Central Park Summerstage

by Jenni Walkowiak

Just because Brooklyn Creative League is located in Gowanus, Brooklyn doesn’t mean we don’t like to explore everything that summer in New York City has to offer! Arguably the greatest city in the world, New York City is jam packed with fun, free/cheap events all summer long. One of the coolest ongoing events is Central Park Summerstage.

Central Park Summerstage is a free concert series that takes place in an outdoor venue in Rumsey Playfield close to the 5th Avenue and 69th street entrance to the park. It features performances from international musicians, dancers, family programming and everything in between. The festival has been running every summer since 1986.

There are a ton of great artists performing this summer. Here are two of them that I think are worth checking out!

Sasheer Zamata | Photo Courtesy JW Photography

Sasheer Zamata | Photo Courtesy JW Photography

 

Monday, July 10th @ 7:00 PM

UCB All Stars feat. Sasheer Zamata

Maybe I’m a little biased, being that I come from a theatre background and that my boyfriend is a stand-up comedian who performed alongside Sasheer last March in LA, but few things are as fun as a good comedy/improv show. Sasheer Zamata in particular is a gem, a former SNL cast member, Sasheer left the show of her own accord because she was fed up with the way the show treats WOC. She’s fearless, funny, and an advocate. I for one, am thrilled to watch her career explode. Few people are as talented or deserving of fame as this badass lady. UCB is an iconic improv troupe that launched the careers of other fearless, funny women like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. You can catch shows every night at the UCB theatre, or you can check out this special event in the park in July. Are you a comedy fan? Check out this show that I produce once a month in Williamsburg! here

 

Regina Spektor: Image source https://the-indie-pendent.com/single-review-bleeding-heart-regina-spektor/

Regina Spektor: Image source https://the-indie-pendent.com/single-review-bleeding-heart-regina-spektor/

Thursday, July 27th @ 6:00 PM

Regina Spektor

I first heard Regina Spektor when I was a junior in high school. Her voice was so unique and special, her songs were somehow fun and melancholy at the same time. She’s been around the block since then, perhaps not *most* notably, but a fun fact- she wrote and performed the only theme song I don’t skip over- “You’ve Got Time” for Orange is the New Black on Netflix. Russian born, Spektor and her family moved to America when she was 9 years old. Spektor’s music is described as being “anti-folk”, and draws influence from folk, punk, rock, Jewish, Russian, hip hop, jazz and classical music. She plays piano and guitar, and uses her huge vocal range to play with her voice in impressive, unique ways. As a singer, it’s refreshing and inspiring to hear someone use their voice in ways that most don’t think to do. Regina Spektor is a show not to be missed.

 

You can see the full line- up here