TIME:SPANS is an annual festival dedicated exclusively to the presentation of twenty-first century music. BPC hosts the festival’s opening night performance of Klaus Lang’s Bright Darkness by Israel-based Ensemble Nikel. Enjoy an immersive experience in this surround-sound performance by physically entering into a musical journey amongst fellow audience members and musicians.
KNICKERBOCKER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Grab a partner, bring the kids, and join Musical Director Gary S. Fagin and an ensemble from the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra at the waterfront for a selection of timeless tunes in ¾ time. One-two-three, one-two-three; practice your waltzing—and then listen for old favorites, from Carousel Waltz to Blue Danube!
RIVER & BLUES: AMYTHYST KIAH
Rising star Amythyst Kiah’s Tennessee influenced americana roots music showcases her deliciously fluid and powerful voice reminiscent of greats such as Odetta and Tracy Chapman. Her adept banjo and guitar picking skills create unique takes on classics while exhibiting a style all her own. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this hypnotizing emerging talent.
TARANTELLA
Join Boston based ensemble Newpoli in an exploration of southern Italian tarantella and pizzica! Let yourself be enchanted by their mesmerizing, trance-inducing mix of classics and originals inspired by the cultures of the Mediterranean Sea. Wear your long skirts, wave scarves and learn a few simple steps that will transport you to an Italian village summer festival!
RIVER & BLUES: THE WAR & TREATY
Tanya and Michael Trotter, the powerhouse duo better known as The War and Treaty, are one of the most intriguing rising acts on the americana and roots music scene. Healing Tide, their latest album, showcases the depth of their musical and personal pasts. Their passionate, vulnerable and unrestrained live performances, are not to be missed!
NY LAUGHS: LAUGHTER IN THE PARKS
NY Laughs, a non-profit that presents live stand-up comedy performances in NYC public spaces brings the hilarious Roy Wood, Jr. of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to their inspiring Laughter in the Park series presented in BPC. Laughter enriches lives and can make the world a better place, so come laugh out loud with your fellow New Yorkers at this community building comedy event.
RIVER & BLUES: LOW CUT CONNIE
The contagious joy of a Low Cut Connie show starts onstage and quickly spreads throughout the crowd. The rootsy, soulful sounds explode into high-octane, red-blooded, American rock-and-roll driven by the pounding piano of frontman Adam Weiner. They will be performing songs from five studio albums including their latest release Dirty Pictures (Part 2), which Rolling Stone describes as “a stand-alone triumph of missionary zeal.”
RIVER & BLUES: SON LITTLE
Son Little captivates audiences with a magical mix of acoustic and electric guitar that crosses genres yet remains deeply rooted in the blues. Drawing from collaborations with artists such as RJD2, The Roots and Mavis Staples, Son Little’s own inspirational sound shines through on his second full length release, 2018’s New Magic. Whether a long-time fan or new to experience his music, don’t miss this tender, gritty, always genuine and powerful performance by one of today’s most exciting live artists.
BPCA COMMUNITY FIELD DAY
School’s out for the summer! Celebrate at Community Field Day in Rockefeller Park. Fast break to the basketball court for a trick shot show featuring NYC’s own Harlem Wizards. Kick back with some ice cream, and listen to beats by a live DJ. Engage in classic field day games like potato-sack races, relays and tug-of-war. Don’t miss out on face painting, giant lawn games, water play and spinning the BPC Big Wheel for prizes!
SWEDISH MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL
Enjoy this unique celebration of the summer solstice. Learn traditional Swedish folk dances from Barnklubben Elsa Rix and join in lively dance around the Midsummer pole. Make wreaths from beautiful flowers representing those in bloom on the solstice in Sweden. Enjoy a parade, children’s games, and Swedish delicacies. Traditional music by Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Dances led by Ross Sutter, a Scandinavian folklorist. Swedish Midsummer Festival is co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden, New York.
