MAY 22, 2006
Central Park Summerstage Announces 2006 Lineup
Many World Music Acts On Tap For Venerable NY Concert Series
by Tom PryorEarlier this week Central Park Summerstage, New York City's long-running free concert series, officially announced its lineup for the 2006 season. The series, celebrating its third decade this year, will offer an eclectic mix of music, film, dance, and spoken word every weekend from July 2nd until August 15th. As always, musical acts from around the globe will be a key part of the mix.
Kicking things off on July 2nd will be Brazilian crooner Seu Jorge, best known in the States for his bossa nova takes on David Bowie classics in the 2004 film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.
More world music programming will feature Egyptian singer Hakim (July 8th); French DJ troupe Birdy Nam Nam, Malian rockers Amadou & Mariam and Afro-Parisian popster Daby Toure (July 16); DJ Cheb i Sabbah teamed with Pakistani singer Riffat Salamat Sultana (July 22nd); and Congolese "bush rockers" Konono N°1, Senegalese rap trio Daara J and Mexican alterna-rocker legends Maldita Vecindad (July 23rd).
Other internationally-themed offerings include screenings from the 4th Annual New York Brazilian Film Festival, and a pairing of UK "Garage" rapper Lady Sovereign with legendary New York rappers Pete Rock and Jean Grae, curated by DJ Rekha—a veteran of New York's "Asian Underground" scene. For complete listings and other information, please consult the Central Park Summerstage website.