New York City’s musical love language is alive and well with the return of free summer concerts, many of which will be held in the city’s most beautiful parks.
The highly anticipated annual Bryant Park Picnic Performances, presented by Bank of America, is set to kick off this year on Friday, May 30.
Featuring a diverse lineup of 25 free performances, including acts from prestigious institutions like the New York City Opera and Carnegie Hall Citywide, this summer’s events promise an array of unforgettable artistry.
To make it accessible for all, 15 of the performances will be livestreamed, ensuring that everyone can partake in the excitement, even if they can’t be there in person.
“Picnic Performances highlights incredible talent and creates a space where the community can enjoy live music, dance, and performances together,” said Connie Verducci, market executive at Bank of America New York City, in an official statement.
“We look forward to sharing another unforgettable summer of art and culture with New Yorkers and visitors alike in partnership with Bryant Park.”
This year’s program features a variety of performances that cater to different musical tastes and interests.
The lineup begins with “The Sound of (Black) Music” presented by ELECTRIC ROOT on Friday, May 30, from 7 to 8:15 PM.
Contemporary dance takes center stage on Thursday, June 5, with performances from Limón Dance Company, EMERGE125, and KAŌS Dance Collective from 7 to 9 PM.
The following days, on June 6 and June 13, will showcase Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Gibney Company, Syren Dance, as well as Doug Varone and Dancers, and Kyle Marshall Choreography from 7 to 9 PM.
On Saturday, June 14, Jazzmobile presents The Jimmy Heath Big Band with Music Director Antonio Hart from 7 to 8:30 PM.
Then the Emerging Music Festival takes place on June 20 and June 21, featuring Folk Night on Friday with artists like Why Bonnie, Tasha, and Marem Ladson, and a follow-up showcase that includes Disiniblud and additional artists that are yet to be announced.
The New York City Opera returns on June 26 and June 27 with “Opera Goes to Hollywood,” covering the legendary music from films.
Later in the summer, on September 4 and 5, the opera will present “Carmen” at 7 PM.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to the New York Guitar Festival on July 3 and July 4, which brings together spectacular acts such as Pedro Cortes Flamenco, Big Lazy, Marel Hidalgo, Louis Cato, Jackie Venson, and Jontavious Willis, ensuring an exciting musical experience.
Carnegie Hall Citywide will also be featured in the series, with performances scheduled every Friday from July 11 to August 8, showcasing artists such as The Knights with Julian Labro, La Excelencia, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band.
The World Music Institute will present Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East along with Gamelan Dharma Swara on August 15, followed by the New York City Circus Festival, highlighting a range of circus and performance art on August 16.
The summer performances will conclude with a special feature by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and a celebration of Sly Stone on August 30.
As per tradition, free seating for these performances is on a first-come, first-served basis, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring blankets for comfort.
Food enthusiasts can also look forward to offerings from the Hester Street Fair, although bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks is always welcome.
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