City Parks Foundation Presents SUMMERSTAGE
2016 SEASON
Presented by Capital One Bank
FREE Music, Dance, Family, Film, Circus, and Theater Programs in The Bronx
Bronx season runs July 5 – July 17
New York, NY– City Parks Foundation is proud to announce the 2016 season of SummerStage, New York City’s largest free performing arts festival, bringing more than 115 free performances to Central Park and 15 neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs. With performances ranging from American pop, Yiddish Soul, and Taiwanese music to dance, comedy and theater, SummerStage will feature more than 200 unique artists, filling a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts landscape, ensuring that New Yorkers will have access to exceptional cultural experiences, free of charge. Since its inception 31 years ago, SummerStage has benefited more than six million people from New York City and around the world.
Having highlighted hip-hop music and culture in 2013 and salsa and Latin music in 2014, the festival is thrilled this year to honor another distinctly New York musical form: Jazz. The 2016 season of SummerStage will both showcase exceptional performing artists from around the globe, and will also feature more jazz performances than ever before, with nearly half a dozen planned for Central Park and many more in neighborhood parks across the city. The focus on jazz this season coincides with the upcoming centennial of the musical dawning of the term “jazz,” as well as what would have been the 100th birthdays of late jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Ella Fitzgerald.
In The Bronx, the festival will offer 13 diverse performances in St. Mary’s and Crotona Parks. The unique lineup of music, theater, dance and family performances will be sure to delight Bronx audiences, young and old alike.
Musical highlights for this summer in the Bronx include rapper and Bronx native Fat Joe and the King of Latin soul, Joe Bataan.
In the world of dance the festival welcomes hip-hop dance company, Full Circle Souljah’s presentation of From The Streets To The Stage/Behind The Groove, featuring a showcase of NYC’s up and coming choreographers and dance talent.
For theater lovers, SummerStage has partnered with the Nuyorican Poets Cafe to present Craig ‘muMs’ Grant, poet and actor known to fans as Arnold “Poet” Jackson, of the acclaimed HBO series Oz.
In keeping with this year’s celebration of jazz, SummerStage will offer a tribute to Latin jazz great Dave Valentin.
“At City Parks Foundation, we believe culture should be convenient and affordable for everyone. Our SummerStage festival removes the barriers to culture, bringing world-class artists, topical and popular, to neighborhood parks across all five boroughs, free of charge,” said Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation. “SummerStage brings together New York’s diverse communities in authentic and meaningful ways, making high quality performing arts — from music to spoken word, circus and contemporary dance — truly accessible. We are thrilled to bring another season, filled with exceptional artistry, to communities across the City.”
“Capital One is proud to once again support SummerStage as it celebrates New York’s artistic energy and creativity,” said Michael Slocum, President, Commercial Banking and Northeast Regional President, Capital One. “The arts build communities and enrich lives, and this remarkable festival embodies our commitment to investing for good in the diverse communities where our associates live and work.”
The SummerStage schedule for The Bronx follows. For the most up-to-date scheduling and line-up for all SummerStage programming, follow SummerStage via the below links and visit www.SummerStage.org for festival information.
Twitter: @SummerStage
Instagram: @SummerStage
Facebook: SummerStage NYC
About City Parks Foundation
City Parks Foundation is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. At City Parks Foundation, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives — located in more than 300 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across the city — reach 425,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks reflect thriving communities.
SummerStage 2016 Schedule
SummerStage Artist Information
Tuesday, July 5
George Lamond / DJ Lucho
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
George Lamond began singing backup for various artists before landing a solo deal with Columbia Records. Lamond is known for his lyrical spinto tenor vocal quality, not found in most tenors of today. His first album, Bad of the Heart, released in 1990, had underground dance hits like “Bad of the Heart”, “Look Into My Eyes” and “Without You”. Lamond has also released a couple of salsa albums and scored a number of hits on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks. 2001 saw the release of his highly acclaimed salsa album GL on Sony Records, and in 2006, Lamond returned with the release of his album Oye Mi Canto, bringing a new sound to his music career. The album was a combination of reggaeton, bachata and salsa, with seven songs produced by G1E Productions. In 2008, Lamond released a new single, “What is Love,” on an album titled Don’t Look Back – Session 2 produced by famed freestyle producer Carlos “After Dark” Berrios, and a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,” released on Robbins Entertainment and produced by Giuseppe D. Lamond is featured on the Lucas Prata cover of Level 42’s “Something About You,” found on Prata’s Never Stop Dreamin’ album, also produced by Giuseppe D.
