Jalopy Theatre
A three-part folk festival with Terrell King’s lap steel guitar, Yacouba Sissoko’s masterful kora, and a Michael Daves-led bluegrass supergroup.
The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music is a multi-faceted arts space showcasing evolving folk and traditional music and art from New York City, the Americas, and the world. Their programming supports artists, fosters multi-generational community, and provides enrichment and education about our shared musical heritage
Terrell King, a Brooklyn native, is an awe-inspiring, young, multi-talented musician and 3rd generation lap steel guitarist. King has appeared on many stages and played many services; he was the pedal steel guitarist in Always Patsy Cline in Weston, Vermont, and plays every Sunday at The House of God Church (Keith Dominion). King has played with musicians such as The Campbell Brothers, Lonnie “Big Ben” Bennett, Miller and the Other Sinners, and recorded an EP with Sacred Steel Records. For this performance in Bryant Park, King will play alongside his family band, which includes cousins Teione Noble (rhythm guitar), Tim Williams (bass), and Tim Allen, Jr. (drums).
Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony. His flexible virtuosity, which enables him to move seamlessly from one musical genre to another, has attracted the attention of an array of musicians who have sought him out as a collaborator – Sissoko has recorded with a variety of artists including Paul Simon, Baaba Maal, Ami Koita, Regina Carter, Leni Stern, and Abdoulaye Diabate. All the while, Sissoko exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora, a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa. Sissoko has performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC; the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles; the New York Family Arts Festival; and many more. Also recognized for his educational contributions, Sissoko was selected as a Teaching Artist by the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall and Carnegie’s Musical Explorers program in 2007. Sissoko continues to blend his virtuosity effortlessly with other musical styles, whether in Indian ragas or Appalachian tunes. Currently, Sissoko can be seen performing regularly with Regina Carter and his own band, SIYA.
Heralded as “a leading light of the New York bluegrass scene” by The New York Times, Georgia-born guitarist/singer Michael Daves has garnered attention for his work with Tony Trischka, Steve Martin, and Chris Thile, with whom he shares a Grammy nomination for their 2011 album Sleep With One Eye Open. Daves’ unruly interpretations of American roots music standards have won him a place of almost fanatical admiration as a "renegade traditionalist." His most recent project is the double album Orchids and Violence, which renders identical track lists in contrasting bluegrass and experimental electric styles. Tony Trischka is considered to be the consummate banjo artist and perhaps the most influential banjo player in the roots music world. For more than 45 years, his stylings have inspired a whole generation of bluegrass and acoustic musicians with the many voices he has brought to the instrument. He’s been nominated twice for a Grammy award, at both the 40th and 50th annual Grammy ceremonies. He won three awards at the 2007 International Bluegrass Music Association gathering, including Recorded Event of the Year and Banjo Player of the Year. The quintet will be rounded out with mandolin phenom Jacob Jolliff (Bela Fleck, Yonder Mountain String Band), violinist Alex Hargreaves, and bassist Erik Alvar.
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.
