Electric Root: The Sound of (Black) Music
A joyful concert reimagining of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music through a utopian, afrofuturistic lens.
The Sound of (Black) Music is a dynamic and groundbreaking production that reimagines one of America's most beloved musical classics through a joyful, Afro-futuristic lens. The electrifying score, featuring elements of jazz, soul, funk, and afro-grooves, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Black music and its impact on American popular culture. The show stars a spirited band of leading performers, including celebrated vocalists Brianna Thomas, C. Anthony Bryant, Vanisha Gould, Zhanna Reed and musical director Charenee Wade. Co-directed by Shariffa Ali and Kamilah Long, this production reclaims the legacy of Black music and its central role in shaping American culture.
Originally created for the Fisher Center @ Bard's BLACK ROOTS SUMMER in 2021, this groundbreaking production was subsequently listed among the Best New Theater of 2021 by The New York Times.
Electric Root is a dynamic and vibrant collective of artists with a powerful mission - to heal, uplift, and bring joy to communities across the United States through the soul-stirring magic of Black music. Founded on the belief that music has the transformative ability to unite people and create positive change, Electric Root is dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment, audience development, and community engagement through performances, festivals, and artist residencies.
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. 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.
Visit the Bryant Park Shop tent for exclusive Picnic Performances merchandise and more!
Find a parachute, hula hoops, and more fun on the east side of the lawn at select events.
Dogs are welcome on the gravel and bluestone, but not 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.
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.
