Summer Stages will sizzle with free shows

Summer Stages will sizzle with free shows
Associated Press / Joe Giblin

After the freeze of winter, an uncertain spring; a definitely hot summer line-up has been announced to compensate for the seasonal frost, chill and rain New Yorkers endured since last fall.

Boasting schedules that get hotter as the summer progresses, Central Park Sumnmerstage offers a sure-fire treat on June 6 when Meschell Ndegeocello takes center stage for a free afternoon presentation which begins at 3:00 p.m.

Joining her on that eventful outing are Roy Hargrove, and Gabriel Garzon- Montano. The following afternoon, Benin superstar Angelique Kidjo headlines a concert to feature Emmanuel Jai and Rich Medina.

With a diverse offering of theatrical presentations, films, Yiddish Soul, Met opera, hip-hop, jazz, poetry and dance, VP Records promise a 35th anniversary concert on June 27 to spotlight Caribbean music. Bunji Garlin, Maxi Priest and Gyptian are the names to provide the June 27 delight.

“Invincible” Michael Jackson Tribute is slated for East River park on Aug. 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

And “Magmanus” offers a circus inside Brookklyn Bridge Park on June 27 & 28.

This City Parks Foundation presentation spills over into Staten Island, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn with family day presentations, a myriad of neighborhood concerts and other features to complete 200 presentations.

In addition the series also encompass the CharlieParker Jazz Fest at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.

For more information, check www.summerstage.org.

To celebrate the 37th annual Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival in Prospect Park, 29 performances span dates from June 3 – Aug. 12. Here again a program reflective of the city’s eclecticism and diversity will feature a wide array of free, world-class performances in the environs of the Prospect Park Bandshell.

Kicking off the series on June 3, the free evening presentation offers Chaka Khan, the Queen of Funk.

Krosfyah featuring special guests Lead Pipe & Saddis and Something Positive dance troupe are slated for June 11. Barbados’ legendary Krosfyah band members are expected to deliver exhilarating soca. And Lead Pipe & Saddis — whose smash hit “Ah Feeling” brought them to the finals of the International Groovy Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad this year will add to the high-energy performance.

The following evening at 7:30 p.m.; Esperanza Spalding presents Emily’s D+Evolution with Jose James. The free concert will showcase the captivating bassist and singer’s “sprawling collage of jazz fusion, Brazilian, and even a touch of hip-hop” will recall the critical acclaim, universal love and inevitable four Grammy awards — including Best New Artist in 2011 — that launched her to the unprecedented position of being the first ever jazz artist nominated in the category.

Spalding will introduce her latest project of all new material to the Bandshell. Opening act and fellow free-thinker José James who will deliver samplings from his hit 2013 album “No Beginning: No End.”

DanceBrazil is also sure to warm the program with a June 20 free presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Forro in the Dark is also slated to perform.

Reggae super-group Third World will definitely send the temperatures soaring to “96 degrees in the Shade.”

Their sizzling date in the Park is Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

A paid date with Willie Nelson & Family with Old Crow Medicine Show closes the BricArts season 2015 on Aug. 15.

That final show begins at 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Events are distinct in presenting a signature mix of music, film, dance and multimedia works. Complemented by food and other provisions from local artisans and vendors, 24 of the 29 performances are free (with a $3 suggested contribution at the gate). The program includes: 19 music concerts, two music and movie events in which live music accompanies films projected on NYC’s largest (50’ wide x 21’ high) outdoor screen. Two dance performances and one mixed-media world premiere featuring visual work accompanied by live music are also billed.

For more information, log onto www.Bricartsmedia.org.

Catch You On The Inside!