Wednesday, July 6
Fat Joe / Tony Touch hosted by Lyricist Lounge
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Joseph Cartegena p/k/a Fat Joe was raised in the South Bronx in NYC. Through sheer determination and incredible lyrical skill, Joe built up an impressive fan base by embracing his Hispanic heritage. He gave the Urban/Latin youth a role model they could relate to. Joe’s 1993 debut album Represent spawned his first #1 Billboard Rap Single, “Flow Joe.” By the late ‘90s Fat Joe signed a multiyear recording contract with Atlantic Records and opened the first Hip Hop fashion line called FJ560. Joe’s 1998 release for Atlantic, Don Cartegena featured cameo appearances by the likes of Puff Daddy, Nas, Raekwon and Big Pun, and was certified Gold. In 2001, Joe released Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), which included contributions by Ludacris and R. Kelly and went on to be certified Platinum. Joe represents a select group of Rap Icons to have released 10 albums or more. Currently, Joe is in the studio working on his 11th full length album.
Former 80’s B-Boy and current CEO, artist, and producer, Tony Touch (aka Tony Toca) continues to be a force to be reckoned with. An icon in Hip Hop and in the Urban Hispanic genre, Tony Touch is a true innovator who has revolutionized the DJ game time and again. From his legendary mixtapes, to his skills on the 1s and 2s, he has become one of Hip Hop’s most recognized DJs. He recently dropped his seventh commercial release, “The Piece Maker 3… Return of the 50 MCs,” and can be heard weekly during “Toca Tuesdays” on Shade 45, Eminem’s SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio Channel.
Thursday, July 7
Tribute to Latin Jazz Great Dave Valentin
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday, July 8
Nuyorican Poets Cafe: Craig ‘muMs’ Grant’s “A Sucker Emcee”
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Craig ‘muMs’ Grant is an American Actor. He has performed on New York City stages for more than 20 years. muMs is best known for playing Arnold Jackson aka Poet on the HBO hit show “OZ.” muMs is a proud member of the Labyrinth Theater Company, debuting in such productions as the critically acclaimed Last Days Of Judas Iscariot, A View From 151st and Penalties and Interests, all performed Off-Broadway at the NYC’s Public Theater. muMs was last seen in his own production of A Sucker Emcee and Lucy Thurber’s The Insurgents. Some of muMs’ other acting credits include: “Birdman”, “The Knick”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Side Effects”, “Law and Order SVU,” “Law and Order,” “Cold Case,” “Blue Bloods,” “Boston Legal,” “Law and Order Criminal Intent,” “The Sopranos,” amongst others. muMs’ is also a proud company member of Poetic Theater Productions who recently produced the critically acclaimed world premiere production of his play Paradox of the Urban Cliché.
Saturday, July 9
Acrobuffos / Rob and Miss Jane / Sxip’s Hour of Charm / It’s Showtime NYC
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A water balloon gladiator show is descending onto SummerStage. Dramatic opera music provides the epic soundtrack to a hysterical battle filled with flying water balloons and ridiculous comic antics. Head trouble-makers, Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, aka Acrobuffos, have no time for dialogue in this interactive extravaganza. See why it’s thrilled crowds in 18 countries. An audience and press favorite around the globe. Great for all ages.
