free 2008 concerts in Madison Square Park, NYC
Madison Square Park is located in the Flatiron District, between Fifth and Madison Avenues and 23rd and 26th Streets, just 8 blocks south of the Empire State Building. To get there by subway, take the R, W or 6 train to 23rd Street. On weekends only you can also take the N train to 23rd street.
Not too exciting, but free….
Wednesday Evenings at 7:00pm
June 18-August 6
Rain or ShinePhoebe Snow · The Kennedys · Raul Midon · Robert Glasper · Trio Ryan Shaw · Ollabelle ·Trio Da Paz · Cherryholmes
Bring a blanket for lawn seating (no chairs are allowed).
The summer season of Mad. Sq. Music presents national touring artists in a scenic outdoor setting perfect for evening picnics or just relaxing on the lawn. Shows are appropriate for all ages.
June 18, 7:00 p.m. The Kennedys Folk/Rock
The Kennedys are Pete and Maura Kennedy, an energetic and prolific duo with an acoustic-based sound incorporating elements of folk, rock, country, pop, jazz and gospel. Using a full palette of vocal and instrumental colors, their music soars with gorgeous harmonies and inspired guitar, mandolin and ukulele passages.
June 25, 7:00 p.m. Raul Midon Soul/Pop
Not your average pop artist, Raul Midon relies on the tradition of pop inventiveness to combine the soulfulness of Stevie Wonder, the non-indigenous sounds pioneered by Paul Simon and the trend defying individuality of Bill Withers. Blind from birth, this New York based vocalist/guitarist brings an original syncopated, flamenco and jazz infused virtuosic approach to his steel-stringed acoustic and vocal delivery.
July 2, 7:00 p.m. Cherryholmes Bluegrass
This dynamic Nashville-based family band heralds a new brand of bluegrass music, which has earned them multiple Grammy nominations. Their high octane shows include twin fiddles, Irish step dancing, classic country yodeling and old-time claw hammer banjo in addition to their signature bluegrass.
July 9, 7:00 p.m. Ollabelle Rootsy
A multi-talented New York based quintet, Ollabelle is a collective of musicians with diverse musical and personal backgrounds who create singularly expressive music. Drawing on gospel, blues, jazz and other influences, they perform distinctive adaptations of traditional material as well as compelling originals in a style that showcases their vocal and instrumental interactions.
July 16, 7:00 p.m. Robert Glasper Trio Jazz
The exciting and gifted young pianist Robert Glasper has received wide critical acclaim from mainstream publications as well as the jazz press. His musical universe is expansive and highly inventive – he’s worked with everyone from Mos Def, Common, Talibe Kibwe and The Roots to Roy Hargrove and Terence Blanchard. By successfully integrating jazz and hip-hop in his jazz work, Glasper is attracting multi-generations of listeners.
July 23, 7:00 p.m. Phoebe Snow One of a Kind
Legendary singer/songwriter Phoebe Snow graces Madison Square Park with her astonishing voice – easily one of the most distinctive voices in popular music. Exposed to a variety of genres early on, she effortlessly slips between folk, rock, jazz, gospel -always soaring and always with soul.
July 30, 7:00 p.m. Trio Da Paz Jazz
Trio Da Paz features Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca – three of Brazil’s most in-demand musicians. The Trio updates the infectious spirit of jazz-oriented Brazilian music, redefining Brazilian jazz with their harmonically adventurous interactions, daring improvisations and dazzling rhythms.
August 6, 7:00 p.m. Ryan Shaw Soul/R&B
Grammy nominated this year for his debut album on Columbia Records, Ryan Shaw is the real deal in the classic sense of Soul and R&B. A 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Decatur, Georgia, Shaw energetically combines Southern warmth with New York vitality. This charismatic artist relies on the old school values of strong melodies and meaningful lyrics which he delivers with commanding authority and style.
