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This year’s SummerStage Gala Opening Concert was a very special night. Not only do these benefit performances raise the money necessary to sponsor the many free events throughout the summer, they also bring together an amazing array of performers that all contribute to a very special evening. This year, however, was special as the gathered artists rocked the music of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix with a succession of performances that built into a blistering finale that had the crowd not only on it’s feet, but in many cases on their tables.
The evening opened with Wyclef Jean‘s inspired solo performance of the Star Spangled Banner, while, unlike Woodstock the site of the historic interpretation by Hendrix, the rains held off. This was followed by The Roots’ slamming renditions of “Have You Ever Been To Electric Lady Land” and “Fire” – Jimmy Fallon’s house band also did double duty as back up to the rest of the evenings performers. Other highlights included Bebel Gilberto‘s beautifully evocative performances of “Little Wing”, Soulive’s “Manic Depression” and Amel Larrieux‘s gorgeous rendition of “Angel”. Next came legendary jazz guitarist John Scofield and he provided the transcendent moment of the evening as he shredded “Purple Haze” and had the audience screaming their appreciation. Living Colour capped the nights festivities with “Power Of Soul” and a blazing performance of “Cross Town Traffic” that saw lead singer Corey Glover and guitarist Doug Wimbish leap into the crowd and climb up into the bleacher seats to incite the crowd.
Kudos to the City Parks Foundation which once again managed the event flawlessly – looks to be another memorable season for New York’s most successful series of free performances throughout the city.
Set List:
Wyclef Jean – Star Spangled Banner
The Roots – Have You Ever Been To Electric Lady Land
The Roots – Fire
Bebel Gilberto – Little Wing
Bebel Gilberto – Wind Cries Mary
G. Love – lf 6 Was 9
G. Love – Ain’t No Telling
Soulive – Manic Depression
Soulive – Changes
Keller Williams – Castles Made of Sand
Keller Williams – Up in the Skies
Amel Larrieux – May This Be Love
Amel Larrieux – Angel
John Scofield – Purple haze
John Scofield – Hey Joe
Karl Densen – Spanish Castle Magic
Karl Densen – Third Stone From the Sun
Living Colour – Power of Soul
Living Colour – Cross Town Traffic
About Central Park
Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
Attractions
Central Park features 843 acres filled with classic architecture, gorgeous statuary and up to date sports, educational and performance facilities. Besides all of this there is the world famous Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Children’s Zoo.
Things To Do
From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!
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Contact Info
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New York, NY, 10028