Blacktronika Festival: Phuture / Waajeed / Rimarkable / Joe Claussell / Charlie Dark / King Britt
2025-08-16 16:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Manhattan
Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day!
Blacktronika is a movement dedicated to honoring and illuminating innovators of color who have played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music. The movement originated in London (1999–2005) with the groundbreaking ‘Blacktronica’ events founded by artist Charlie Dark MBE at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, fundamentally reshaping the UK’s cultural landscape. In 2020, Professor and veteran artist King Britt expanded the movement into academia by establishing the Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music course at the University of California, and later launched the Blacktronika Festival, further solidifying the movement’s impact. In collaboration with his long-time colleague Charlie Dark, the festival has successfully engaged audiences in Paris, Knoxville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Diego, fostering an expanding global community invested in the intersection of music, culture, and education.
The Central Park program will feature an ‘eclectrifying’ DJ set from King Britt B2B Charlie Dark, a spiritual house performance by Brooklyn’s Joe Clausell, the debut live performance of Detroit icon Waajeed, an uplifting set from Detroit’s Rimarkable, and a live performance by acid house pioneers Phuture from Chicago.

The Soapbox Presents: Run It Back: An Ode to the Art of the Sample
2025-08-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Manhattan
Marija Abney founded The Soapbox Presents in 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd, using free arts programming from some of NYC’s most talented artists to build a platform—both literally and figuratively—for Black and brown expression. The program has featured such artists as Mahogany L. Browne (Lincoln Center’s first poet-in-residence) and arranger, composer, and pianist Sean Mason (a featured guest of the Wynton Marsalis Quintet), and has been acknowledged by the United Nations for their work in their inaugural International Day of People of African Descent. The collective has performed at The Apollo, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Afropunk Festival, and on the stoops and sidewalks of New York City, making their return to SummerStage this year in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park.

Funk Flex R&B Birthday Celebration: Live Performances by Adina Howard / Christopher Williams / Soul for Real / Mr. Cheeks / Allure / Gina Thompson / Special Sing-Along Set by Jeff Redd & DJ M U / Music by Funk Flex
2025-08-16 18:00 - 22:00 | Brooklyn
Funk Flex is more than just a DJ– he’s a hip-hop institution, a radio and club mainstay who’s helped break some of New York’s biggest artists and biggest hits and continues to keep his finger on the pulse of hip-hop and R&B. This year he’ll host his birthday party on Coney Island, featuring a coterie of throwback R&B artists from the ‘90s. ’90s R&B icon Adina Howard, best known for her debut single “Freak Like Me” and her album Do You Wanna Ride?; Christopher Williams hit the top of the R&B singles chart with his song “I’m Dreamin’” from Mario Van Peebles’ New Jack City, a film he also appeared in; Soul for Real’s platinum-selling, Heavy D-produced debut LP Candy Rain spawned two hit singles, the title track and “Every Little Thing I Do”; Gina Thompson’s 1996 debut LP Nobody Does It Better featured production and features from Missy Elliott, and its lead single “The Things That You Do” cracked the Billboard Hot 100; Allure is an R&B girl group that formed out of LaGuardia High School in Manhattan, their biggest hit was a cover of Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam’s “All Cried Out” with Bad Boy R&B group 112.

The Community Cookout Presented by Endea Owens
2025-08-17 12:00 - 16:00 | Manhattan
Birthed by bassist Endea Owens during the pandemic, The Community Cookout creates inclusive spaces that are accessible to anyone no matter their race, gender, or background and strives to make New York a better place through music, activism, and FREE meals. Co-host Marcus Garvey Park Alliance is a not-for-profit advocacy group whose mission is to preserve and enhance the assets of the Park by fundraising, producing and attracting cultural events, and hosting plantings and maintenance activities.
FREE meals; first come, first served.
The Marcus Garvey Park Alliance, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Marcus Garvey Park as a safe space for community gathering, physical fitness, arts, education, and play.
This event is made possible by the Joyce and George Wein Foundation.

