Crooklyn Summer Events.

Isaac Hayes

From the 60s soul and R&B of his Stax-Volt days to the 70s funk of Shaft to laying down the genetic blueprints for of both disco and rap, few artists approach Isaac Hayes’ overall influence on the evolution of American popular music.

Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2002, the singer, musician, composer, and producer “has generated five decades of grooves.” (Rolling Stone) Live in concert, prowling the stage in his signature wraparound shades, he remains as potent a force as ever.

$3 suggested donation. At the Bandshell.

Crooklyn Dodgers Reunion

Brooklyn hip-hop history will be made as the open mic pioneers of Lyricist Lounge return to the Bandshell to assemble for the first time the MCs and DJs responsible for the classic ‘90s singles “Crooklyn Dodgers” and “Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers”, soundtracks to the Spike Lee films Crooklyn and Clockers.

Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.
with O.C., Jeru the Damaja, Chubb Rock, EMC featuring Masta Ace, DJ Permier, Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Hosted by Buckshot of Black Moon and Special Ed.

$3 suggested donation. At the Bandshell.

Freddie McGregor

Reggae icon Freddie McGregor has “the ability to shift smoothly between serious-themed roots and more commercial lover’s rock without losing his Rasta credibility.” (Washington Post) After 40+ years performing he remains one of Jamaica’s most soulful singers.

Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
with Soul Steps
The high energy NYC-based Soul Steps aim to do for step dancing what Savion Glover has done for tap: revitalize the authentic style for a new generation.

$3 suggested donation. At the Bandshell.

Hal Willner’s Bill Withers Project

Visionary music producer Hal Willner returns to the Bandshell with a multi-artist celebration of acoustic R&B pioneer Bill Withers, whose Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone, Lovely Day, and Lean On Me only hint at a body of work that ranks him among our greatest songwriters.

Saturday, August 9, 7 p.m.
Nona Hendryx, James “Blood” Ulmer, Sandra St. Victor, and Glen Hansard of the Frames will be among the ensemble cast, but expect surprises and late additions. “No one puts on a better tribute concert than Hal Willner … a sympathetic and generous listener with an almost preternatural ability to match performer to song, and a Rolodex to back it up.” (Variety)

$3 suggested donation. At the Bandshell.

See You There.