Rob and Miss Jane met when they shared a stage at the World Expo in Yeosu, South Korea in 2012. They realized they could create a brand new show together by combining the grace and beauty of Jane’s dancing with Rob’s circus skills. Throw in a healthy dose of rapid-fire physical comedy and you have a winning combination that will excite audiences around the world. But there’s also a serious side to the slapstick shenanigans. Rob is dedicated to enhancing social awareness through his art and developing accessible engaging circus theatre. Some unforgettable moments include performing at a refugee camp in Kosovo and entertaining young children in Andkhoi, Afghanistan. Rob was also the first Chinese-American clown to perform in Russia at the 2013 Yekaterinburg International Clown Festival with his partner, now wife, Miss Jane! Jane is a citizen of the Ukraine and she is very excited to be in the United States of America for the first time working with her husband Rob. Having a dance background, she has always been comfortable in front of an audience but learning the tricks of the clown trade has been completely different. But as she puts it, “Making people smile and laugh is a skill that takes years of practice and I’m happy that I get to travel around the globe with someone I love putting that practice to the test!” Rob and Miss Jane are very excited to bring their unique brand of comic derring-do to SummerStage!
Sxip Shirey is a producer/composer based out of New York City. He began his relationship with the circus as the touring band and composer for the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus in the late 90s. He then became co-composer and music director for Anti-Gravity’s “Crash Test Dummies” at the New Victory Theater on Broadway. He is currently music director and composer for the international touring circus arts show LIMBO which was developed between Strut N Fret productions in Australia and Underbelly in London with South Bank Center as a co-producer. Sxip has been a feature performer at TED. He wrote the music for the short film “Statuesque” written and directed by Neil Gaiman and starring Bill Nighy and recently performed with Strut N Fret at Madonna’s Birthday Party.
It’s Showtime NYC celebrates and promotes New York City street culture, providing performance and professional development opportunities to street and subway dancers, many of whom have created a unique NYC art form—“Lite Feet”—mixing acrobatics, hat tricks, and Breakdance elements. The program includes opportunities to perform in NYC parks and personal development in choreography, teaching, production, and administration, enhancing the dancers’ inherent talents and skills in developing viable and sustainable career paths. Acclaimed Hip Hop artists Kwikstep and Rokafella serve as Artistic Advisors and mentors. It’s Showtime NYC was developed and managed by Dancing in the Streets and the Mark Morris Dance Group with support from the NYC Mayor’s Office and the Department of Cultural Affairs. As of July 1, 2016, It’s Showtime NYC is a program of Dancing in the Streets.
Sunday, July 10
DJ Kool Herc / Little Shalimar / Screening: Rubble Kings
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DJ Kool Herc is considered the “The Founder of Hip-Hop Culture.” In the early stages of Hip-Hop music, he brought his sound system to block parties in the Bronx and began playing the brief rhythmic sections of records which would become known as “breaks.” Using the two-turntable set-up of the disco DJs, Kool Herc’s style led to the use of two copies of the same record to elongate the break. This breakbeat DJing, using hard Funk, Rock, and records with Latin percussion, formed the basis of Hip-Hop music. DJ Kool Herc’s music along with his announcements to his dancers, called B-Boys and B-Girls, helped pave the way to what everyone now knows as Hip-Hop.
Little Shalimar, aka Torbitt Schwartz is a half-Lebanese Kentucky Colonel who grew up writing graffiti in Brooklyn and going to art rock shows in Louisville, KY. He co-produced both of the critically acclaimed Run The Jewels albums as well as El-P’s Cancer 4 Cure album. Little Shalimar currently leads the electro RnB unit, King Mono, and has worked as a multi-instrumentalist/producer/DJ with: Elvis Costello, TV On The Radio, Killer Mike, Steve Arrington, Antibalas, and Chin Chin (of which he’s a founding member). In addition to his album credits, Little Shalimar works regularly as a composer for film and television. He has scored the critically acclaimed film “Rubble Kings” for Netflix, the film “Far From Home” for CNN, award winning spots for Nike as well as many other projects.
From 1968 to 1975, gangs ruled New York City. Beyond the idealistic hopes of the civil rights movement lay a unfocused rage. Neither law enforcement nor social agency could end the escalating bloodshed. Peace came only through the most unlikely and courageous of events that would change the world for generations to come by giving birth to hip-hop culture. Rubble Kings chronicles life during this era of gang rule, tells the story of how a few extraordinary, forgotten people did the impossible, and how their actions impacted New York City and the world over.