Blacktronika Festival: Black Quantum Futurism featuring Moor Mother & Rasheedah Phillips / Vijay Iyer, Shana Redmond & LaFrae Sci / Joy Guidry & Niecy Blues / Sonic Messengers / King Britt
2025-08-17 17:00 - 21:00 | Manhattan
Blacktronika is a movement dedicated to honoring and illuminating innovators of color who have played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music. The movement originated in London (1999–2005) with the groundbreaking ‘Blacktronica’ events founded by artist Charlie Dark MBE at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, fundamentally reshaping the UK’s cultural landscape. In 2020, Professor and veteran artist King Britt expanded the movement into academia by establishing the Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music course at the University of California, and later launched the Blacktronika Festival, further solidifying the movement’s impact. In collaboration with his long-time colleague Charlie Dark, the festival has successfully engaged audiences in Paris, Knoxville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Diego, fostering an expanding global community invested in the intersection of music, culture, and education.
The Harlem showcase will present a distinguished tribute to the legendary Paul Robeson, featuring Shana Redmond, Vijay Iyer, and LaFrae Sci. Additional performances include an improvisational set from Brooklyn’s Sonic Messengers, a debut collaboration between acclaimed artists Joy Guidry and Niecey Blues, and an exploration of the Black Quantum Futurism universe (Camae Ayewa and Rasheedah Phillips).

Funk Flex R&B Birthday Picnic feat. Honey Bxby / Girlfriend / Bay Swag / Lomiiel / N T G / Kocky Ka / Music by Funk Flex and DJ M U
2025-08-17 19:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Funk Flex has been spinning hip-hop and R&B across NYC’s airwaves for the better part of four decades, becoming more than just a DJ but a hip-hop institution. The radio and club mainstay has helped break some of New York’s biggest artists and biggest hits as he continues to keep his finger on the pulse of hip-hop and R&B. This summer he’ll host an R&B picnic in Central Park, featuring stars from R&B’s past, present, and future including Honey Bxby, Girlfriend, Bay Swag, Lomiiel, N T G, and Kocky Ka.

NYC Green Fund Grassroots Grant Info Session
2025-08-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Looking for funding to activate a local park or open space? The NYC Green Fund Grassroots grant program offers funding from $1,000 to $40,000 per year, for up to two years, to community groups and organizations providing open space programming and stewardship across NYC. This grant program is intended to advance grassroots initiatives across public spaces in all five boroughs.
Join us at an info session and learn everything you need to know about applying for funding. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. Questions? Reach out to GreenFundGrassroots@cityparksfoundation.org.

CityParks PuppetMobile: Pippi Longstocking
2025-08-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Brooklyn
City Parks Foundation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned children’s story Pippi Longstocking by the legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. To honor this milestone, our traveling marionette theater, the PuppetMobile, will present Pippi, a fresh retelling of the classic Swedish tale.
The production features nearly two dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers. In addition to the brilliant artistry of the production, kids and families will enjoy the incredible adventures of quick-witted and super-strong Pippi as she overcomes bullies, all while fending off unnecessary social conventions.

Harlem Speaks: Bertha Hope
2025-08-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
FREE with RSVP
Bertha Hope, the acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, and educator will be our guest for episode 215 of Harlem Speaks Oral History Series. Hope, a dynamic performer since the 1950s, preserves the legacy of her late husband, Elmo Hope, while forging her own path in jazz. Known for her lyrical style and commitment to music education, she remains a vital force in championing women and underrepresented voices in jazz. National Jazz Museum in Harlem Senior Scholar, Loren Schoenberg, will host a Harlem Speaks Oral History interview with Hope to discuss her storied career and her take on the impact of Charlie Parker.

Jon Batiste
2025-08-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Marking a bold new chapter in Batiste’s catalog, Big Money is rooted in American traditions — from gospel and soul to blues, folk, and rock & roll. Batiste introduced the nine-track project with its title track, “Big Money,” a groove-forward anthem anchored by his guitar and the soaring vocals of The Womack Sisters, granddaughters of soul legend Sam Cooke. He followed with “Lonely Avenue,” a soulful, piano-driven collaboration with Randy Newman that reimagines the Doc Pomus classic made famous by Ray Charles. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Dion “No I.D.” Wilson, the album also features a standout duet with Andra Day. Big Money caps a landmark year that included Batiste’s Super Bowl performance, two GRAMMY wins for his work on American Symphony, and the chart-topping success of Beethoven Blues, which spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart.

Jazz In the Garden: Pablo Rosario and his Latin Jazz Messengers
2025-08-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Manhattan
**PLEASE BE ADVISED: Due to the weather, the Jazz in the Garden performance originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 27.
Percussionist Pablo Rosario is held in high regard for his versatility and his accomplished career. In addition to having worked closely with many of the great bands of Latin music, including those of Mongo Santamaria, Willie Colon, Larry Harlow, and Batacumbele, “El Indio” had a long run as a freelance NYC session musician. Best known for his many appearances on David Bowie’s albums, also a natural educator and mentor, his small-group performances have, in recent years, centered the legacies of Santamaria, Colon and Cal Tjader, here supplemented by the work of Charlie Parker.
This event is free; first come, first serve.

Joey Valence & Brae
2025-08-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Fast-rising, genre-defying alt/hip-hop duo Joey Valence & Brae celebrate the release of their highly-anticipated third studio album HYPERYOUTH (out August 15). In the 3 years since their alleged meeting at a State College, PA Red Lobster, JVB have cemented themselves as a must-see live act and bonafide recording artists, with consecutive Top 10 releases and a certified gold single for their title track “PUNK TACTICS.” Their newest release HYPERYOUTH is an ode to staying young and a celebration of individuality, self-confidence and dance.

TSQ LIVE + Jazz at Lincoln Center: Antonio Hart Quartet
2025-08-21 17:00 | Manhattan
Antonio Hart credits the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts for beginning his life as a young man and musician – especially his private teacher Chris Ford. He initially began as a classical musician but began to like Jazz and feel more connected to the change to improvise which brought him to study Jazz at the Berklee College of Music.
This event is free; first come, first serve.

Film Screening: Soundtrack to a Coup d'État / Performance: T.K. Blue and "Planet Bluu"
2025-08-21 18:30 - 22:00 | Manhattan
6:30 PM – Concert
8:00 PM – Screening
Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (2023)
The post-colonial struggle for Congo’s resources, told from the unique perspective of Andrée Blouin, a neglected pioneer of female emancipation and independence throughout Africa.
United Nations, 1960: the Global South ignites a political earthquake, jazz musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach crash the Security Council, Nikita Khrushchev bangs his shoe, and the U.S. State Department swings into action, sending jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the Congo to deflect attention from the CIA-backed coup. Director Johan Grimonprez explores a moment when jazz, colonialism, and espionage collided, constructing a riveting historical rollercoaster that illuminates the political machinations behind the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. The result is a revelatory documentary richly illustrated by eyewitness accounts, official government memos, testimonies from mercenaries and CIA operatives, speeches from Lumumba himself, and a veritable canon of jazz icons. Sundance award winner Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat interrogates colonial history to tell an urgent and timely story that resonates more than ever in today’s geopolitical climate.
Director: JOHAN GRIMONPREZ / Producers: DAAN MILIUS & RÉMI GRELLETY / co-producers KATJA DRAAIJER & FRANK HOEVE

T.K. Blue and “Planet Bluu”
Saxophonist, flautist, percussionist, composer and bandleader T.K. Blue–perhaps best known for his long run as musical director / saxophonist for Dr. Randy Weston’s African Rhythms–has also worked with greats like Little Jimmy Scott, Sam Rivers, Chico Hamilton, and Abdullah Ibrahim; released more than a dozen albums as a leader; and done three State Department tours of Africa.

This event is free, first come, first served.

Jazz In the Garden: Annette St. John
2025-08-22 17:30 - 18:30 | Manhattan
Born and raised in Harlem, vocalist Annette St. John grew up in an artistic family that influenced her musical style: equal parts jazz, blues, standards and gospel. She has worked with greats like Jimmy Smith, Della Griffin, and George Benson, and performed all over Manhattan, including at the Apollo, the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard, Smoke and The Cotton Club. In recent years she has done multiple tours of Japan, and she is a mainstay in NYC with her own groups. Annette always says, “It’s Not Work If You Love What You Do!”
This event is free; first come, first serve.
Supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL NIGHT 1: Ron Carter's Great Big Band / April May Webb
2025-08-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Manhattan
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival celebrates the spirit of the late great saxophonist with shows uptown and downtown that highlight the past, present, and future of jazz music in New York City. Opening night kicks off with the legendary bassist Ron Carter’s Great Big Band, a 17-piece ensemble he put together in 2011 to record his first ever big band record. Carter’s steady, warm-toned pulse serves as a rhythmic rudder through a set of tunes that exude a refined elegance and sonic power. They’re joined by April May Webb, a rising star who recently won the 13th annual Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition; her latest LP with trumpeter Randall Haywood, Questions Left Unanswered, features soulful, jazzy covers of hits like “Jolene” and “Killing Me Softly.” This show is presented in partnership with Jazzmobile as they celebrate their 60th anniversary of presenting, preserving America’s classical music, jazz, to Harlem and New York City.

Ron Carter’s Great Big Band
Saxes
David DeJesus
Steve Wilson
Jonathan Beshay
Ivan Renta
Jay Brandford
Trumpets
Jon Owens
John Chudoba
John Bailey
Brandon Lee
Trombones
Jason Jackson
Steve Davis
James Burton
Becca Patterson
Rhythm Section
Ray Gallon, piano
Sir Ron Carter, bass
Greg Skafff, guitar
Peyton Crossley, drums

April May Webb
April May Webb (vocals)
Randall Haywood (trumpet)
Yayoi Ikawa (p)
Jacob Webb (b)
Dr. Nathan Webb (d)

CityParks PuppetMobile: Pippi Longstocking
2025-08-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Queens

CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL NIGHT 2: Branford Marsalis Quartet / Nicholas Payton Quartet / Bertha Hope Quintet / Georgia Heers / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
2025-08-23 15:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival celebrates the spirit of the late great saxophonist with shows uptown and downtown that highlight the past, present, and future of jazz music in New York City. The second show features: the legendary Branford Marsalis Quartet, headed by GRAMMY Award winner and NEA Jazz Master Branford Marsalis on saxophone, who has earned his reputation as a cornerstone of the jazz genre many times over, joined in the group by drummer Justin Faulkner, pianist Joey Calderazzo, and bassist Eric Revis, each icons in their own right; GRAMMY-winning trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton, who has released dozens of LPs as a bandleader, along with an eclectic collection of collaborations with the likes of Common (Electric Circus), Trey Anastasio, Ray Charles, Jill Scott, Herbie Hancock, and many more; The Bertha Hope Quintet, led by the titular jazz pianist and educator, who collaborated with her husband, the late Elmo Hope, and who is a 2025 recipient of Jazz Foundation of America’s inaugural Jazz Legacies Fellowship in partnership with the Mellon Foundation; and Georgia Heers, an ascendant jazz singer and Juilliard graduate who recently made her Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck. Multi-talented DJ and host of WBGO’s podcast Milestones DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener is on the ones and twos.

DJs will begin spinning at 2:00pm, performances will begin at 3:00pm.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
Branford Marsalis, saxophone
Joey Calderazzo, piano
Eric Revis, bass
Justin Faulkner, drums
Nicholas Payton
Kevin Hays, piano
Vicente Archer, bass
Bill Stewart, drums
Bertha Hope Quintet
Bertha Hope, piano
Kim Clarke, bass
Lucianna F. Padmore, drums
Gene Ghee, tenor saxophone
Eddie Allen, trumpet
Georgia Heers
Georgia Heers, vocals
Mathis Picard, piano/keys
TBD, bass
Anwar Marshall, drums

Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association Presents “We’re Outside”
2025-08-23 15:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan
What to Expect:

22 local artists on exhibit
Live jazz from the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at the amphitheater
Live sculptural performance using materials from the park
Eye candy selfie station
Free downloadable artist catalog
MMPCIA Hospitality station where you can sit, chill and get to know us better
Or bring a blanket and vibe with neighbors and friends on the lawn

Featuring work by:
Airco Caravan · Aleathia Brown · Anna Macon · Bonnie Phillips · Christina M. Tapper · Christopher Ender Coryat · Debora Clark Fairfax · Destiny Santana · Fitgi Saint-Louis · Gabrielle Baker · Gary J. Higgins II · Jamel Carroll · Jannette Jwahir Hawkins · Larry Bentley · Laura Gadson · Mayowa Nwadike · Mike McManus · Misha Shipman · Shanequa Benitez · Shungaboy · Stefen Reed · Wilhelmina Grant-Cooper
Presented by MMPCIA & Heath Gallery, in partnership with NYC Parks and the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
Supported by:
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council · New York State Council on the Arts · Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation · Administered by LMCC · City Parks Foundation & Partnerships for Parks through the NYC Green Fund

CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL NIGHT 3: Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap / Gary Bartz: Ntu Troop / The Jazz Gallery All-Stars Feat. Miguel Zenon, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville, Melissa Aldana, Dabin Ryu, Ryoma Takenaga, Charles Altura / Lucia / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
2025-08-24 15:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival celebrates the spirit of the late great saxophonist with shows uptown and downtown that highlight the past, present, and future of jazz music in New York City. The third show features the dynamic duo of Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap; GRAMMY and Tony Award-winning vocalist Bridgewater puts her unique spin on standards and jazz classics, keeping traditions while fearlessly exploring new expression with the leading jazz pianist Bill Charlap. Gary Bartz’s groundbreaking Ntu Troop manages to seamlessly blend jazz, funk, and soul with an adventurous spirit. The Jazz Gallery was founded in 1995 by Roy Hargrove, Dale Fitzgerald, and Lezlie Harrison, and has been a key institution in the NYC’s jazz and creative music scene ever since; this year’s lineup of The Jazz Gallery All-Stars features Miguel Zenon, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville, Melissa Aldana, Dabin Ryu, Ryoma Takenaga, and Charles Altura. Lucía was the first ever Mexican-American artist to enter the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition (and win), leading to her breakout into the jazz scene with her soulful sound. Her debut album is releasing this year. Multi-talented DJ and host of WBGO’s podcast Milestones DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener is on the ones and twos.

DJs will begin spinning at 2:00pm, performances will begin at 3:00pm.

Bill Charlap / Dee Dee Bridgewater

Gary Bartz and NTU Troop
Gary Bartz, alto saxophone
Marc Cary, piano/keys
Paul Bollenback, guitar
Gerald Cannon, bass
Kassa Overall, drums
*plus special guests (vocals)

Jazz Gallery Allstars
Miguel Zenon, alto saxophone
Melissa Aldand, tenor saxophone
Joel Ross, vibraphone
Charles Altura, guitar
Dabin Ryu, piano
Ryoma Takenaga, bass
Kendrick Scott, drums
Plus special guest vocalist Renee Neufville

Lucía
Lucia, vocals
Gabrielle Chakarji, piano
Guillermo Lopez, bass
Adam Cruz, drums

SOLD OUT: Black Coffee
2025-08-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day!
Acclaimed multi-disciplinary electronic artist Black Coffee is bringing his talents to Central Park! The GRAMMY, BET, and GQ Man of the Year award winner is known for blending his South African heritage into his music through traditional rhythms and influences, acting as one of the premier players in the country’s house music scene. His bass-filled tracks have led to collaborations with artists including Usher, Drake, and David Guetta.

TRILL MEGA JAM & Charlie Parker Jazz Festival After-Party
2025-08-24 20:00 | Manhattan
The Make Jazz Trill Again (MJTA) Trill Mega Jam is a high-energy, improvisation-centered jam session founded by Melanie Charles featuring Paul Wilson Bae on keys, Jerome Jennings on drums, YunieMo on sax, DJ OOOChild on the ones and twos, and special guests including Dezron Douglas on electric bass, and Renée Neufville. This is a unique opportunity where musicians of all backgrounds, skill levels and instruments gather to improvise in unconventional spaces for an experience of pure celebration and connection. MJTA is truly a movement for the people, by the people. All are welcome.
This event is free with RSVP.

