Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Free Music This Summer In NYC

If you can't afford to hit all those "benefit" shows in Central Park there is still plenty of free music happening around town. Here's this year's line-up for the River To River Festival....

River to River® Festival 2006 Schedule of Events – as of 4.18.06

Thursday, 6/1/2006
River to River Launch Parade

Various Sites in Lower Manhattan, 12-noon – 2:00pm
This is no ordinary parade – in a River to River parade, EVERYONE can march. Join us as we present characters on stilts, do it yourself inflatable architecture, gigantic masks, brass bands, an orchestra of bicycle instruments and more! Produced in association with veteran parade producers Great Small Works. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder with Andy Statman, Carrie Rodriguez and Citigrass
Castle Clinton, 7:00pm
New York Tribute to Bluegrass
The legendary Ricky Skaggs will headline a Big Apple tribute to Bluegrass music at one of the oldest music venues in New York City. Ricky will be joined by Klezmer sensation Andy Statman, Brooklyn-by-way-of-Austin fiddler and songstress, Carrie Rodriguez, and Urban Bluegrass entrepreneurs Citigrass. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 6/2/06
Super Furry Animals
South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
Fusing a number of disparate musical genres - including power pop, punk-rock, techno, and progressive rock – this Welsh legend creates shimmering, melodic, irreverent, and willfully artsy rock & roll. With their ever-amazing visuals, this will no doubt be a rare evening you just shouldn’t miss. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 6/7/2006=
Jimmy Delgado Salso Con Dulzura Orquestra

Wagner Park, 7:00pm
World-renowned timbalero, Jimmy Delgado has played with several of the greatest musicians in Salsa music today including Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades and Tito Puentes. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Tuesday, 6/13/2006
Eels with Smoosh

World Financial Center Plaza, 7:00pm
Possessing a nearly pathologic dedication toward songcraft, Mark Oliver Everett, or E, front man of the ever-changing Eels roster has amassed an impressive song catalogue and picked up countless fans along the way. Making music since the age of six and releasing albums since 1992, virtually every one of his records has scored critical success and raves from the media. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 6/14/2006
Ralph Stanley with Tres Chicas

Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
Considered “one of the most important country musicians in the world,” Ralph Stanley has been honing his art since the 1940s. With nearly 200 albums, including his latest A Distant Land To Roam: Songs of The Carter Family, and three Grammys® to his credit, Stanley’s music is steeped in the rich culture of Appalachia and delivered in a high, forlorn tenor that seems to convey all the world’s grief and regret. Opening the show, Tres Chicas (Caitlin Cary, Lynn Blakey and Tonya Lamm) sing beautiful harmonies that convey sweet heartache and hope. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Tuesday, 6/20/2006
Son Volt

World Financial Center Plaza, 7:00pm
Mining America’s history – past and, especially, present – for source material, Son Volt’s front man Jay Farrar blends beautiful, quiet and often stark acoustic songs with noisy, searing country-punk-flavored rock songs. His work often seeks out the ghosts of America’s discordant or forgotten past. He converses at length with them, and writes songs that stake claim to a better future. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 6/22/2006
REVEALED

World Financial Center Plaza
Performance dates: June 22–25, 12-noon – 2:00pm
Installation dates: May 24-June 25, Wednesday–Sunday, 12-noon – 6:00pm
A public art installation/event by site-artist Stephan Koplowitz, Revealed is a two-fold public art installation. First, as a sculptural object designed by KBAS (Keith Kaseman and Julie Beckman), it is a room-sized, walk-in camera obscura that offers the public the unique experience of one of the world’s first imaging technologies. Second, it serves as a platform for Koplowitz and his performers-in-residence to investigate the creation of site-specific events. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 6/28/2006
Dr. John
Battery Park City Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
On the heels of his new album, Mercernary: The Songs of Johnny Mercer, legendary singer and pianist Dr. John pays tribute to this giant of American pop music. The New Orleans native will interpret a handful of Mercer’s classic tunes live through his personalized blend of zydeco and creole funk. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 6/30/2006
Amy Rigby and Robbie Fulks

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This critically acclaimed New York singer is known for her witty, outspoken lyrics and country-influenced rock sound. Robbie Fulks displays an offbeat, sometimes dark, sense of humor with his country/roots-rock hybrid. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Tuesday, 7/4/2006
Belle and Sebastian

Battery Park, 3:30pm
Our annual Independence Day Concert showcases the Scottish sensation Belle and Sebastian. This seven-piece band has an intimate, majestic sound that is equal parts folk-rock and '60s pop. Bring a blanket, enjoy the vistas and music! Tickets required. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

River to River Presents Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular Downtown
Various East River viewing locations, 9:00pm
Ignite the lights of freedom! It's the nation's biggest birthday bash, with over 120,000 bursts of color and light! Witness a dazzling tribute to America with this dramatic display of breathtaking pyrotechnics overlooking New York's East River and South Seaport. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 7/6/2006
Mates of State

