert and a $10.00 suggested donation will be appreciated.

 Friday, August 1 at 8:30pm – The Reggie Wilson Fist and Heel Performance group are an eclectic company of dancers, shouters and actors who combines the movement of the blues and spiritual cultures of Africans with post-modern elements. Rubber Band Dance Group performs hip-hop.

 Saturday, August 9 at 7:00pm – Sonny Rollins performing with his band. This is a benefit concert and a $10.00 suggested donation will be appreciated.

 Sunday, August 10 at 3:00pm – Jimmy Cliff and Morgan Heritage. This is a benefit concert and a $10.00 suggested donation will be appreciated.

 Friday, August 15 at 7:30pm - Yann Martel’s will read from his fantastical book “Life of Pi” which won the 2002 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Julia Glass’s debut novel, “Three Junes,” which was the recipient of the 2002 National Book Award for Fiction will also be read.

 Sunday, August 17 at 3:00pm – Enjoy great jazz with Bembey Jazz group visiting from Guinea, Africa. Also enjoy a performance by Randy Weston’s African Rythms.