Put on Your Dancing Shoes: We’re Hosting a Free Lunchtime Concert Series
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The sun is finally out, and to celebrate, we’re giving Lower Manhattanites a reason to skip the sad desk lunch. Starting June 12, we’re kicking off a summer concert series consisting of six weeks of music and dance performances, with nationally recognized artists bringing exhilarating sounds of jazz, blues, salsa, bolero, cha-cha-cha, soul and pop music along with exciting tap, swing, and modern jazz dancing to downtown New York. All concerts are free to attend.
Concerts will take place on Wednesdays at 12 p.m., from June 12 until July 17, at locations alternating between 140 Broadway and the Oculus World Trade Center’s North Plaza. The series expands on the Alliance’s Art Is All Around campaign, which features public art and performances that can be enjoyed throughout the neighborhood. Music and movement for the concert series will be programmed by esteemed New York musician and producer Svetlana Shmulyian.
Oh, but there’s more! To celebrate the launch of the performance series, Reel New York City will be hosting a free public art walking tour on the afternoon of June 12. The 60-minute tour explores a mighty collection of modern art sculptures in Lower Manhattan and uncovers hidden corners of the city while bringing guests into conversation with art, history and culture beyond the walls of a gallery or museum. To participate, guests can show up to 140 Broadway at 2 p.m. on June 12 and hop on the tour; the tour is limited to the first 20 people to arrive.
You can find the concert schedule and artist bios below. See you at the show!
Lulada Club — June 12 @ 140 Broadway
The band Lulada Club, formed in 2022, is renowned for its masterful interpretations of vintage tropical rhythms encompassing salsa, bolero and cha-cha-cha. The powerhouse band pays homage to the icons while offering a fresh perspective through original tunes.
Willerm Delisfort Project — June 19 @ WTC’s North Oculus Plaza
Pianist and composer Willerm Delisfort is a messenger of life using music as his tool. His career and music extends the continuum of musical styles that ranges from jazz, gospel, R&B and more. Delisfort will be performing a special concert in celebration of Juneteenth.
Gina D’Soto Project — June 26 @ 140 Broadway
A native of Havana, Cuba, Gina D’Soto is one of the first prominent Cuban musicians to emerge from the late 90’s generation. Having established herself as an authentic and effortless vocalist in New York, her sound is a fusion of jazz, soul and Cuban traditions.
Svetlana & the New York Collective — July 3 @ WTC’s North Oculus Plaza
Svetlana is a NYC-based acclaimed chart-topping vocalist, composer and band leader. Svetlana’s band’s interactive performance blends swing, straight-ahead jazz, tap dancing and audience participation, forging deep connections with audiences with strong vocals, charismatic performance style, exciting improvisations, movement and engaging storytelling.
Alphonso Horne and His Gotham Kings— July 10 @ 140 Broadway
Grammy-nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne has put together an all-star band that weaves the sound and tap dancing of New Orleans, funk, jazz and hip-hop to bring a celebratory spirit that uplifts every room they play.
Christopher McBride & the Whole Proof — July 17 @ WTC’s North Oculus Plaza
Christopher McBride & the Whole Proof is a jazz experience that explores the African American landscape. Multiple genres are infused throughout the music and movement: Influences from the African diaspora, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, Latin and soul while having a strong rooting in straight-ahead swing to create a feelgood concoction that keeps people dancing in (and sometimes out of) their seats.
Tags: art is all around