Carnegie Hall Citywide: Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup
One of today’s most inventive bassists, the London-born, Lagos-raised Michael Olatuja has worked with Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Angelique Kidjo, Shakira, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Hugh Masekela, Terence Blanchard, and Joe Lovano, and many others. He’s also a major presence in the bands of Broadway, films scores of directors like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. In this outdoor performance, he shares selections from his acclaimed Lagos Pepper Soup album and brand-new songs that blend energetic Afrobeat, jazz, and funk into what Olatuja calls “a zesty, sonic stew that honors the ancient Zulu word ‘ubuntu,’ which means, ‘we are all connected.’”
Additional media support for this performance is provided by WBGO.
Stream the performance live on Friday, July 26
Carnegie Hall Citywide is the Hall’s free concert series that brings a diverse lineup of live performances to neighborhoods throughout New York City. Presented in partnership with esteemed community organizations across the five boroughs, the series highlights dynamic artists from a variety of musical genres—including classical, jazz, folk, Latin music, and more.
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.
Bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from tents on the east side of the lawn. Attendees can enjoy cuisine from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of artisanal vendors curated by Hester Street Fair.
Stout NYC also offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn and other light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Featured Vendors:
Thursday, September 5:
- Panda Eats World - Street food of Northern China
- Chaat Dog - Desi American street food
- Chocolate on Tap - Belgian Chocolate and strawberries
- Tacos El Guero - Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more
- Stop Drop N Roll - Gourmet egg rolls
- Bel-Fries - Artisan fries and sauces
Friday, September 6:
- Chic Treatz - Confectionary delights
- Chocolate on Tap - Belgian Chocolate and strawberries
- Tacos El Guero - Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more
- Enfes - Handmade Turkish food
- Bel-Fries - Artisan fries and sauces
Thursday, September 12:
- Charles Pan-Fried Chicken - Harlem's finest fried chicken
- Chocolate on Tap - Belgian Chocolate and strawberries
- Stop Drop N Roll - Gourmet egg rolls
- Pinche Vegana - Modern, vegan Mexican
Friday, September 13:
- Chocolate on Tap: Belgian Chocolate and strawberries
- Tacos El Guero: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more
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".
Find jugglers, hula hoops, 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 on Twitter and Instagram for day-of event updates. You can also check the lawn status on the bryantpark.org homepage.