CANCELLED: CityParks PuppetMobile: Pippi Longstocking
2025-08-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Bronx
This event has been cancelled.
City Parks Foundation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned children’s story Pippi Longstocking by the legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. To honor this milestone, our traveling marionette theater, the PuppetMobile, will present Pippi, a fresh retelling of the classic Swedish tale.
The production features nearly two dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers. In addition to the brilliant artistry of the production, kids and families will enjoy the incredible adventures of quick-witted and super-strong Pippi as she overcomes bullies, all while fending off unnecessary social conventions.

Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience / Fusivel and Mirage People DJs
2025-08-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day!
Conducted by Martin Gellner
Performed by Big Island Orchestra
Symphonic Blues is a journey through the soul-stirring history of the Delta Blues. One of the earliest-known styles of the genre, Delta Blues originated in the Mississippi Delta. Symphonic Blues merges the raw emotion of this music with the expressive depth of an orchestra. Founded and narrated by legendary actor Morgan Freeman, the show features performances by veterans of orchestras as well as the Delta Blues, coming together in a genre-bending, multimedia project that brings the story of this music to life. Born from the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi—recognized as one of the top blues clubs in the world– Symphonic Blues traces the origins of the Delta Blues along the Mississippi River to its profound influence on global music and culture.
DJs’ presentations supported by the Arte Institute. Learn more about Arte Institute at https://arteinstitute.org/.

IZA / Ilê Aiyê ft. Amanda Maria / Evandro Fióti / DJ Cady
2025-08-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan
Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day!
In association with the 18th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival, SummerStage presents an electrifying night in Central Park celebrating the rich cultural heartbeat of Brazil. IZA is one of Brazil’s most powerful and celebrated artists today—a singer, songwriter, and cultural icon blending pop, R&B, reggae, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms with unapologetic soul. With over 3 billion streams across platforms, she has been nominated for 4 Latin GRAMMY Awards and was named one of the world’s most influential Black artists by MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent). Her song “Fé” was re-recorded by Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia, further cementing her role as a vital voice in contemporary music. From dubbing Nala in the live-action remake of The Lion King to headlining major stages, IZA continues to shape the future of Brazilian sound and culture. Ilê Aiyê, the legendary Afro-Bloco from Salvador, Bahia, is also performing. Founded in 1975 by Vovô do Ilê and a collective of trailblazing artists and activists, Ilê Aiyê is more than a band—it’s a movement. For nearly 50 years, they’ve used music, dance, and carnival to celebrate African heritage and empower Black communities across Brazil, challenging a media environment that doesn’t always reflect the overwhelmingly Black demographics of the community. Ilê will feature Amanda Maria, a finalist of The Voice Brasil 2023, acclaimed singer-songwriter, festival performer, and member of Seu Jorge’s group. Evandro Fióti is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and creative visionary whose artistic work is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture and the celebration of Black identity. As co-founder of Laboratório Fantasma, Fióti merges music and activism to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural pride.
Join us for an Afro-Brazilian drumming workshop with Ilê Aiyê before the show! Free with RSVP here.
This show will also feature a special dance presentation, supported by the Arte Institute, with Marica Dance Company. Learn more about Arte Institute at https://arteinstitute.org/.

It's My Park at Sunset Park
2025-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooklyn
This It’s My Park season, volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to beautify Sunset Park. We look forward to cleaning up the park with you!
Volunteers should meet at Sunset Park Recreation Center (4200 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232).
For more information, please email volunteer.pcrnyc@gmail.com.

CityParks PuppetMobile: Pippi Longstocking
2025-09-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Bronx

It's My Park at Hunter's Point South Park
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Queens
This It’s My Park season, volunteer with Hunters Point Parks Conservancy to beautify Hunter’s Point South Park. We look forward to cleaning up the park with you!
Volunteers should meet at the park house.
For more information, please email jessica@hunterspointparks.org.
