Riverside Park Free Events - May 2008

From Riverside Park's website:

Calendar of Events: Musical/Dance Event
May 2008

Spring Overlook Concerts: Wind Ensemble
02:00 PM– on Sunday, May 11, 2008
116th Street Overlook (on the lower level of the Park)
Join Riverside Park Fund for this free concert with the Columbia University Wind Ensemble, directed by Andrew Pease. Wind, brass and percussion instruments from early Italian music to John Phillips Sousa.Categories: Musical/Dance Event

5th Annual Mamapalooza Outdoor Extravaganza
12:00 PM–05:00 PM on Sunday, May 18, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Moms Rock! Celebrate mothers and the people who love them at our annual music and art-filled afternoon, featuring performances by mom bands Swingset Mamas, Housewives On Prozac, and tot rocker AudraRox. There will also be a Gymboree Play Tent, mom-inspired arts & crafts, food, fun and more! Fun for all ages
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Spring Overlook Concerts: Jazz
02:00 PM– on Sunday, May 18, 2008
116th Street Overlook (on the lower level of the Park)
Join Riverside Park Fund for this free concert with the Manhattan School of Music’s Saylor Sunday Experience, directed by Joe Saylor. Jazz classics as well as exciting new music will be presented by this talented group.Categories: Musical/Dance Event

Spring Overlook Concerts: Brass Quintet
02:00 PM– on Sunday, May 25, 2008
116th Street Overlook (on the lower level of the Park)
Join Riverside Park Fund for this free concert with the Manhattan School of Music’s DEA Horns, Quintet, directed by Burt Mason. The rousing sound of horns from Renaissance through patriotic American music.Categories: Musical/Dance Event

RCTA Sunset Concert: Classical
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, June 07, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. The Musica Bella Orchestra of New York bring their unique brand of classical music to the RCTA lawns. Rain date: Sunday, June 8; 7:00 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Kid Acts! Afternoon Performance and Dance Party!
02:00 PM–04:00 PM on Sunday, June 08, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Shout along, laugh out loud, and rock out at our monthly afternoon dance & performance parties featuring rock-n-roll, silly stunts and comic magic. Special thanks to our media partner metropolitanmoms.com.
This week’s performer: Imagination in Motion / David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks Band. Paul Rajeckas and Neil Intraub of Imagination in Motion, are like a modern day Laurel & Hardy. Their sense of play and resilient on-stage friendship enable them to explore themes of conflict, power and control without losing sight of their humanity. Mr. Weinstone writes songs for children growing up urban and particularly as New Yorkers (with titles like “Annie the Nanny,” “Modern Art,” “Playdate” and “Taxi”) So come out to hear the electro-funk of “Big Boom Whacker” or the whimsical blues of “Belly Button Song” performed live.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Let's Dance!
06:00 PM–09:00 PM on Sunday, June 08, 2008
70th Street Pier Plaza
Learn to dance like a pro at these salsa, swing and hustle lessons and group dances led by top instructors from Soho Dance Studio.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

RCTA Sunset Concert: Jazz
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, June 14, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Dave Glasser, saxophonist, has performed extensively with the Clark Terry Quintet and the Count Basie Orchestra. Rain date: Sunday, June 15; 7:00 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

RCTA Sunset Concert: Bluegrass
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, June 21, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Join us for a kid-friendly evening of bluegrass, featuring Citigrass. Rain date: Sunday, June 22; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

RCTA Sunset Concert: Jazz
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Join us for an evening of cool jazz performed by the Bob Kindred Ensemble. Rain date: Sunday June 29; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

RCTA Sunset Concert: Jazz
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, July 05, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Join us for an evening of jazz featuring world-renowned bassist Ron McClure and his ensemble. Rain date: July 6; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: Tee Jay Tales and Banjo Larry – sing-along stories. Theresa Francois (Tee Jay) has been performing for ten years at schools, libraries, camps, bookstores, corporate events and private events. She engages the audience with interactive magic, puppets and comedy. Larry Siegel has performed for over thirty years on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica and as a singer/composer/producer.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

