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Mitchell, New York City Opera Set For 2009 River To River Festival In NYC
By: Gabrielle Sierra Apr. 15, 2009
Click Here for More on STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Making music to the ears of budget-conscious audiences, the River To River® Festival today unveiled a stellar line-up of completely free music, dance, and cultural events that firmly establishes Lower Manhattan as the city's summer arts capital.
Named one of the ten New York cultural institutions "we can't live without" by Time Out New York and a "must-visit for urban arts aficionados" by the New York Post, the River To River Festival is New York's largest free summer arts festival. Founded in 2002 to revitalize Lower Manhattan by bringing the arts to new audiences and new artists to public attention, the festival draws hundreds of thousands of people each year to venues along downtown's spectacular waterfront, including the World Financial Center, The Seaport, Rockefeller Park, Battery Park, and Castle Clinton National Monument.The 2009 River To River Festival's schedule is just as ambitious as years past, with free events - from established stars like Arlo Guthrie, Conor Oberst, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company to hotly-tipped artists like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Jenny Lewis, and choreographer Jonah Bokaer to wildly fun, cutting edge extravaganzas like The Bang on a Can Marathon and The Big Draw - taking place almost daily.The full preliminary schedule follows:
May 31, 2009 12:00pm-12:00amBANG ON A CAN MARATHON
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center Winter Garden This 12-hour torrent of boundary-smashing music features performances by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Bill Frisell, Tortoise, plus many others. This year's line-up includes music composed by Gavin Bryars, Michael Gordon, David Lang, Julia Wolfe, Evan Ziporyn, and many more.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comMay 31, 2009 3:30pm, 4:30pm
June 06, 2009 3:30pm, 4:30pm
June 07, 2009 3:30pm, 4:30pm
June 13, 2009 3:30pm, 4:30pm
SITELINES: WHITE BY ZVI DANCE
Fort Jay, Governor's Island
Zvi Gotheiner collaborates with composer Scott Killian using the Fort's eerie sense of abandonment to reflect on our attempts to feel secure by arming our borders.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 01, 2009 7:30pm
SUMMER STARS: FELIX LAJKO WITH ANTAL BRASNYO
3 Spruce Street - Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University Hungarian violinist Félix Lajkó fuses folk, jazz, Gypsy, and Jewish klezmer music to create a unique and energetic musical style. Known for his charismatic performances, Lajkó has collaborated with everyone from Japanese Butoh dancer Min Tanaka to the French rock band Noir Désir. Here he will perform with violinist Antal Brasnyo as part of Extremely Hungary, a yearlong festival celebrating Hungarian arts and culture in New York and D.C.
FREE. Tickets are required, available after 4:00pm day of show at the box office. www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 03, 2009 1:00pm, 7:00pm
June 04, 2009 1:00pm, 7:00pm
June 05, 2009 1:00pm, 7:00pm
June 06, 2009 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm
Women's Project GLOBAL COOLING: THE WOMEN CHILL 220 Vesey Street, World Financial Center Global warming. Do you find it chilling? Come see this theatrical extravaganza, created by the talented playwrights, directors and producers of the Women's Project Lab. This thrilling world premiere facilitates a guided tour through the maze of one of the largest financial complexes in NYC while interpreting environmental issues through an interconnected series of site-specific original pieces.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 3, 2009 7:00pm
Brian Stokes Mitchell
Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street Christened "the last leading man" by the New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell performs Broadway classics, including highlights from a career that includes a Tony Award® for "Kiss Me Kate" and celebrated performances in "Ragtime" and "Man of La Mancha".
