M.I.A., the MC5 and Coheed & Cambria are among the acts confirmed to play free shows as part of New York’s Central Park SummerStage. The series will begin June 17 with Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun’s AZA, featuring jazz legend Pharoah Sanders.
Rising hip-hop/dance star M.I.A. will perform Aug. 7 backed by DJ/off-stage companion Diplo and special guests, while MC5 will be joined by the Sun Ra Arkestra and DJ Spooky for a July 30 bill. Coheed & Cambria, Colombian rock act Aterciopelados and singer/songwriter BeBe are set for an Aug. 6 show sponsored by the Latin Alternative Music Conference.
Other artists set to appear throughout the summer include John Legend (June 17), Cassandra Wilson (June 24), Ron Sexsmith with Tegan & Sara (June 26), a Nick Drake tribute with an orchestra led by the late artist’s collaborator Robert Kirby (July 2), the Blind Boys Of Alabama (July 10), Shelby Lynne (July 15), Femi Kuti with Brazilian Girls (July 17) and revered comedy ensemble the Upright Citizens Brigade (July 21).
As previously reported, SummerStage also boasts an all-star lineup of benefit concerts, for which paid admission is required. They include the Killers (June 4), Modest Mouse (June 20), Broken Social Scene (July 14) and Elvis Costello (July 19).
For the full summer lineup, visit SummerStage’s official Web site.
Source billboard.com.
