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free shows in Battery Park - intitial summer 2010 schedule (Beth Orton, Burning Spear, Antibalas & more)

people watching Sonic Youth in Battery Park (more by Jason Bergman)
River to RiveR

The 2010 River to River series of free summer shows in NYC is slowly being announced. As previously mentioned, Genesis member Steve Hackett is playing Rockefeller Park, the Bang on a Can Marathon returns to the World Financial Center in June, kids will be crowding into Battery Park on 4th of July, The Old 97s play South Street Seaport the same day, and other bands play South Street Seaport on other days. Rockfeller Park is located at the north end of Battery Park City, and will also host free shows by Beth Orton and Burning Spear this summer. Castle Clinton, also located in Battery Park, has so far announced Antibalas. Free movies on “The Elevated Acre” at 55 Water Street so far this year include “The Muppets Take Manhattan”. Those and other free Battery Park events announced so far, below…

Steve Hackett and Renaissance
Presented by Battery Park City Authority
Steve Hackett, best know as the Genesis guitarist, continues to shine as a star performer and composer in his own right with an original and extraordinary acoustic and electric playing style. Art-rock ensemble Renaissance, led by vocalist Annie Haslam, perfected a synthesis of folk pop and symphonic influence on their classic albums Prologue, Turn of the Cards, and the remade Scheherazade.
Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Streets 212.417.2000

Wednesday, June 30
Beth Orton

Presented by Battery Park City Authority
English singer/songwriter Beth Orton brilliantly combines the passionate beauty of acoustic folk with the electronic beats of trip-hop, creating a fresh, distinct fusion of roots and rhythm. Her stunning debut Trailer Park was followed by Central Reservation, Daybreaker and Comfort of Strangers. Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street; 212.417.2000.

Sunday, July 4
Dan Zanes Jam & Jubilee

Broadway2Battery
The Battery 4th of July Concert and Family Festival
Presented by Alliance for Downtown New York
Come celebrate the Fourth of July family style with Grammy-Award-winning artist Dan Zanes and his incredible array of musical friends. Spend the day dancing to the infectious rhythms of Columbian band La Cumbiamba eNeYe, marching with the parade of 76 Trombones, and singing along to Dan’s own brand of Broadway classics like you’ve never heard them before! Bring a blanket and enjoy the lawn along with jugglers, stilt walkers, and a cast of larger than life characters. Free, 1pm doors, 2pm La Cumiamba eNeYé, 3pm Dan Zanes and Friends, 4:30 76 Trombones, Battery Park, State Street and Battery Place. Space is limited and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis

Wednesday, July 14
Jimmy Webb with Martin Rivas

Presented by Battery Park City Authority
Singer and pianist Jimmy Webb is one of the few artists of the 1960s to achieve stardom and professional acclaim not performing, but composing and producing hits such as Wichita Lineman, Up, Up and Away, and MacArthur Park. Rising NYC singer/songwriter/guitarist Martin Rivas, of Serious Pilgram, has found acclaim opening for Aimee Mann, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Joan Jett Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street; 212.417.2000

Wednesday, July 21
Burning Spear

Presented by Battery Park City Authority
One of the most brilliant and respected roots artists in Jamaica’s history, Burning Spear (a.k.a. Winston Rodney) has recorded a host of classic dread records over the years. Part Rastafarian preacher, part black historian, Burning Spear brilliantly illuminates Rastafarianism in song. Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street; 212.417.2000

Thursday, July 22
Antibalas: Broadway2Battery

Music at Castle Clinton
Presented by Alliance for Downtown New York
Antibalas – Spanish for “bulletproof” – is a high-energy, highly celebrated Afrobeat orchestra from Brooklyn. The band anchors this year’s Broadway hit FELA! with their musical direction and energetic instrumentalists, arranging and performing the music of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and originals alike. Tickets will be distributed two per person outside Castle Clinton on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5pm on the day of the show. Free, 7pm, Battery Park, State Street and Battery Place.