Tuesday, July 12
Johnny Rivera / Joan Català hosted by George Nenadich
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnny Rivera is a Tropical/Salsa recording artist and producer with more than 35 years of singing experience. After graduating from high school in the South Bronx, Rivera moved to Puerto Rico where he began a successful singing career. In 1993 Johnny recorded the production Cuando Parara La Lluvia, which featured three hit singles: “Cuando Parara La Lluvia,” “Por Eso Esta Conmigo,” and “Voy a Conquistar Tu Amor.” Cuando Parara La Lluvia earned platinum accolades shortly after its release, and made a worldwide impact. Rivera made a name for himself at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, during two “Combinacion Perfecta” concerts and the popularity of this live performance has contributed to the overall success of his musical career. Today Johnny continues traveling around the world as a Tropical/Salsa sensation, appearing at special music events in Puerto Rico and in Latin America
A proposal that eliminates the boundaries between dance, circus, theater and performance; between audience and spectator. A natural review of artisan techniques and ones’ own memories. A sample changing, only as a result of the interaction with the Viewer. A work that is born from the observation of craft work, the study of the body, that highlights the beauty of movement when working. A sense of community, an ephemeral ritual, a dialogue with nature and the individual, an experience that creates complicity and magnetism. Pelat is silence, expectation, strength, tension, and magical, spontaneous participation. Pelat is body poetry. Pelat is ritual, movement and collective action. The first solo show by this young multidisciplinary creator, Joan Català, trained in the plastic arts, theatre, circus and dance, with an extensive international curriculum that includes the companies: Circo Klezmer, Daraomaï, Mudances, Mal Pelo, Circo Sincler, Bolna Kist, La Fura dels Baus and Sarruga, among others.
Wednesday, July 13
Joe Bataan meets SETENTA / Joan Català
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Joe Bataan, the “King of Latin Soul,” helped coin the phrase “Salsoul” in 1974 lending the name to his first album. Bataan was influenced by two musical styles: the Latin boogaloo and African American doo-wop. Bataan recorded three albums and several singles for Salsoul Records and the Latin subdivision of Salsoul Records, Salsoul Leyendas. Titles include SalSoul, Rap-O-Clap-O, Joe Bataan II, Afrofilipino and a new compilation of his greatest hits titled Tropical Classics: Joe Bataan, which features the early 1979 hip-hop hit “Rap-O-Clap-O” and additional classic titles he performed for the Salsoul Leyendas label.
A proposal that eliminates the boundaries between dance, circus, theatre and performance; between audience and spectator. A natural review of artisan techniques and ones’ own memories. A sample changing, only as a result of the interaction with the Viewer. A work that is born from the observation of craft work, the study of the body, that highlights the beauty of movement when working. A sense of community, an ephemeral ritual, a dialogue with nature and the individual, an experience that creates complicity and magnetism. Pelat is silence, expectation, strength, tension, and magical, spontaneous participation. Pelat is body poetry. Pelat is ritual, movement and collective action. The first solo show by this young multidisciplinary creator, Joan Català, trained in the plastic arts, theatre, circus and dance, with an extensive international curriculum that includes the companies: Circo Klezmer, Daraomaï, Mudances, Mal Pelo, Circo Sincler, Bolna Kist, La Fura dels Baus and Sarruga, among others
Wednesday, July 13
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Michelle Bradley, Kang Wang, Yunpeng Wang, and Dan Saunders
Crotona Park, BX
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
An enchanting evening of favorite opera arias and duets featuring Metropolitan Opera stars.
Thursday, July 14
Tito Rojas hosted by George Nenadich
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Puerto Rican born Tito Rojas began his career singing with Pedro Conga and his International Orchestra before joining the Fania All-Stars in 1978. In 1990, Rojas went solo, recording a number of albums before charting the Latin Billboard list with 1995’s Por Propio Derecho, which earned him critical acclaim. Rojas has released over a dozen albums since then, including 2014’s El Viajero.
Friday, July 15
Felix Hernandez’s Rhythm Revue / Screening: We Like It Like That
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Felix Hernandez created and hosts Rhythm Revue, New York’s first and longest-running radio show dedicated to classic R&B and soul music. Now in its 30th year, Rhythm Revue has been broadcast by WBGO-FM, WBLS-FM, 98.7 KISS-FM, Sirius Satellite Radio and WTJM (Jammin 105). Felix was also part of Sirius/XM’s first team of programmers for five years, where he developed several music channels. In 1991, Felix launched the Rhythm Revue Dance Party in New York City. This event has taken place at Roseland Ballroom, the Highline Ballroom, the Hornblower yachts, and numerous other venues throughout New York and the region. For 25 years, Felix’s dance party draws over 20,000 people each year for sold-out events.