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 10, 2009 7:00pm
POETIC CITY: A CELEBRATION OF POETS HOUSE IN AN OUTDOOR EVENING OF POETRY & MUSIC WITH SPECIAL GUEST Meredith Monk Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street Music by Meredith Monk and poetry readings by Jane Hirshfield, Ed Sanders, Brenda Shaughnessy and Major Jackson at the Pavilion.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 13, 2009 12:00pm
CHILDREN'S DAY AT THE SEAPORT
The Seaport, Pier 17
The Seaport once again presents this beloved annual free family event. Highlights this year include Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine, Rebecca Frezza and Bog Truc, The Seaport Express Train Ride, the Arts & Crafts Pavillion and more. And, of course, the spectacular Target Fireworks! 12:00 noon - 5:00pm, with evening fireworks at 8:00pm. www.childrensdaynyc.com FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 15, 2009 12:30pm,1:30pm
June 17, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
June 19, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
June 22, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
June 24, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
June 26, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
June 27, 2009 12:30pm, 1:30pm
SITELINES: FANFARE BY Naomi Goldberg HAAS/DANCES FOR A VARIABLE POPULATION Whitehall Terminal for the Staten Island Ferry Groups of dancers of diverse ages perform to whimsically remixed compositions from Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" by the minimalist composer Michael Nyman.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 15, 2009 7:30pm
SUMMER STARS: MARK O'CONNOR & FRIENDS
3 Spruce Street - Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University Described as "one of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music today" by the Los Angeles Times, superstar violinist Mark O'Connor is a product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical and flamenco music. An accomplished and admired composer as well as solo performer, his compositions have been played and recorded by artists including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer, violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and guitarist Sharon Isbin. Currently a resident of New York City, O'Connor is the founder and president of the internationally recognized Mark O'Connor String Camp, to be held for the first time in New York City in the summer of 2009 FREE. Tickets are required, available after 4:00pm day of show at the box office. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 17, 2009 7:00pm
Chuck Brown & THE SOUL SEARCHERS
Rockefeller Park, River Terrace
The Godfather of Go-Go and his backing ensemble, the Soul Searchers, bring blazing soul and funky R&B beats from his Washington D.C. hometown. It's been a non-stop dance party since 1978's "Bustin' Loose".
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 19, 2009 12:00pm
IN THE LOOP
220 Vesey Street
Are you a crafter? Join our knitting and crocheting club to create garments for charitable organizations.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 20, 2009 1:00pm, 4:00pm
AMERICAN BALLROOM THEATER COLORS OF THE RAINBOW TEAM MATCH 220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Talented dancers from New York City public schools compete for the grand prize as they Fox Trot, Merengue, Rumba, Swing and Tango their way to the gold.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 22, 2009 7:30pm
SUMMER STARS: SOO BAE
3 Spruce Street - Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University Praised by The New Yorker as "superb," with a sound described as "rich and romantic with crisp incisive technique" by The Strad, cellist Soo Bae was recognized in September 2006 by her home country of Canada as the top young cellist in the nation when she garnered First Prize in the Canada Council of the Arts Instrument Bank competition, resulting in a three-year loan of the ca. 1696 Bonjour Stradivari cello.
FREE. Tickets are required, available after 4:00pm day of show at the box office. www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 24, 2009 7:00pm
Ian Hunter
Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street As frontman for rock's legendary Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter attained superstardom with the hit "All the Young Dudes," featuring David Bowie on backing vocals. Cited as a major inspiration for bands as diverse as the Clash, Kiss, REM, and Oasis, Hunter continues to flaunt his originality on such acclaimed solo albums as "All American Alien Boy" and "You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic."
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 25, 2009 7:00pm
NEW YORK CITY OPERA: THE MAGIC FLUTE
Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street The River To River Festival brings New York City Opera's popular Opera For All program to Rockefeller Park with a one-hour version of Mozart's The Magic Flute, sung in English and featuring New York City Opera soloists and orchestra. The Magic Flute is an ideal introductory opera, offering familiar tunes, colorful characters, rollicking comedy, and an upbeat message for audiences of all ages.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 26, 2009 7:00pm
NEW YORK CITY OPERA: LA NAVARRAISE
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden The River To River Festival brings New York City Opera's popular Opera for All program to the World Financial Center's Winter Garden with a concert performance of La Navarraise, a rarely performed Massenet opera. This gripping one-act work, turbulent love story unfolds against the backdrop of civil war in Spain. Performed by the New York City Opera soloists and orchestra, La Navarraise reveals the composer of Manon and Thais at his lyrical best.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJune 27, 2009 7:00pm
NEW YORK CITY OPERA: OPERA AL FRESCO
The Seaport, Pier 17
The River To River Festival brings New York City Opera's popular Opera for All program to The Seaport with a concert program of beloved arias, duets and overtures that have become part of American popular culture. Highlights include excerpts from La bohème and Madama Butterfly, performed by New York City Opera soloists and orchestra.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com June 29, 2009 7:30pm
SUMMER STARS: BRASIL GUITAR DUO
3 Spruce Street - Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University In describing the Brasil Guitar Duo, Classical Guitar Magazine exclaims: "The maturity of musicanship and technical virtuosity is simply outstanding." With a full touring schedule on two continents, critically acclaimed recordings and innovative programming featuring a seamless blend of traditional and Brazilian works, the Duo has quickly emerged as one of the preeminent guitar duos of its generation.