Wednesday, July 28
Plena Libre
Presented by Battery Park City Authority
Fifteen years and thirteen albums later, this fine-tuned 12-piece Puerto Rican based ensemble is still captivating audiences with their high energy rhythms. Plena Libre brilliantly combines a swinging rhythm section, horns, vocals, and dance to create an electrifying stage presentation that is both profoundly Puerto Rican and universally appealing. Free, 7pm, Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street; 212.417.2000

Thursday, July 29
Broadway Danny Rose: Broadway2Battery

Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre:
Classic New York Features Paired with Independent Shorts
Told in flashbacks by a group of comedians over lunch at the Carnegie Deli, Woody Allen’s Oscar-nominated 1984 film, co-starring Mia Farrow, follows hapless talent agent “Broadway” Danny Rose (Allen) as he gets dragged into a love triangle involving the mob. Preceded by screenings of short films by Alex Kalman and Josh Safdie. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED and will be available, two per person, at the street-level Water Street entrance to the Elevated Acre on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6pm on the day of the screening. Free, 8pm, The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street, between Broad and William Streets.

Wednesday, August 4
Conjunto Imagen

Presented by Battery Park City Authority
Founded in 1989 by Ernie Acevedo and Junior Rivera, Conjunto Imagen has recorded twelve albums and performed at a number of high-profile locations including Gracie Mansion, Lincoln Center and the NBC Rainbow Room. Free, 7pm, Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street; 212.417.2000

Thursday, August 5
Auntie Mame: Broadway2Battery

Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre:
Classic New York Features Paired with Independent Shorts
Based on Comden & Green’s Broadway musical and nominated for six Academy Awards, this beloved 1958 classic stars Rosalind Russell as Mame, an exuberant and unconventional socialite in the roaring 20’s. Featuring a short film screening by filmmaker Cheryl Dunn. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED and will be available, two per person, at the street-level Water Street entrance to the Elevated Acre on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:00 pm on the day of the screening. Free, 8pm,The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street, between Broad and William Streets.

Thursday, August 5
Tremenda Rumba! Tiempo Libre with Guest Drummer, Román Díaz
Presented by Battery Park City Authority

Tiempo Libre, the three-time Grammy-nominated timba masters, known for their joyful, incendiary, dance-inducing performances, join forces with master drummer Roman Diaz and special guests for a night of Tremenda Rumba!- the ultimate Afro-Cuban dance party. Strictly BYOD – bring your own drum! Free, 7pm, Rockefeller Park, River Terrace and Warren Street; 212.417.2000

Wednesday, August 11
Tony Vega & His Orchestra
Presented by Battery Park City Authority

Puerto Rican singer Tony Vega began his career in a teenage rock band, but was soon captivated by Afro-Caribbean rhythms. He joined Raphy Levitt’s la Selecta, and in 1986 moved to New York to team up with Louie Ramírez, and later, Eddie Palmieri. After signing with RMM, he released his first solo album, Yo Me Quedo, and most recently participated in a Tropical Tribute to The Beatles. Free, 7pm, Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street; 212.417.2000

Thursday, August 12
The Country Girl: Broadway2Battery
Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre:

Classic New York Features Paired with Independent Shorts
Adapted from the Clifford Odets play and starring Grace Kelly, William Holden and Bing Crosby in his greatest performance, this 1954 Oscar-winning drama tells the story of an alcoholic has-been Broadway actor struggling with the one last chance he’s been given to resurrect his career. Featuring short films by Alexandra Lerman.
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED and will be available, two per person, at the street-level Water Street entrance to the Elevated Acre on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:00 pm on the day of the screening.
Free, 8pm, The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street, between Broad and William Streets

Thursday, August 19
The Muppets Take Manhattan: Broadway2Battery
Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre:
Classic New York Features Paired with Independent Shorts
Frank Oz directs this classic ode to Broadway in which the Muppets travel to New York intent on finding a producer for their1984 musical, Manhattan Melodies. Featuring a short film by Jay Hufford.
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED and will be available, two per person, at the street-level Water Street entrance to the Elevated Acre on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:00 pm on the day of the screening. Free, 8pm, The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street, between Broad and William Streets.