3rd Annual NYC Main Squeeze Accordion Festival
02:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
We can’t get enough of these squeezebox masters! Traditional, contemprary and eclectic music from around the globe will get you up and dancing at our 3rd annual celebration of all things accordion. Kids can get in on the act too at the Accordion Kids Corner. Browse the Accordion Flea Market and dance, dance, dance!
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

RCTA Sunset Concert: Blues, Rock & Roots
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. The Atwaters/Ed Baker bring their unique brand of blues, rock and roots music to the RCTA lawns. Rain date: Sunday July 13; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Site Specific Sundays
03:00 PM– on Sunday, July 13, 2008
Red Shade Plaza at 64th Street
Guerilla art duo Dance Gang brings the park’s kinetic design and cultural history to life with its dance installation trilogy “The Floating Bridge of Princess Pestiny.” Expect some unexpected arts-in-the-park happenings!
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, July 13, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Ernestidio Rodriguez y su conjunto tipico. Ernestidio Rodríguez brings his masterful accordion playing to the park for an evening of traditional Dominican meringue.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: Singer-Songwriter Patricia Shih – Big Ideas for Little Ears. Award-winning singer-songwriter Patricia Shih performers a fun-filled family concert full of laughter and learning! Formerly of Cablevision’s “Tell Me A Story,” Patricia totally involves her audiences, engaging everyone from ages 2 to 92, letting them be “the star” onstage with her and her rollicking sidekick. Come down and get silly with Patricia!
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

GlobeSonic Sound System Dance Party
07:00 PM–11:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Join hundreds of others who come to dance the night away at our open-air summer dance parties with the GlobeSonic Sound System DJs.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

RCTA Sunset Concert: Classical
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, July 19, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Join us for an evening of an evening Mozart, Handel, and other classical music performed by the renowned Gotham Winds Ensemble. Rain date: Sunday, July 20; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Kid Acts! Afternoon Performance and Dance Party!
02:00 PM–04:00 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Shout along, laugh out loud, and rock out at our monthly afternoon dance & performance parties featuring rock-n-roll, silly stunts and comic magic. Special thanks to our media partner metropolitanmoms.com.
This week’s performer: Cirque du Jour / The Dirty Sock Funtime Band. Cirque du Jour combines amazing circus skills, improvisation, mime, magic and a whole lot of comedy to create their own mini circus spectacular. The Dirty Socks, the highest energy kids’ rock band ever to break out of NYC, rock in all kinds of musical styles and play some of the most innovative and exciting children’s music ever!
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Nation Beat. Nation Beat plays with an indispensable audacious energy, seamlessly bridging an unprecedented mix of folkloric Brazilian rhythms with classic American roots music, including New Orleans second line rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: April Armstrong with Ayodele Maakheru – Stories & Songs from Around the World. April Armstrong is a versatile performer who’s talents range from dramatic actress to evocative singer to whimsical storyteller. Ms. Armstrong has performed on professional stages throughout the USA.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

RCTA Sunset Concert: Samba
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Pe de Boi, the samba band headed by Brazilian-born Marcio Sapel, performs in such local clubs as S.O.B.‘s, Jazz Forum and the Blue Note. Rain date: July 27; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, July 27, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Pharaoh’s Daughter. Blending a psychedelic sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality, Basya Schechter leads her band, Pharaoh’s Daughter, through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, and spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings and electronica.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: Thaddeus Rex – Read Like a Rock Star!. Blending the energy of rock with the sensibility of Folk, Thaddeus Rex’s concerts are “part Monty Python, part Dr. Seuss” (Washington Post) and all for kids. A PBS veteran and acoustic rock musician, Thaddeus passionately endorses the power of reading with original songs that have won multiple awards.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, August 03, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Howard Fishman’s Biting Fish Brass Band. The Biting Fish Brass Band plays a classic Nola repertoire of spirituals, blues, gospel and funk. Tunes like “Liza Jane,” “Bye and Bye,” “Just a Closer Look” and “Tipitina” are mixed in with a few select originals and tasty surprises, all played in the second-line style and all suitable for ridiculous dancing.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, August 07, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: Billy B. – The Natural Science Song & Dance Man. A Billy B show is an experience in kinetic learning. Kids love to move and make noise. That is exactly what a Billy B show is all about. Doing everything from mimicking the slide of tectonic plates with legitimate “moon walking” to pretending to be leaves photosynthesizing, Billy B and kids all over the country have danced their way to a better understanding of the natural world. Each of Billy’s shows is enhanced by a colorful multi-layer backdrop that helps to illustrate the exciting concepts explored.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

