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City Parks Foundation Announces SUMMERSTAGE 8/5-13
By: Gabrielle Sierra Aug. 03, 2011
City Parks Foundation recently announced the 2011 season of SummerStage, New York's largest free performing arts festival. SummerStage runs from August 5 to August 13 in Harlem and Washington Heights and will present free performances ranging from hip-hop, R&B and gospel music to dance and theater performances. SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City's summer arts festival landscape and has entertained more than six million people from New York City and around the world since its establishment 26 years ago.
Musical highlights for this season in Northern Manhattan include hip-hop legends ROB BASE and FUNKMASTER FLEX; contemporary R&B star RYAN LESLIE, gospel great VASHAWN MITCHELL and Latin musicians such as HENRY SANTOS, ANDY ANDY and BACHATA HEIGHTZ, among other top notch artists.
Dance enthusiasts will be visually engaged by a range of dance genres from West African dance traditions mixed with hip-hop to ballet and jazz. The artistically brilliant FORCES OF NATURE DANCE THEATER will awe audiences with four works that highlight the company's 30th anniversary in "The Best of Forces." The CECILIA MARTA DANCE COMPANY will celebrate diversity and unity by melding ballet, Latin and nuances of earthy funk and soul alongside FRANCINE E. OTT/THE WALK who will premiere, "A Delicate Balance" for Ott's SummerStage debut.
"Every year SummerStage consistently hosts a selection of high quality arts programming in various parks throughout Northern Manhattan," said James Burke, City Parks Foundation's Director of Arts and Cultural Programming. "New Yorkers and visitors alike can now visit Northern Manhattan to discover talent at SummerStage that is as artistically and culturally diverse as the neighborhoods themselves."
Commissioned Works Performed in Manhattan
TUNDE'S TRUMPET
By Chisa Hutchinson
Directed by Kristin Horton, Lyrics by Sarah Gancher with Music by Elliot Goldman
SummerStage Theater presented by Time Warner
August 07 - 08 at Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Tunde's Trumpet is a commissioned musical production from SummerStage alumna, Chisa Hutchinson that celebrates the magical effect of music on the life of a young boy, performed with hand-crafted puppets that will captivate audiences of all ages.
The complete SummerStage schedule for Northern Manhattan follows. For the most up-to-date scheduling and line-up for all SummerStage programming, follow SummerStage via the below links and visit www.SummerStage.org for festival information.
Twitter: @SummerStage
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/centralparksummerstage
City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
SummerStage 2011 Schedule Information
HENRY V
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jenny Bennettt, Music by Patricia Ju
Co-produced by Classical Theatre of Harlem
SummerStage Theater Presented By Time Warner
Friday, August 05 and Saturday, August 06
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Show at 8:00 pm
Artist Website: http://www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is a professional theatre company founded at the Harlem School for the Arts. In each of its productions, which have included numerous works by playwrights such as Shakespeare and Euripides, CTH is dedicated to returning the "classics" to the stages of Harlem, to nurturing new, young, and culturally diverse audiences, and to producing theatre that truly reflects the diversity of ideas and the racial tapestry of America.
Explore the brutally thoughtful, fiercely funny, belligerent diplomacy of King Henry V with The Classical Theatre of Harlem as they interpret William Shakespeare's classic. Our young King Henry V takes the throne, his dying father's advIce To "busy giddy minds with foreign quarrels" ringing in his ears. His reputation as a fun-loving lad who's lived among The Common folk inspires love from commoners and disregard from his enemies. He lays claim to France, and invades the country with a "band of brothers." Join CTH's powerful exploration of what it means for a king to bear the burdensome expectations of the crown - and the people to bear the expectations of the king - as Henry V works to win the hearts of all.
Director Jenny Bennettt pilots a nonstop, intense scrutiny of kings and citizens in this play that dissects humanity's warmongering with gripping actors, a thrilling score and fierce dance.
TUNDE'S TRUMPET
By Chisa Hutchinson
Directed by Kristin Horton, Lyrics by Sarah Gancher with Music by Elliot Goldman
SummerStage Theater Presented By Time Warner
Sunday, August 07 and Monday, August 08
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Show at 8:00 pm
Join SummerStage Theater presented by Time Warner for Tunde's Trumpet, a commissioned musical production from noted playwright, Chisa Hutchinson that celebrates the magical effect of music on the life of a young boy, performed with hand-crafted puppets that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Tunde is a normal kid that deals with all the issues that kids typically deal with. However, he has a mischievous streak that continually drives his parents up a wall. For Tunde's tenth birthday, his jazz trumpeter father gives him the trumpet he used to practice on when he was a boy with the hope that Tunde will focus some of his energy on the instrument.
