Carnegie Hall Citywide: Champe-Soukous Collective
The Champe-Soukous Collective is an All-Star ensemble that bridges the Trans-Atlantic connection between Colombian champeta and it’s source music of Central African/Congolese soukous-rumba.
From Central Africa, the group features such historic performers as vocalists Wawali Bonane Bungu (Congo), Mis Blandine (Congo), Ricardo Lemvo (Angola/Congo/USA), and soukous guitar legend Huit Kilos Nseka (Congo).
From Colombia, the Collective includes the core of Colombia’s “champeta champions” Tribu Baharu as the ensemble’s rhythm foundation as well Sidestepper vocalist Eka Gordom (Colombia), horns Oscar “El Kike” Banquez amongst others.
Together, the force of this un-paralleled Champe-Soukous Collective will be an Afro-Colombian dance party not to be missed!
Performers:
Tribu Baharu (Colombia)
Wawali Bonane Bungu (Congo)
Eka Gordom (Colombia)
Mis Blandine (Congo)
Ricardo Lemvo (Angola/Congo/USA)
Huit Kilos Nseka (Congo)
Oscar “El Kike” Banquez (Colombia)
Carnegie Hall Citywide presents five nights of music, featuring six-time Grammy Award winner Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, violinist Tessa Lark and bassist Michael Thurber, an album-release show with renowned Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera featuring chamber orchestra The Knights, Champe-Soukous Collective, South African vocal group and America's Got Talent finalist Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. The series provides a platform for extraordinary artists and serves as a vital outdoor venue for a wide array of New York’s cultural institutions.
On the lawn
Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come, first-served basis – or bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs.
Take a seat in one of the pre-set chairs on the lawn or grab a chair from the gravel. You can use a chair anywhere in the park except for the center-lawn blanket zone.
Bring your own picnic, or purchase food and drinks from tents on the east side of the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of local artisanal vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn and other light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Find a parachute, giant Jenga, and more fun on the east side of the lawn at select events.
We love dogs, but dog urine can leave the lawn with bald spots. Dogs are welcome on the gravel and bluestone – but please do not bring dogs on the lawn.
Performances are cancelled when it is unsafe to be outdoors. In some cases, the lawn may be too wet to open but the performance may continue. Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates.