On Tuesday, June 14, 2011, The New York Pops orchestra will perform at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park for the annual SummerStage Gala presented by City Parks Foundation. This special event, entitled Motown Meets NYC, will feature the timeless music of Motown performed by an eclectic group of music legends and up-and-coming stars, under the baton of New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke. Confirmed artists to date include Martha Reeves of Martha and The Vandellas, Percy Sledge, Dennis Edwards of The Temptations, Bettye Lavette, Robert Earl Keen, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Joan Osborne, José James, Amel Larrieux, Deva Mahal, Ryan Shaw, Everett Bradley, Terry Burrell, Ramona Keller, Mykal Kilgore and Destan Owens. 2011 Tony Nominee and Obie Winner Colman Domingo will serve as the event’s host.

The evening begins at 6:00pm with a private VIP cocktail reception, followed by dinner. Doors open for concert-only ticketholders at 7:00pm, and the performance begins at 8:00pm. The program features top Motown hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours”, “Dancing in the Street”, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, and a medley tribute to Jackson 5.

Tickets
Premier and preferred tables range from $15,000 – $25,000. For light fare and reserved concert seating, tables range from $1,000 – $1,500. Concert-only/bleacher seats are $49. For event information, including ticket sales, please visit: http://www.summerstage.org/gala or contact Shahna Sherwood at 212-360-8170, or by email at SSherwood@CityParksFoundation.org.