RCTA Sunset Concert: Middle Eastern
07:00 PM–09:00 PM on Saturday, August 09, 2008
96th Street Tennis Courts
The RCTA Sunset Concert Series, sponsored by the all-natural beverage CurrantC, celebrates our fabulous park and represents the rich cultural diversity of the Upper West Side. Bring your picnic basket and blanket and join the Riverside Clay Tennis Association for this very popular music series. Efendi, headed by Scott Wilson playing his unique Baglama Hydra — a combination oud, saz, and bouzouki — perform music from Turkey, Armenia, Israel, and Greece. Rain date: Sunday, August 10; 7 pmCategories: Musical/Dance Event RCTA Sunset Concert Series

Kid Acts! Afternoon Performance and Dance Party!
02:00 PM–04:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Shout along, laugh out loud, and rock out at our monthly afternoon dance & performance parties featuring rock-n-roll, silly stunts and comic magic. Special thanks to our media partner metropolitanmoms.com.
This week’s performer: Bambouk! / Astrograss for Kids. Bambouk – Brian Foley and Matthew Duncan, have been called the “pioneers in the new face of clown”, Physical comedy, eccentric dance, juggling, magic, audience participation, bald heads and more! Astrograss for Kids is an interactive, captivating performance featuring the Astrograss brand of kids’ music – a quirky mix of bluegrass, folk, and humor.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Kate McGarry Quartet. Kate is the first and only vocalist signed to Palmetto records. Now regarded as one of the most diverse talents in modern jazz, she has performed or recorded with such artists as Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Hank Jones, Clark Terry, Victor Lewis, Maria Schneider, Jason Robert Brown, and Luciana Souza.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Children's Performance Series
10:30 AM–11:30 AM on Thursday, August 14, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Music, storytelling & theater for young audiences. Suitable for kids up to age 7.
This week’s performer: City Parks Foundation presents: Puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Cinderella Samba. Set in the lush landscape of Brazil, this timeless fairy tale finds Cinderella and her Prince in a samba contest at the Carnival Ball.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Family/Kids Event Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

GlobeSonic Sound System Dance Party
07:00 PM–11:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Join hundreds of others who come to dance the night away at our open-air summer dance parties with the GlobeSonic Sound System DJs.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: KJ Denhert and the NY Unit. With a genre-transcending sound blending “urban folk,” jazz, funk, R&B and neo-soul, award-winning, New York City-bred and based singer-songwriter and master guitarist KJ Denhert has amassed a loyal following through her series of acclaimed self-released albums and explosive live shows. Her powerful voice, lyrics full of intelligent insight, and musicianship are impeccable.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

Acoustic Sundays
07:00 PM– on Sunday, August 24, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Hudson as you listen to some of New York’s best jazz, R&B, and world music. Sponsored by Riverside South Properties.
This week’s performer: Los Soneros de Oriente. Taking their name from the region of Cuba that is most famous for Son Montuno, Los Soneros de Oriente represent a huge history and lifelong commitment to traditional Cuban music. This is the music of the countryside and the mountains, based on the Clave and Tres, with the trumpets toasting the top. The overall feel is one of comfort and dignity; it is easy to dance to and is guaranteed to leave you with a warmth of feeling that is Cuban to the core.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson

GlobeSonic Sound System Dance Party
07:00 PM–11:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2008
Pier I at 70th Street
Join hundreds of others who come to dance the night away at our open-air summer dance parties with the GlobeSonic Sound System DJs.
Riverside Park South is located on the Hudson River between 62nd and 72nd Streets. This event is FREE. Weather Permitting.Categories: Musical/Dance Event Summer on the Hudson