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, 7:00pm
Married indie-pop duo, Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, have been performing as Mates of State since 1997. With a relentless touring schedule, they have honed their skills live and gained fans all across the country. Their newest CD, Bring It Back, showcases their catchy, melodic pop songs. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Monday, 7/10/2006
Cameron Carpenter, organ

Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University, 7:30pm
America's young organist and Julliard graduate Cameron Carpenter has dazzled audiences wherever he performs. He has been enthusiastically acclaimed for his passionate music making, virtuosity and stylistic flair. Tickets required - available after 4pm day of show or reserved in advance via an email to culture@Pace.edu.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 7/12/2006
Maude Maggart with Tony Desare

Battery Park City Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
Cabaret phenom Maude Maggart began her career in 2001 in West Hollywood at The Gardenia, legendary launching pad of her mentors Andrea Marcovicci and Michael Feinstein. Receiving rave reviews for her shows and albums, the chanteuse embodies a past musical era with a penchant for the early 20th century song and a voice imbued with an eerie, haunting quality. The coolly elegant singer, songwriter and pianist Tony DeSare, leading an equally cool jazz trio, will open the show with his blend of American Songbook classics and original tunes. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 7/13/2006
Okkervil River

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, 7:00pm
Okkervil River’s original sound - profoundly lyrical with folk-rock inspirations and alternative rock sways - will bring their visionary sound to Battery Park. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 7/14/2006
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men with Chatham County Line

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
Dave Alvin, former front man of the legendary group the Blasters, is an instrumental figure in the roots-rock scene of the early eighties. His solo work masterfully blends blues, country and folk influences with rock and roll. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 7/14/06 – Saturday, 8/19/06
Buteo Huang: Starry Sky Kite Exhibition

World Financial Center Winter Garden, 9:00am–11:00pm daily
The Taiwan Today: Traditional Arts, Contemporary Artists festival continues with an exhibition of 258 dazzling kites by award-winning kite master and designer Buteo Huang, widely known for introducing groundbreaking innovation to the kiting world.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Monday, 7/17/2006
Svet Stoyanov, percussion; Joseph Lin, violin

Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University, 7:30pm
Bulgarian-born percussion phenomenon Svet Stoyanov returns to River to River following his triumphant debut last year. The Boston Globe has described violinist Joseph Lin as “simply stupendous.” Tickets required - available after 4pm day of show or reserved in advance via an email to culture@Pace.edu.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com.

Tuesday, 7/18/2006
Terry Allen

World Financial Center Plaza, 7:00pm
Among country music’s constellation of stars, Terry Allen may shine brighter than the rest. Combining his talents as a visual artist, playwright and musician, he crafts exquisite, image-rich songs in which he applies words and instrumental textures with the skill of a master painter. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 7/19/2006
Conjunto Clasico

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This groundbreaking Salsa band merges New York-style salsa music with Puerto Rican influences to create a sensational new sound. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Little Feat
Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
Formed in Los Angeles in 1969, Little Feat was one of the most popular Southern California Roots Rock bands of their era. Bringing strains of blues, R&B, country, jazz and rock styles together to create a signature sound, the band has amassed a devoted following of fans. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 7/20/2006
Josh Rouse

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, 7:00pm
Having lived in almost 10 U.S. states and recorded his last album in Spain, Rouse is set to perform his passionate and melancholy music under the open sky at Castle Clinton. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 7/20/2006
Sugar Hill Gang

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This pioneering group from The Bronx is one of the most influential artists in the history of rap music and modern R&B. "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap song to hit the top 40 charts and helped give rap worldwide appeal. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Monday, 7/24/2006
Thomas Meglioranza, baritone; Reiko Uchida, piano

Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University, 7:30pm
American baritone Thomas Meglioranza has been hailed for his compelling artistry and the expressive warmth of his voice. Pianist Reiko Uchida who has performed solo and chamber music concerts throughout the world to great acclaim will accompany. Tickets required - available after 4pm day of show or reserved in advance via an email to culture@Pace.edu.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Tuesday, 7/25/2006
Dianne Reeves

World Financial Center Plaza, 7:00pm
Dianne Reeves is perhaps the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world today. As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique R&B and jazz stylings, she was awarded the Grammy® for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 7/26/2006
The Spinners

Battery Park City Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
Boasting four lead singers, The Spinners have always made timeless music with a classic group sound and approach that never loses its universal appeal. Throughout the years, they have earned twelve Gold Records and have climbed to the top of both pop and R&B charts. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 7/26/2006
Ray Sepulveda

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This singer, who got his start in the New York City Salsa scene of the early eighties, has released six solo albums and consistently thrills audiences with his enthusiastic live performances. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 7/27/2006
The Hold Steady

