Tickets are no longer required for free performances at SummerStage. All free performances will be open to the public, first come, first served, with limited capacity, and will continue to follow CDC recommendations. Visit here for more information.

SCHEDULE

5 PM – Doors

6 PM – Rooftop Films Summer Series Films (see below)

7 PM – Performance

This performance will be livestreamed on SummerStageAnywhere.org.

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The Arkestra is no stranger to SummerStage; they headlined the festival’s first-ever concert back in 1986 at the Central Park Bandshell, when they were still fronted by their eccentric and enigmatic bandleader Sun Ra. Since his death in 1993, the ensemble has been led by saxophonist Marshall Allen, and continues to carry on Sun Ra’s indomitable spirit, perpetuating his unique contributions to jazz and Afrofuturism. The Arkestra is an avant-garde history lesson in cosmic jazz, incorporating elements from throughout jazz history, including ragtime, swing, bebop, free jazz, and fusion. They’re joined by Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty (Angel Bat Dawid, Anaiet Sivad, and Brooklynn Skye Scott), an all female Chicago-based ensemble that leans on improvisation and spontaneous compositions.

Featured Rooftop Films

A Litany for Survival

Martin Hawk, USA

Under the cover of night, BLM activists organize at the Mayor’s house to make their case for equal human rights in the heavily segregated city of Rochester, NY.

Genius Loci

Adrien Merigeau, France

One night, Reine, a young loner, sees among the urban chaos a moving oneness that seems alive, like some sort of guide.

SummerStage acknowledges the partner support of the cultural services of the French Embassy.