Photo: Courtesy of http://www.brooklynvegan.com/
Lower Manhattan’s 14th annual River to River Festival is coming up! For 11 days beginning June 18, locals and visitors alike can experience live entertainment and events including dance, music, theatre, and visual art, along the waterfronts, parks, historic landmarks, and several other unique sites in the downtown area.
The best part? It’s free and open to the public!
To kick off the festival, on June 18 from 5-7 p.m., attend the “block party” style event on North End Way (Battery Park City), which will include performances by East African vocalist, Somi, and discounts at restaurants and retailers in the proximity.
Founded in 2002, River to River was created as an effort to re-energize and rejuvenate the Lower Manhattan community after the Sept. 11 attacks. The festivals goals include promoting cultural activity and making this region an important part of New York City’s history and art populace, which continues to progress each year. It serves as a rewarding and inspiring experience for residents, workers and visitors from around the world to express their creative side.
Photo courtesy of: http://www.dance-enthusiast.com/
A major festival highlight is the “Bang On a Can Marathon” concert happening on June. 21, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. This renowned music event from around the world features an all day concert. It embraces performances by some of the most influential and unprecedented musicians today, as well as young breakout artists.
This 11 day fest shows off Lower Manhattan’s aesthetic and inventive side and invites the whole community to come and be inspired. Dates and times are subject to change so don’t forget to go on River to River for the most up-to-date information.
-by Kelsey Maloney