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, 7:00pm
Freewheeling and dramatic, The Hold Steady will rock the Castle with their theatrical melodies in a unique accousitc performance. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 7/28/2006
Richard Hawley with Nicolai Dunger

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This English singer-songwriter crafts melodic pop-rock songs in the tradition of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. Sweden's Nicolai Dunger recalls the joyful, pastoral soul of vintage Van Morrison with the melancholy crooning of Jeff Buckley. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Monday, 7/31/2006
Jie Chen, piano

Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University. 7:30pm
Twenty-year-old pianist Jie Chen, winner of the 2006 Young Concert Artists Auditions and the Piano-e Competition, has already performed on stages around the world in recitals and with leading orchestras. Tickets required - available after 4pm day of show or reserved in advance via an email to culture@Pace.edu.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/2/2006
Bio Ritmo

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This established nine-member band has an authentic sound that reminds listeners of Latin dance pop from the 1970s. They specialize in classic Salsa and Rumba with an experimental twist. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Hot August Night
A Neil Diamond Celebration
Battery Park City Rockefeller Park, 7:00pm
Thirty-four years ago at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Neil Diamond recorded the best live album ever. In fact Hot August Night is still his best-selling album. Celebrating this monumental achievement, several downtown singing celebs, backed up by a top-notch nine-piece band, will take turns interpreting his classic songs. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 8/3/2006
Dave Holland Quintet

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, 7:00pm
Perhaps the most accomplished jazz composer among bassists, Holland’s expertise with Swing is going to make for an unforgettable evening during this last Castle Clinton show of 2006. Tickets are distributed two per person on a first-come first-served basis outside of Castle Clinton, at 5pm day of show. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 8/4/2006
Hot Chip

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This on-the-rise band from London has been impressing critics all over with a unique blend of rock and electronic music. Their quirky songs and impressive live show are contributing to their growing popularity and success. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Monday, 8/7/2006
Brasil Guitar Duo

Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University, 7:30pm
Young revelations of the guitar world, this exciting duo has taken top prizes in major competitions in Brazil and Germany. Their wide repertoire includes traditional Brazilian music such as samba, choro and baiao. Tickets required - available after 4pm day of show or reserved in advance via an email to culture@Pace.edu.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/9/2006
Son Boricua featuring Jose Mangual and Jimmy Sabater

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
Well-known vocalist Jimmy Sabater and percussionist Jose Mangual lead this seven-piece band’s remarkable blend of traditional Salsa with a new, refreshing twist. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Saturday, 8/12/2006
River to River presents the Mountain Stage NewSong New York! Contest

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
Now in its fifth year, the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest is one of the nation's premier showcases of emerging performing songwriters of all genres. River to River is proud to present the first annual New York City Regional Round, where local artists compete to advance to the national finals round and a chance to perform on an internationally broadcast Mountain Stage Show. For information on how to compete in NewSong New York! visit the River to River website. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/16/2006
Conjunto Imagen

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
This six-piece, New York-based Salsa band has released 11 albums in the last 15 years specializing in spirited, upbeat rhythms that encourage dance-floor partipation from people of all ages and all walks of life. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/16/2006
Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours

Wagner Park, 7:00pm
Trombonist, composer and arranger Papo Vazquez boasts a twisted variation on traditional themes and uses terms like Jibaro Waltz, Plena Funk, Bomba and Mapeye Jazz to help describe his music. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 8/18/2006
The Box Tops featuring Alex Chilton

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm
The Box Tops gained popularity in the ‘60s with their carefree brand of blue-eyed soul. Singer Alex Chilton went on to gain cult status with Big Star and as a solo artist. This is sure to be an amazing night with the original lineup of this legendary band. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/23/2006
Luisito Carrion and Orquestra

Wagner Park, 7:00pm
Salsa vocalist Luisito Carrion started performing at the age of thirteen in his father’s band, Orquesta Kafe. Since then, this in-demand singer has been the voice behind myriad hits. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Friday, 8/25/2006
Ted Leo + Pharmacists

South Street Seaport, Pier 17, 7:00pm.
Ted Leo has played some now legendary shows at the Seaport and the story
continues with one of the hottest shows of any summer.
www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Wednesday, 8/30/2006
Michael Stuart & Orquestra

Wagner Park, 7:00pm
The music of award-winning New York singer Michael Stuart is not easily categorized. Reflecting his varied interests, his sound mixes rock, R&B, hip-hop and electronica with traditional Salsa. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

Thursday, 9/7/2006
Jose Alberto "El Canario" & Orquestra

Wagner Park, 7:00pm
Dominican-born salsa vocalist, José Alberto, also known as "El Canario," is noted for his exceptional voice, unique style and superior improvisational skills garnering him acclaim from his peers and legions of adoring fans. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com

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