River to River Festival R2R
 |
 |  |  |  |
| Country and Region | United States — New York |
|---|---|
| Type of Festival | Dance, Drama, Music |
| Location of Festival | New York, New York, USA |
| Festival Address Information | Alliance for Downtown New York |
| Festival Description | Making music to the ears of budget-conscious audiences, the River To River® Festival today unveiled a stellar line-up of completely free music, dance, and cultural events that firmly establishes Lower Manhattan as the city’s summer arts capital. Named one of the ten New York cultural institutions “we can’t live without” by Time Out New York and a “must-visit for urban arts aficionados” by the New York Post, the River To River Festival is New York’s largest free summer arts festival. Founded in 2002 to revitalize Lower Manhattan by bringing the arts to new audiences and new artists to public attention, the festival draws hundreds of thousands of people each year to venues along downtown’s spectacular waterfront, including the World Financial Center, The Seaport, Rockefeller Park, Battery Park, and Castle Clinton National Monument. The 2009 River To River Festival’s schedule is just as ambitious as years past, with free events — from established stars like Arlo Guthrie, Conor Oberst, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company to hotly-tipped artists like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Jenny Lewis, and choreographer Jonah Bokaer to wildly fun, cutting edge extravaganzas like The Bang on a Can Marathon and The Big Draw — taking place almost daily. “The River To River Festival embodies the energy and creativity that has carried New York City through both good and challenging times,” said Valerie Lewis, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communication for the Downtown Alliance. “At a time when audiences need art and inspiration more than ever, we are determined to bring them outstanding, world-class entertainment at a price that can’t be beat.” |
| Festival Dates | May 31 - August 14, 2009 |
| Festival Links |
Festival Story:
The River To River Festival, presented by American Express, is a collaboration of Lower Manhattan’s major cultural event producers including the Alliance for Downtown New York, arts>World Financial Center, Battery Park City Authority, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and The Seaport. These partners are firmly committed to using the arts as a tool for revitalization and to the development of new audiences for the arts.
Free admission to River To River® events is underwritten by a wide range of funders, led by the Festival’s Founding Title Sponsor, American Express. Major support is provided by the Festival’s Producing Partners, including, NBC Local Media New York and WNYC New York Public Radio.
Vital support comes from our Supporting Funders, including, Century 21 Department Stores, JetBlue Airways, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, KEXP, and The Village Voice. Participating Funders are CB Richard Ellis, EmblemHealth, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, The Moody’s Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, New York Marriott Downtown, New York State Council on the Arts, New York Stock Exchange Foundation, and TKTS Seaport.
Festival Events:
Highlighted schedule 2009 - Presented by American Express:
- Bang on a Can Marathon
- Returns to World Financial Center for its fourth year to kick-off the 2009 River To River Festival on May 31st. One of the highlights of New York City’s music calendar, the 12-hour marathon of mind-boggling, genre-bending music epitomizes the spirit of the Festival.
- Félix Lajkó
- Avant-garde Hungarian violinist performs his unique fusion of folk, jazz, Gypsy and Jewish klezmer in his U.S. debut on June 1st as a co-production with the Extremely Hungary Festival.
- Brian Stokes Mitchell
- Hailed as “Broadway’s last leading man,” takes to the Rockefeller Park stage on June 3rd.
- New York City Opera
- Brings opera downtown with three distinct varied programs for the opera novice and expert alike – in three different River To River venues from June 25 to 27.
- Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band with opening act Jenny Lewis
- Perform at the Festival’s flagship 4th of July concert in Battery Park.
- Jonah Bokaer
- One of today’s most exciting choreographers, collaborates with visual artist Daniel Arsham to present their new work, “Blind Fold,” in a public plaza Downtown. Part of LMCC’s Sitelines 2009. Location TBD (Week of July 6th and 13th).
- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
- Indie faves will play Seaport Music, Pier 17 (July 10th).
- Karsh Kale and Timeline
- The famed Indian composer will perform with GamelaTron, the world’s first and only robotic Gamelan orchestra, at the World Financial Center Winter Garden on July 21st.
- Marking Merce Cunningham’s 90th birthday
- The Joyce Theater will co-produce Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s site-specific Event celebrating the work of the legendary choreographer on August 1st and 2nd at a location to be announced shortly.
- Químbombó
- Acclaimed Cuban dance band takes over Wagner Park on July 29th.
- Richie Havens (July 23rd) and Arlo Guthrie (July 30)
- Performances take place at Castle Clinton in Battery Park.
- John Kelly sings The Joni Mitchell Songbook
- “Songs for a Shiny Hot Night,” will take place at Castle Clinton in Battery Park on August 6th.
- Zvi Dance in “White”
- Presented by LMCC’s Sitelines at Fort Jay on Governor’s Island. May 31st.
- Moshi Moshi Records’ Belated NY 10th Anniversary Show
- With Casiokids, The Wave Pictures, and Slow Club takes over The Seaport, Pier 17 on August 7th.
The website will be live as of May 4, 2009. Additional Festival events will be announced and added to the website as they are confirmed.
- With Casiokids, The Wave Pictures, and Slow Club takes over The Seaport, Pier 17 on August 7th.
- Note—All of the preceding events are FREE, though tickets are required in some instances.
- For more information and a complete schedule of River To River® Festival programming, please visit http://www.RiverToRiverNYC.com
Other Sources:
Want more? Click on a color — travel and explore. 
Podcast Interviews:
- If you like this festival — listen to…
- Yoshiko Chuma
http://kadmusarts.com/blog/?p=549
- Yoshiko Chuma
Start or join a conversation about this festival in the Forum.