Watch as Tunde works through frustration, around distractions, past laziness, doubt, and jealousy to become an accomplished trumpeter who makes his (hitherto exasperated) parents proud. In this story however, Frustration, Distractions, Laziness, Doubt and Jealousy are actual characters, like Tunde and his parents. Watch as these puppets come together in a music packed, high-energy show with a funkified soundtrack that celebrates the determination inherent in all of us.
Chisa Hutchinson's plays have been presented by such companies as the Lark Play Development Center, The Atlantic Theater Company, and Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. The recipient of many honors, "Tunde's Trumpet" is her second commission for City Parks Foundation, her first ever musical and her first play with puppets.
Director Kristin Horton transforms everyday materials and objects into a dynamic, imaginative and playful world peopled by puppets, jazz musicians, and spirits.
Salute to Hip-Hop featuring
ROB BASE and FUNKMASTER FLEX
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media
Tuesday, August 09
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Artist Website: http://www.robbase.net
Best known for his platinum hip-hop classic "It Takes Two," Rob Base along with childhood friend, DJ E-Z Rock rode their smash hit into R&B radio stations as well as dance clubs around the world and provided a touchstone for the style known as "hip-house," a mix of hip-hop rhymes infused with the musical stylings of dance music. Massive club and radio airplay helped the album go multi-platinum and earned Rob Base "Single of the Year" honors both in Spin Magazine and The Village Voice. His second single, "Get on the Dance Floor" continued Rob's dance appeal, with his lyrical skills retaining his street credentials as a rapper. The smash single, "Joy and Pain" is a classic hip-hop song that still plays all over the world.
Artist Website: http://www.funkflex.tv
For more than a decade, DJ Funkmaster Flex has reigned as America's number one hip-hop radio personality and reaches more than two million listeners a week on his radio show. Join Funkmaster Flex as he hosts Salute to Hip-Hop, a nationwide series of concerts that celebrates hip-hop and honors the generations of artists that have shaped it and carry on its influence today.
VASHAWN MITCHELL
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media and WLIB
Wednesday, August 10
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Artist Website: http://vashawnmitchell.emigospel.com/
Chicago native VaShawn Mitchell has made noteworthy contributions to the Gospel music scene that have defined and impacted churches and gospel communities nationwide. A noted songwriter and worship leader, his songs have been recorded by Gospel's most celebrated artists, including Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Bishop Paul Morton. On his Grammy nominated album Triumphant, he incorporates pop and rock sounds with a traditional gospel vibe that has thrilled audiences. Mitchell was inspired after connecting with people who have faced immense hardships, and many of his songs on Triumphant "express empathy as his voice implores, and embodies, optimism," according to The Chicago Tribune.
RYAN LESLIE
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media and WBLS
Thursday, August 11
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Artist Website: http://www.ryanleslie.com
Channeling musical talent from an early age, Ryan Leslie went from Harvard grad to music mogul. He rose to stardom in the music industry as a producer and songwriter with a mix of industry heavy hitters such as Beyoncé, LL Cool J, Britney Spears, and, notably, Cassie on "Me&U," which went to number one on the R&B charts. While supporting other artists, Leslie also dabbled in the music scene with his own music, releasing two albums within nine months - Ryan Leslie and Transition. The latter received a Grammy Award nomination and highlights Leslie's songwriting while telling the story about the rise and fall of a summer romance. Later this year, Leslie plans to release his third album, Les is More. He premiered the first single "Beautiful Lie" in Paris and "Breathe" in San Francisco. As famous for his savvy social media presence as his production talent, Leslie is quickly gaining worldwide attention for his unique R&B styling and sensual voice.
FORCES OF NATURE DANCE THEATRE / THE DASH ENSEMBLE
Hip-Hop Master Class with Theresa Lavington
Friday, August 12
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
7:00 pm - Dance Master Class by Theresa Lavington
8:00 pm - Performance
Artist Website: http://www.forcesofnature.org
Founded in 1981, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre has become a major player in the dance world, having produced numerous high quality ballets and performing around the world. With a creative matrix centered between the African and American cultural diaspora, its aesthetic has been critically acclaimed as thought provoking and creatively brilliant. By utilizing a unique blend of performing arts including contemporary dance, traditionAl West African dance, ballet, house, hip-hop and martial arts, the company has been at the forefront of redefining the experience of African-American dance.
SummerStage is pleased to present "The Best of Forces," four works that highlights the company's 30th anniversary.
