Six Thought-Provoking Events at LMCC’s River to River Festival

Each year, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s River to River Festival celebrates diversity in the free forms of theater, art and live performances — and by free we really do mean at no charge. 

This year’s lineup continues that tradition. On June 9, the cascade of neighborhood programming includes Syrian/Lebanese walking tours, Latino dance performances and so much more. Here are six events you won’t want to miss.

“El Camino: Stories of Migration” (June 9–30)

Nuevayorkinos’ photo exhibition amplifies stories of Caribbean and Latin American migration to New York City. All photos were taken before 2005 across the five boroughs, and each story was written by the family depicted in each photograph.

“Mahicantuck, ‘River that flows two ways’” (June 10–11)

A participatory tape installation that will be created during one weekend with community members and the general public around Battery Park City, the “Mahicantuck” project is based on the Lenape name for the Hudson River called Mahicantuk — aka the “river that flows two ways.” It highlights the fact that this waterway (more than a river) is a tidal estuary and emphasizes the mobility of life and multiple ways to flow and interact.

“Lotto Royale” (June 10–11)

A rare constellation of 17 artists share practices and journeys through the cityscape for one audience member at a time in a performance lottery of one-on-one encounters.

“Archive Barchive” (June 10–18)

This get-together includes first-rate bartenders, mini-performances and discussions.

“Little Syria, New York: Walking Tours of Washington Street” (June 11, 13, 15, 17)

Historian and Washington Street Historical Society chair Linda Jacobs will lead in-person tours of the early Manhattan Syrian/Lebanese colony illustrated with stories, historical photos and places of significance.

“CEREMONIA” (June 15)

The Gangbangers blossom and wilt in a theatrical dance performance conceived by Antonio Ramos. In a mixed-tape Latino extravaganza of cultural appropriation and re-appropriation, Ramos calls on his ancestors and carries the audience on a journey to the bottom of the ocean and back again.  

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River to River has even more performances lined up for the month of June. To view the rest, go to the LMCC website. 

photos: LMCC