Against a stunning backdrop of a vibrant sunset and the New York City skyline, Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College will host free concerts at Gantry Plaza State Park as part of their summer series Live at the Gantries. The series aims to highlight local and diverse talents that represent the communities and cultures in Queens.
On July 9th, Mali folk artist Yacouba Sissoko will perform traditional African songs using the kora, a 21-stringed instrument. Considered one of the best kora players in the world, Yacouba performed, toured and recorded with well-known African musicians and celebrated artists such as Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, and Lauryn Hill.
Equal parts singer, dancer and jaranera, Claudia Valentina epitomizes the mélange parfait of modern New York as a California-born, New York-raised daughter of Mexican and Jamaican immigrants. On July 16th, she will peform an array of soulful Latin folklore and dance that spans all regions of Mexico and the United States.
The main focus of the Slavo Rican Assembly is the exploration of the similarities and differences between the music of the Puerto Rican (and generally, Caribbean), and South Slavic cultures, merging them into a cohesive, brand-new and unique sound. They will perform on July 23rd.
The Cold Club of Queens comprises of three fellows who perform old school hot club jazz and swing in the style of Django Reinhardt, Louis Armstrong, and Ray Charles. See them live on July 30th! On August 6th, the New Bojaira plays an original and engaging fusion, blending jazz improvisation with the excitement of flamenco rhythms, dance, and singing to create a powerful combination of energy and subtlety on stage.
Cumbia River Band’s music draws from a festive repertoire of Colombian Cumbia and Riverside music. On August 13th, the group will take you back to the golden years of Cumbia as well as inspire you to dance and contemplate the joy and energy that this Cumbia River brings along.
Akoko Nante Ensemble harvests music from the sons and daughters of Africa from the continent and dispersed throughout the world. Using indigenous techniques filtered through a uniquely African American execution, Akoko Nante Ensemble creates diasporic symphonies! See them live on August 20th.
123 Andrés is one of the most exciting new voices on the family music scene in the US and Latin America, “A rockstar for little language learners” according to Billboard Magazine. On August 27th, Andrés will bring joyful sounds, passion for bilingualism, and a high-energy love of music that gets kids singing and dancing in Spanish and English. His most recent album entitled Arriba Abajo won the Latin Grammy for best children’s album in 2016 as well as the Parent’s Choice Gold Award.
For more information about Live at the Gantries, visit kupferbergcenter.org/live-at-the-gantries/ or call our box office at 718-793-8080.
About Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Sponsored by New York Community Bank, The Kupferberg Presents 2019-2020 season features a vibrant lineup of world-class cultural events, concerts, and family programs at Colden Auditorium, Lefrak Concert Hall, Goldstein Theatre, and select off-campus locations for the 2.2 million residents of New York City’s most diverse borough. Since 1961, Kupferberg Center for the Arts has provided accessible and affordable world-class cultural entertainment to the NYC region. From classical and pop performances, to concerts and school residences, to a wide range of family events, over 350,000 individuals attend events at Kupferberg Center for the Arts each year. For tickets and information, visit www.kupferbergcenter.org or call the box office at (718) 793-8080. The box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and up to one hour prior to all performances.
Event Directions Subway: 7 train to Vernon/Jackson (first stop in Queens). Walk west toward the river on 50th Avenue.
Ferry: East River Ferry to Hunters’ Point. Walk north on 2nd Street.