Here’s how you know it’s August. There’s a lot to see and hear at East River Park in the coming week. Summerstage kicks off its free Lower East Side productions beginning tomorrow (Wednesday evening).
First up — a show from Nuyorican Poets Cafe — an evening featuring three female wordsmiths. They include: Jamaican-born spoken word artist Staceyann Chin, who “unapologetically identifies as Caribbean and Black, Asian and lesbian, woman and resident of New York City;” outspoken playwright and poet Ntozake Shange; and New York City-based poet (and founder of Project VOICE) Sarah Kay. 7-9 p.m.
On Thursday, the Stefanie Batten Bland Company pairs its high energy dance style with Burnt Sugar, the futuristic jazz ensemble. The evening begins with a dance workshop (meant for all ages and levels) with Calvin Wiley Dance. 7-9 p.m.
On Friday, Puerto Rican singer Andrés “Andy” Montañez is the star attraction in the bandshell. There will be a 6 p.m. dance workshop, “Rhythm & Power: ¡Dance Nueva York!” in association with the Museum of the City of New York. 7-9 p.m.
On Saturday, new singing sensation, 19-year-old R & B star Khalid takes the stage. His debut album came out in March, rising immediately to number 1. Rolling Stone calls Khalid, “a pop prodigy with a lovely, leathery voice and a knack for big, breezy sing-songs…” 5-7 p.m.
On Sunday, “a medley of the best DJs and special guests from across NYC” throw a “classic house and funk dance party.” It’s a celebration of Funkbox NYC host Evelyn Santos. Guest DJ’s Jellybean Benitez and Danny Krivit join in, and there will be a performance by D-Train. 4-7 p.m.
