Are we there yet? “Roadside Attraction” takes you on a family camping trip, 1970s-style.
Song, dance and play fill the streets of Lower Manhattan
BY MAEVE GATELY | Week one of the sprawling River To River festival is almost over — and with it, the chance to say you were there when it all began. But don’t feel left out if you missed June 16’s nine-hour Bang on a Can marathon. That crew of percussive maniacs will be back next year — and with three weeks left, you’ve still got time to catch most of the 150+ (mostly outdoor) concerts, art exhibits, dance performances and family activities. Here are three of our own must-sees:
British accent, American soul: James Maddock performs, on June 25 & 27.
JAMES MADDOCK
This British-born singer-songwriter, a Downtown resident for the past few years, has developed a singularly unique musical identity — by blending his distinct accent with instrumentals that recall the equally unique riffs of American folk music. The result is both soulful and driving (think Bruce Springsteen, with an English countryside lilt).
Winner of the 2010/11 NY Music Award for Best Americana Album (for “Sunrise on Avenue C”), Maddock has been writing and recording music for over a decade. These two River To River concerts will feature selections from that body of work, plus his most recent release (“Another Life”).
An all-ages event on Tues., June 25, 5:30pm, at Brookfield Place Plaza (220 Vesey Street, at West Street) and Thurs., June 27, 12:30pm, at One New York Plaza (South & Whitehall Sts.).
ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Nostalgic for the days of Connect Four and summer vacations in pop-up campers? Third Rail Projects’ seventies throwback, “Roadside Attraction,” is set in the midst of a 1970s family vacation. The work examines issues of nostalgia, family, expectations and acceptance, and features the Bessie-winning group’s signature blend of human emotion, quirky choreography and site-specific set design (the action takes place in a renovated vintage 1977 Coleman pop-up camper, and will be performed outside under summer skies).
Performances on June 23-26, at 12pm & 1pm (15 min. in length), and June 27, at 1pm & 7pm (60 min. in length) at Brookfield Place Plaza and on July 1-2 at, 12:30pm (60 min. in length) at One New York Plaza.
“Come Out and Play” invites you to play ball… and much more, on July 12 & 13.
COME OUT AND PLAY
Come Out and Play is a nationwide organization that turns cityscapes into playgrounds, providing games, activities and teamwork challenges that bring together family, friends and strangers alike. In the past, Come Out and Play events have taken place in Chelsea, the Lower East Side and South Street Seaport, and ranged in activities from city-wide scavenger hunts to whiffle ball with paper-mâché pigeons. On July 12, from 7pm-12am, Come Out and Play After Dark will fill South Street Seaport with real life, real time re-inactions of video games and multiplayer activities.
Then, on July 13, from 11am to 5pm Field Day will transform the Governor’s Island Parade Ground with games and events (some of which were suggested by the public).
THE RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL
All across Lower Manhattan
Through July 14
Free
For a schedule of events & more info, visit rivertorivernyc.com
