by Yoli Ouiya and J. Lucas, contributing writer
I had an opportunity to see King and Lee Fields, Fitz and The Tantrums at New York SummerStage, a series of mostly free concerts in Central Park and the outer boroughs produced by the City Parks Foundation.
This particular day, I was running late. I trotted along the entrance to central park and could hear the sweet culmination of melodies oozing from the main stage. I reached the park right at the end of King’s set, and while disappointed that I missed most of their set, was delighted to finally see them in a NY setting. Haven’t heard of King before? Well you are missing out on pure musical delight. King is a group of 3 young women from LA, two of them happen to be sisters, with extensive classical training in music. They melded and laced their classical sensibilities with modern, jazz, soul, funk, and more to create a sound that many, including several celebrities embraced immediately. Click Here to find more info and hear some tunes from King’s highly acclaimed EP.
::SummerStage Tip:: Arrive early enough so that you can get a good space and lay a blanket down.
The mainstage also features Brooklyn Flea in Central Park, comprised of local food vendors such as Pizza Moto and Asia Dog.
My food treat was from Asia Dog. I ordered a veggie dog with Mash topping: spicy ketchup, jalapeno, mustard, crushed salt and pepper potato chips. My mouth was on fire but that quickly subsided with each bit. My goodness, whomever came up with this combination knows how to indulge a food glutton. I felt like I was eating a childhood combination with a kick. To find Asia Dog locations in NY, click here.
Some upcoming SummerStage concerts to end your summer right:
Music :: “Salute to Hip-Hop” featuring Rob Base / FUNKMASTER FLEX
When: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 7:00PM
Where: Marcus Garvey Park (Harlem)
Music|Benefit :: Nas / Damian Marley with Theophilus London
When: Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 7:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
Tickets available through ticketmaster.com & 800-745-3000, and the Best Buy Theater box office (44th & Broadway).
Music :: Wisin & Yandel / Henry Santos
When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
NOTE: Free tickets required for entry.Tickets will be distributed through La Mega 97.9 FM and at SummerStage’s Mainstage in Central Park at the SummerShop during all Mainstage shows. An open box office will be set up at the general admission line at Mainstage on Wednesday, August 10th from 12 noon – 5pm for tickets.
For the full schedule of events, download the event calendar.
