By Chelsey Travin
The extreme heat and virtual emptiness of New York City in the summer can make anyone want to get away. While that might not always be an option, there are still many great attractions in the city which provide people with a chance to have a vacation experience. One great way is to go see one of the numerous music and entertainment festivals in the parks and even on the water; with a series of intriguing and varied options, one can never be bored.
The only thing better than going to a great concert is going to a great concert outdoors on a glorious New York City evening. In the next month there will be options for every taste. With SummerStage in Central Park, Broadway in Bryant Park, and “Rockin the River” on the Hudson, there will be no shortage of entertainment this summer. Central Park’s SummerStage is a program supported by the City Parks Foundation; it is comprised of a series of free outdoor concerts which are intended to cater to all the different communities of New York City. The artists come from all walks of New York City life; with the breadth of genres and the outdoor setting, SummerStage is a fun way to spend an evening in the city. The mission of SummerStage is to show the audience all the different types of artists: contemporary, traditional, and emerging “new age” music and how all of these artists originated. Central Park SummerStage proves that New York City is one of the best cultural cities in the world.
Throughout the months of July and August, Broadway in Bryant Park, which is sponsered by 106.7 Lite FM, highlights some of the most popular Broadway shows. Throughout the selected seven days over the next two months, twenty-eight shows are put on. This combination of Broadway classics along with the magnificent summer setting in Bryant Park creates a truly memorable experience. On July 23rd scenes from shows like Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Vanities, and Next to Normal will be on from 12:30 to 1:30. On July 30th,, there are options like Chicago, Naked Boys Singing, Jersey Boys, and Shrek, while on August 6th, there are shows like Wicked, Burn the Floor, The Lion King, and the Marvelous Wonderettes. The final performance, which is on August 13th, consists of Broadway classics like Billy Elliot, South Pacific, Mamma Mia, and Altar Boyz. With everything ranging from Broadway classics to new shows, and everything in between, Broadway in Bryant Park has something for everyone. For those of us who prefer a more mobile experience to music in the park, NYC Rockin’ the River cruises provides a scenic tour with live music in an intimate and friendly setting. Music by your favorite artists perfectly compliments the beautiful New York skyline at night.
One show which is sure to be a blast is Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, on August 7th at 8 PM for $40.00. As one can see, there are plenty of music options for all different kinds of New Yorkers with varied tastes. Any of the outdoor music festivals will create a fun environment around the city this summer.