FREE. Tickets are required, available after 4:00pm day of show at the box office. www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 01, 2009 12:30pm
July 08, 2009 12:30pm
July 15, 2009 12:30pm
July 22, 2009 12:30pm
July 29, 2009 12:30pm
LUNCHTIME MUSIC AT ZUCOTTI PARK
Broadway and Liberty Street
New York's emerging artists perform lunchtime tunes for Downtown crowds.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 1, 2009 7:00pm
TIFT MERRITT WITH Sarah Lee GUTHRIE AND JOHNNY IRION Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street With her gently, twangy melodies, Tift Merritt was championed early in her career by alt-country superstar Ryan Adams. Since then, she's been nominated for a Grammy® Award, and her latest album guarantees her continued ascent into the country music pantheon. Opening is folk-rock duo Sarah Lee Guthrie (daughter of Arlo) and Johnny Irion, whose sweet harmonies recall the collaborations of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 03, 2009 6:00pm
SEAPORT MUSIC: HERE WE GO MAGIC WITH BACHELORETTE and GUEST DJ The Seaport, Pier 17 Luke Temple, the singer/songwriter who's already garnered success under his own name, is joined by his bandmates to create groovy, psychedelic jams.
Bachelorrette is a one-woman band consisting of Annabel Alpers, with astonishing songs of loss, longing, and astronomy.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 04, 2009 3:30pm
CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND WITH JENNY LEWIS State Street and Battery Place Conor Oberst's unique brand of roots Americana folk rock has gained him significant acclaim and set him on a trajectory to widespread popularity. His prolific songwriting and leading voice led him to create and take to the road with The Mystic Valley Band in 2008. Their collaboration on his self-titled album, earned him "Best Songwriter" by Rolling Stone magazine, while their latest album, "Outer South", makes for a multi-textured and enticing musical symbiosis. Bring a blanket and come Downtown to enjoy the songs that have earned them a dedicated following. Jenny Lewis has transformed before our eyes from a shy indie-rocker to the authoritative, take-no-prisoners singer/songwriter/frontwoman we know today. Tack-sharp and unafraid, channeling songs through either Rilo Kiley or her solo work, her staggering range has brought her critical acclaim around the globe.
This year this event is not ticketed, but space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 06, 2009 12:30pm
July 08, 2009 7:00pm
July 10, 2009 12:30pm
July 13, 2009 12:30pm
July 15, 2009 7:00pm
July 17, 2009 12:30pm
SITELINES: BLIND FOLD BY DANIEL ARSHAM, JONAH BOKAER & JUDITH SANCHEZ RUIZ Location TBD The site-specific collaboration examines pattern recognition and perceptual faculties as they apply to the human body. Sculptural objects, lighting and media create the illusion of expanded space.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 06, 2009 Beginning at sundown, approximately 8:00pm MOVIE NIGHTS ON THE ELEVATED ACRE: THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street
(1955) When Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell), a married man, is left alone during a hot summer, he fantasizes madly about the impossibly gorgeous woman (Marilyn Monroe) living in the upstairs apartment. When she finally comes downstairs and becomes friends (confiding, among other things, that she keeps her undies in the icebox in this hot weather), imagination meets reality in a merciless attack on the male libido. Billy Wilder directs this classic comedy famous for the scene in which Monroe's dress is blown skyward by a passing subway train. Tonight's movie is preceded by a screening of short films by Jeanne liotta.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 07, 2009 9:00pm
SCANNER & MOUNTAINS
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Scanner composes multi-layered sonic pieces that traverse the experimental terrain between sound and form. Mountains create hypnotic soundscapes by blending electronic noise and acoustic instruments.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 8, 2009 7:00pm
LEAVING MILES' ON THE CORNER
Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street Badal Roy (tablas) and Michael Henderson (bass), players on Miles Davis' controversial 1972 jazz-funk classic "On The Corner", partner with visionary guitarist Kenny Wessell (Ornette Coleman) and this amazing ensemble stepping off where "On The Corner" left off. Joining Roy, Henderson, and Wessell is Mike Clark (drums), Steven Gorn (woodwinds), Graham Haynes (trumpet), Daniel Moreno (percussion), Rudresh Mahanthappa (saxophone), and Michael Wolff (keyboards).