Artist Website: http://www.thedashensemble.org
The DASH Ensemble founded by artistic director Gregory Dolbashian, is a diverse company of dance artists with a shared commitment to expanding the physical and theatrical boundaries of contemporary dance in the twenty-first century. The company has performed at venues all over New York including The Skirball Center, Dance Theater Workshop, and Symphony Space to much critical and audience acclaim.
The DASH Ensemble will present several works including an excerpt from their thrilling debut work, "SUNDOWNING" and highlights from their newest work, "Like the Eagle."
Master Class: A fun, energetic, and easy to follow dance workout fused with hip-hop, funk, and the latest dance moves.
CECILIA MARTA DANCE COMPANY with FRANCINE E. OTT/THE WALK
Coloring Movement Master Class with Camille A. Brown
Saturday, August 13
Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan
7:00 pm - Dance Master Class by Camille A. Brown
8:00 pm - Performance
Artist Website: http://www.ceciliamartadance.org
After many years of traveling the globe, Cecilia Marta returned to NYC with a vision to bring together a diverse and extraordinary group of dancers that would create the Cecilia Marta Dance Company (CMDC). The company's objective is to speak through the language of dance about the ritualistic rhythms and magical experiences Cecilia encountered throughout her life, and as a child growing up in Panama. As a multicultural dance company, CMDC is committed to celebrating diversity and unity by melding contemporary and traditional ballet, Latin roots infused with a world attitude, and nuances of earthy funk and soul.
Francine E. Ott is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and educator with numerous credits under her belt including Jacob's Pillow and The Mark Morris Dance Center. Ott's debut at SummerStage will find her company, The Walk performing, "A Delicate Balance" a work that is inspired by verses in the biblical books, Ezekiel and Ephesians. This piece shows how God can transform, restore and protect the human spirit. The choreographic movement is a spiritual hybrid of hip hop, house, modern, and African dance. These diverse styles of dance have been organically fused together to create a constant flow of the body, while unfolding a universal story of loss and redemption.
Master Class: This class combines elements of all dance styles and focuses on discovering ways to "color" one's movements with a dancer's grace and strength and will feature live drumming.
BACHATA HEIGHTZ
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media and La Mega
Tuesday, August 16
Highbridge Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Artist Website: http://www.myspace.com/officialbachataheightz
Born and raised in Washington Heights, Jerry Garcia, Jonathan Garcia, Jeffrey Cruz, Aneudy Hernandez and Diego Capellan formed Bachata Heightz to explore their musical interests while staying off the streets. The group was inspired by the tropical music of their Dominican roots as well as hip-hop and R&B. Combining these varying sounds, Bachata Heightz created urban bachata, which highlights their Latin heritage yet incorporates modern beats. As one of the first pioneers of this unique sound, they showcased it on their recording debut with Hector Acosta on "Me Puedo Matar," which reached the top five on the Billboard Latin Tropical chart. Soon after, they released their inaugural full-length album, The First featuring the singles "Te Busco" and "No Sabes Del Amor," becoming one of most influential groups in the Latin music scene.
HENRY SANTOS
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media and La Mega
Wednesday, August 17
Highbridge Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Aventura's Henry Santos is stepping into new territory with his premiere as a solo artist at SummerStage. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Santos had an interest in music since he was a child and further developed this passion when he moved to the United States at age 14. As "a diehard music fanatic," Santos has helped Aventura achieve phenomenal international success as a singer and composer. His compositions have secured Aventura as one of the most recognizable names in bachata music worldwide, catering to young Latinos in the US as well as audiences across Europe and Latin America. His hybrid "bachata with R&B, hip-hop and big-city attitude" sound has created a "juggernaut," according to The New York Times. With a successful track record with Aventura, Santos solo debut is highly anticipated by numerous fans.
ANDY ANDY
Presented in Association with Globe Star Media and La Mega
Thursday, August 18
Highbridge Park, Manhattan
Show at 7:00 pm
Dominican singer Andy Andy has emerged as one of a handful of musicians on the cutting edge of the bachata craze, beginning with his debut album, Aqui Conmigo. Infused with traditional Dominican folk music and contemporary bachata, Andy juxtaposes new and old sounds to reach a wide audience. With his sophomore album, Necesito un Amor, he was nominated for the Latin Grammy award for Best Contemporary Tropical Album. Andy Andy has topped the Billboard's Top Tropical Albums charts with Ironia, which featured Andy Andy's staple sounds - guitar and percussion driven, mid-tempo bachata rhythms and his mellifluous vocals that bring it all together. Its hit single, "Que Ironia" was multi-formatted as a ballad and in bachata and reggaeton styles. Andy Andy's success continued with the album Tu Me Haces Falta with his latest, Placer y Castiga peaking in the top 20 on the Billboard's Tropical Album chart.
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