Saturday, July 16
Full Circle Souljahs Presents: From The Streets To The Stage/Behind The Groove / Master Class: Kwikstep and Rokafella
St. Mary’s Park, BX
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
If you’ve been to block parties and park jams in NYC you know the vibes are contagious and the talent is undeniable– comparable to a NYC heat wave! “From The Streets to The Stage” will showcase some of newest up and coming choreographers, dancers and more from local NYC neighborhoods and beyond. This dance concert will give you a sample of the creative energy these artists share as they make their way to the next level! The lineup for this showcase is sure to move your soul regardless of age. So grab a seat and witness some of NYC’s rising talent as the host La Roka takes you on a journey “from the street to the stage”! Also open to the public will be a free dance workshop preceding the concert! Taking you on a Funky Musical Journey will be DJ’s KS 360 andDP One of “Behind The Groove” providing those beats to get you up on your feet and “Behind The Groove” playing those joints that make you move through the past, present and into future!!!
Sunday, July 17
Legacy Women / Recess Monkey / Music with a Message / Double Dutch Dreamz
St. Mary’s Park, BX
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Legacy Women will bring to the stage the traditional drum songs of Puerto Rican Bomba and Dominican Palos, with a twist. Dedicating their songs to revolutionary heroes like Mama Tingo, and to the feminine deities of popular folklore like Anaisa, the goddess of Love, or to Catalina, a maroon woman who broke away from slavery in Puerto Rico, their songs and chants will celebrate the energy of courage, power, and transformation that women so often lead in their respective communities. Founded by Manuela Arciniegas.
Three Seattle teachers who rock, Recess Monkey is a pioneer of the kindie movement blending indie-pop with childhood themes. Recess Monkey’s yearly albums are routinely in the top-ten lists of the year’s best. Their latest album “Hot Air” and other recent albums “Wired,” “Deep Sea Diver” and “Desert Island Disc” earned raves from hundreds of journalists. They’re played in high-rotation on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live where bassist Jack Forman also hosts a daily live call-in show, Live From the Monkey House.
Renaissance Youth Center is proud to present the dynamic and talented, Bronx-based Music With A Message (MWAM) Band! MWAM captivates audiences of all ages delivering powerful messages through soulful renditions of classic songs and innovative original compositions that emphasize issues such as gun violence, asthma (“Asthma Can’t Win”), homelessness (“We Need You”), and more lighthearted songs like “Pull Your Pants Up”. Ranging in ages from 6-21, this twenty-five member group is currently hard at work, preparing for their annual Summer Tour, where they are scheduled to perform 50-60 shows between June and early September. Directed by Mr. Bervin Harris, they have performed in over 700 shows and counting. With performances at local parks and community centers as well as larger events at Yankee Stadium, Six Flags, Hershey Park, and Madison Square Garden under their belt, the MWAM Band are conscious-minded youth, with raw talent, which they use to inspire positive changes within their communities.
The Double Dutch Dreamz present Get Your Jump On!, an exciting and fun-filled participatory activity for children and adults of all ages. No experience is necessary. The arc of the rope opens wide to welcome everyone. The highly energetic rope jumping session using single and double ropes also teaches participants the rhythmic chants that accompany jumpers and dance moves to popular music that will definitely move the crowd.
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The 2016 SummerStage festival is presented by Capital One Bank. Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Ommegang, Downeast Cider, Red Hook Winery, Bai Beverages, Lyft, MetroPCS, Disney, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and JWT are all official SummerStage sponsors. Generous private support is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation, Horace Silver Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, The Shubert Organization, and the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, Council Member Rosie Mendez, Council Member Debi Rose, and Council Member Helen Rosenthal.
Media sponsors include: Bandsintown, Big Screen Plaza, QNS.com, Remezcla, Relix, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, WBGO, WFUV, WNET, WNYC, and Zoom Media & Marketing.
In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.
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