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 09, 2009 12:30pm
LUMINESCENT ORCHESTRII
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Plaza Luminescent Orchestrii is Romanian gypsy melodies, punk frenzy, salty tangos, rocking klezmer, hip-hop beats and Appalachian fiddle, performed by violins, guitar, bullhorn harmonica and bass.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 10, 2009 12:30pm
LUMINESCENT ORCHESTRII
One New York Plaza, corner of Whitehall and Water Streets Luminescent Orchestrii is Romanian gypsy melodies, punk frenzy, salty tangos, rocking klezmer, hip-hop beats and Appalachian fiddle, performed by violins, guitar, bullhorn harmonica and bass.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 10, 2009 6:00pm
SEAPORT MUSIC: THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART The Seaport, Pier 17 POBPAH is a New York four-piece who plays sweet & noisy POP with boy/girl vocals, blissful melodies and blistering drums. Additional artist and guest DJ to be announced.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 13, 2009 Beginning at sundown, approximately 8:00pm MOVIE NIGHTS ON THE ELEVATED ACRE: THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street
(1974) The original heart-stopping, taut thriller by Joseph Sargent, about four armed men who hijack a New York City subway train and hold it and its passengers for ransom, is a classic starring Walter Matthau, who heads a fine cast that includes Jerry Stiller, Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, and Robert Shaw. Lt. Zachary Garber of the New York City Transit Police must contend with City Hall red tape, the unrelenting demands of the hijackers, and the ever-ticking clock in his efforts to save the passengers. May not be suitable for children. Featuring videos by world-renowned experimental filmmaker Seoungho Cho.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 14, 2009 9:00pm
ANTHONY GONZALEZ (of M83) & JANET BIGGS
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Anthony Gonzalez, M83's chief stargazer, performs a dreamy, ambient DJ set. The night begins with a screening of Vanishing Point by video artist Janet Biggs.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 15, 2009 7:00pm
LUISITO ROSARIO Y SU ORQUESTA
Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street Crowds will be on their feet as celebrated salsa singer Luisito Rosario and his orchestra take the stage at Wagner Park.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 16, 2009 7:00pm
FOUR NIGHTS OF PEACE, LOVE & MUSIC: A CASTLE CLINTON TRIBUTE TO WOODSTOCK - "IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR" STEVEN BERNSTEIN'S MILLENNIAL TERRITORY ORCHESTRA PLAYS THE MUSIC OF SLY & THE FAMILY STONE Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park at State Street Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra creates an evening that features the music of Sly & the Family Stone with special guests that include legendary Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and an array of vocalists including Sandra Saint Victor, Shilpa Ray and others. Steven Bernstein is a trumpeter, bandleader, arranger and composer who lives outside of musical convention. Join us for this one-of-a-kind show that pays homage to Woodstock's 40th anniversary year. Tickets will be distributed 2 per person, outside Castle Clinton on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00PM on the day of the show. FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 16, 2009 12:30pm
EMMET COHEN TRIO
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Jazz prodigy Emmet Cohen has garnered praise for his sophisticated phrasing and compositions. Come see this up-and-coming talent dazzle audiences on the piano.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 17, 2009 12:30pm
EMMET COHEN TRIO
One New York Plaza, corner of Whitehall and Water Streets Jazz prodigy Emmet Cohen has garnered praise for his sophisticated phrasing and compositions. Come and see this up-and-coming talent dazzle audiences on the piano.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 17, 2009 6:00pm
SEAPORT MUSIC: To be announced
The Seaport, Pier 17
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 18, 2009 11:00am-4:00pm
THE BIG DRAW
The Bosque in Battery Park; Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian; World Financial Center, Winter Garden Co-produced with The Drawing Center, The Big Draw features amazing artist-led projects for all ages at Downtown cultural venues. Pick up a free sketchbook and join us!
