Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day! Enjoy skip-the-line, complimentary drinks, and air-conditioned restrooms.
The violinist, singer, songwriter, and composer Andrew Bird has stretched the musical boundaries of folk in an eclectic career that spans 18 albums, developing a multi-layered sound with diverse instrumentation. His most defining work is arguably 2005’s The Mysterious Production of Eggs, which demonstrated an avant-pop sophistication with a mastery of elaborate loops, multi-tracked violin, and his remarkable prowess as a whistler. Bird has headlined shows at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but he’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of that record at SummerStage in Central Park with the Wordless Music Orchestra conducted by Hannah Schendel, performing the record for the first time in its entirety alongside a full orchestra, followed by a suite of fan-favorites from his nearly 30-year repertoire. Surma’s presentation is presented with support from the Arte Institute. Learn more about Arte Institute at https://arteinstitute.org/.
Pre-Show Panel: Free with RSVP
Note that this panel will take place at The Arsenal building, a short walk from the SummerStage venue in Central Park.
Foundational Voices: The People Who Built SummerStage
Every institution has an origin story, but few have been shaped by as many hands, and as much heart, as SummerStage. As the festival marks 40 years of free performances in New York City’s parks, this panel brings together the Directors whose vision and instincts built SummerStage from the ground up. From the shows that almost didn’t happen to the moments that put the festival on the map, they’ll share the stories behind the stage — how they found the talent, took the risks, and helped create a New York summer tradition.
Join us for a candid conversation with the foundational voices who made it all possible.
PANELISTS:
Joe Killian, Erica Ruben, Bill Bragin, and Alexa Birdsong
MODERATOR:
Joe Lynch, Billboard Executive Digital Director, East Coast



