Contact: Heidi Riegler Communications 718.340.3018; [email protected] or Eric Demby at LMCC 212.219.9401 x118; [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IN THE POCKET: FREE CONCERTS ON GOVERNORS ISLAND
LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUNCIL’S FIRST-EVER CONCERT SERIES FEATURES FREE “NEW WORLD MUSIC” SATURDAYS IN AUGUST
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2007, 1:00pm — Governors Island
Presented in association with The River To River Festival
(New York, NY) July 9, 2007—Every Saturday this August, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council presents its first-ever concert series, “In the Pocket: Free Concerts on Governors Island,” featuring four free “New World Music” concerts on the historic island in New York Harbor. The musicians playing “In the Pocket” reflect New York City’s unrivaled diversity as well as Governors Island’s international history, and the series will attract families and hipsters alike to this exciting urban destination, which is open to the public. It’s an island vacation—right here in New York City!
“In the Pocket” performers include: • Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra—conjuring Fela Kuti and Nigeria via Williamsburg • Sweet Micky—Haitian compas legend returns from retirement for first live performance in 2 years • Si*Se—NYC Latin-flavored ensemble plays deep electro-soul • Toubab Krewe—Asheville, NC, quintet mixes “Dirty South” heat and West African beats • DJ Rekha—NYC cultural instigator who put bhangra on the North American map • Trojan Records—Legendary reggae label celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special DJ “soundclash” feat. James F!@#$%^ Friedman (Throne of Blood Records/Go Commando)
Governors Island is a free, 7-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. The island is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every weekend until September 2. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, ride a bike, or tour the Historic District in addition to enjoying the Saturday concerts. All concerts start at 1pm. Admission is free. Rain or shine.
More detailed directions and artist information is available at lmcc.net/pocket
(more) ABOUT THE ARTISTS Sat., Aug. 4, 1pm Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra w/Ogans Brooklyn’s Antibalas expand the musical language of Afrobeat developed by Fela Anikulapo- Kuti in late-‘60s Lagos, Nigeria, adding Latin, jazz, and classical elements to their funky mix. Ogans incorporate capoeira into their un-traditional Afro-Brazilian mix of music and dance.
Sat., Aug. 11, 1pm Sweet Micky A musical marvel born in Port-au-Prince, Sweet Micky has brought incredible energy, passion and sensitivity to the world of Haitian compas music, layering satire and sharp commentary over pulsating, infectious beats.
Sat., Aug. 18, 1pm Si*Se Toubab Krewe With New York City’s diverse cultural mix as their model, singer/DJ Carol C. and programmer U.F. Low seamlessly work soul and Latin influences into their stylish dance grooves. Developing their unique sound after studying and performing with musical masters on extended trips to Africa, Asheville, North Carolina, quintet Toubab Krewe bridge East Coast and West African influences, blending Malian, American, and “Dirty South” influences.
Sat., Aug. 25, 1pm “Bhangra vs. Reggae Inna Soundclash” feat. DJ Rekha w/percussionist Dave Sharma + Trojan Records w/DJ James F!@#$%^ Friedman DJ Rekha’s long-running “Basement Bhangra” party defines South Asian dance music, combining Bollywood and big bass—but on her dancefloor you don’t need a bindi to shake your booty! She’ll be featuring highlights from her forthcoming album, DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra. Trojan Records has defined reggae since 1967, and to celebrate its 40th anniversary DJ James F!@#$%^ Friedman will spin classic cuts from their catalog—including an old-school DJ “soundclash” vs. DJ Rekha!
ABOUT LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUNCIL Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) is the leading voice for arts and culture in downtown New York City, producing cultural events and promoting the arts through grants, services, advocacy, and cultural development programs. lmcc.net
ABOUT THE RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL The River to River Festival, presented by American Express, is a collaboration of Lower Manhattan’s major cultural event producers including the Alliance for Downtown New York, arts>World Financial Center, Battery Park City Authority, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and South Street Seaport. These partners are firmly committed to using the arts as a tool for revitalization and the development of new audiences. RiverToRiverNYC.com
ABOUT GOVERNORS ISLAND The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is responsible for the planning, redevelopment and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. A partnership of New York City and New York State, GIPEC seeks to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit, and commercial facilities. govisland.com
GETTING TO GOVERNORS ISLAND Ferry Information Access to the Governors Island Ferry will be on a first-come, first-served basis. On Saturdays and Sundays, ferries will depart for Governors Island from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan every hour on the hour beginning at 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. The Battery Maritime Building is located at the corner of South and Whitehall Streets, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Ferries will return from Governors Island every hour on the ½ hour with the last public ferry returning to Manhattan at 5:00 pm.
Access to Governors Island is also available via NY Water Taxi. For schedule, fares and information log on to nywatertaxi.com.
For more information on how to get to Governors Island, visit govisland.com.
7/9/07