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 20, 2009 Beginning at sundown, approximately 8:00pm MOVIE NIGHTS ON THE ELEVATED ACRE: West Side Story Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street
(1961) This landmark, Academy Award-winning musical re-tells the story of Romeo and Juliet in the hardscrabble, ethnic neighborhoods of 1950s-era New York. Robert Wise directs Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno in a film with many amazing dance sequences, choreographed by Jerome Robbins and performed on-location to music and songs by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Featuring a screening of short films by legendary filmmaker Stephen Koplowitz.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 20, 2009 6:00pm
July 21, 2009 6:00pm
July 22, 2009 6:00pm
July 23, 2009 1:00pm
July 27, 2009 6:00pm
July 28, 2009 6:00pm
July 29, 2009 6:00pm
July 30, 2009 1:00pm
SITELINES: A SPACE FUNK INVASION BY NICHOLAS LEICHTER DANCE The Seaport, at Fulton and Front Streets Nicholas Leichter and Monstah Black bring the energy, sweat, swagger, history and future of funk music, culture, fashion, and dance to The Seaport.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 21, 2009 9:00pm
KARSH KALE and TIMELINE & GAMELATRON
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Visionary artist Karsh Kale creates his hybrid sound by bringing classical Indian music into the rock/electronic vernacular. GamelaTron, a robotic gamelan "orchestra," opens the show.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 22, 2009 7:00pm
FRANKIE NEGRÒN
Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street Budding superstar Frankie Negròn - currently with nine Billboard Top 40 Hot Latin tracks under his belt - flavors his salsa hits with a unique blend of pop, rock, gospel, and hip-hop.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 23, 2009 12:30pm
JUNIOR MANCE
220 Vesey Street - World Financial Center, Winter Garden Pianist and Jazz Hall of Famer Junior Mance has performed since his teens and worked with jazz legends including Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley and Dizzy Gillespie.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 23, 2009 7:00pm
FOUR NIGHTS OF PEACE, LOVE & MUSIC: A CASTLE CLINTON TRIBUTE TO WOODSTOCK -- Richie Havens Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park at State Street Richie Haven's soulful singing style has remained as unique and ageless as when he first emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene. He went on to electrify the audiences at Woodstock and today continues to inspire us through his melodic messages of brotherhood and freedom. Tickets will be distributed 2 per person, outside Castle Clinton on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00PM on the day of the show.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 24, 2009 12:30pm
JUNIOR MANCE
One New York Plaza, corner of Whitehall and Water Streets Pianist and Jazz Hall of Famer Junior Mance has performed since his teens and worked with jazz legends, including Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley and Dizzy Gillespie.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 24, 2009 6:00pm
SEAPORT MUSIC: BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW The Seaport, Pier 17 BMSR has crept from the forests and cities to make Eating Us, their dark bubblegum freakout for 2009. This is their return to the Seaport. Additional artist and guest DJ to be announced.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.comJuly 27, 2009 Beginning at sundown, approximately 8:00pm MOVIE NIGHTS ON THE ELEVATED ACRE: SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street
(1957) J. J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster) is a tyrannical Broadway columnist for the New York Globe who rules his demimonde with the press's power to create or destroy. Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) is the hustling publicist who is consumed by desperate ambition and hates himself because of it; he will do anything to gain the admiration of Hunsecker. Shot on location in midtown with dialogue by Clifford Odets, this film captures the hardscrabble world of New York City journalism. Featuring a short film screening by New York filmmaker Peter Hutton.
FREE www.RiverToRiverNYC.com
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