New York’s SummerStage at 40: Best Moments

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – 1987 – Central Park Bandshell

This was a truly exceptional show. While Ladysmith was part of Paul Simon’s Graceland tour, SummerStage was their first show as headliner in the U.S. The show was thrilling with their vocal theatrics. It garnered a lot of press because Ladysmith called out the South African government to free Nelson Mandela, which would happen a few years later in 1990. —J.K.

Youssou N’Dour – 1988 – Central Park Bandshell

Youssou N’Dour’s sound mixed traditional Senegalese music with Latin sounds to create a massive dance party. N’Dour created dance beats that had not previously existed. New York City’s West African community were overjoyed with their hero performing in Central Park. —J.K.

Arrow With Buster Poindexter – 1988 – Central Park Bandshell

Arrow wrote a Caribbean soca hit “Hot Hot Hot” but it was David Johansen of New York Dolls’ alter ego Buster Poindexter that made it a radio hit in the States. The SummerStage show premiered them performing together. It was a 30-minute hip-swiveling, booty-shaking, conga-line dancing affirmation of life. —J.K.

Buddy Guy – 1990 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

The greatest living blues guitarist in his prime could not be contained to the stage. Guy left the stage and played in the swarm of thousands. Amazing how he interacted and responded to fans while continuing to play deep gut bucket Chicago blues. —J.K.

Curtis Mayfield – 1990 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

Curtis Mayfield’s mix of soul, R&B, and gospel delivered a staggering show. “Move on Up” touched the sky over the park, followed by an unforgettable  “Superfly,” “Keep on Pushing,” “People Get Ready,” and “It’s All Right” generating an inspirational afternoon of great joy. —J.K.

Lou Reed – 1991 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

Lou Reed was reluctant about reading his lyrics. He drew over 5,000 fans for a free show. It seemed like every New York musician, writer, punk was in the audience. Reed was nervous about not having a band and a guitar, and then he crushed it. Fans listened intently to “Heroin,” “Halloween Parade,” “Dirty Blvd,” and many more. Reed commanded the stage with his words. —J.K.

Arlo Guthrie With Pete Seeger- 1992 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

This was a tribute to Woody Guthrie’s 80th birthday. Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Suzanne Vega, Billy Bragg, and Nanci Griffith all performed Guthrie’s songs and ended with a rousing sing-along of “This Land Is Your Land.” —J.K.

Patti Smith – 1993 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

This show was Patti Smith’s return to NYC and to performing after 12 years away. A stunning night of poetry, lyrics, and emotions. Smith lit a fire with “People Have the Power,” while her co-writer and husband Fred Smith (MC5) was backstage, along with Smith’s brother Todd, both cheering and supporting her return. The jam-packed audience of fans embraced her every word. —J.K.

Joni Mitchell – 1999 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

An evening centered on Joni Mitchell’s jazz leanings. Vernon Reid of Living Colour assembled an all-star group with Chaka Kahn, Duncan Sheik, John Kelly, Anmie Ross, and Jon Hendricks. Mitchell’s appearance and presence was transcendental. —J.K.

Levon Helm – 2011 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

Levon Helm was always a great drummer like Ringo Starr and Charley Watts, but on this night he really nailed it as a drummer and band leader. By this show in 2011, Helm had survived throat cancer which altered his vocal chords; he opened with “Ophelia” and sang his heart out. He turned most vocal duties over to stellar singers Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Joan Osborne. Helm brought a ragged tenderness to the evening, ending the show with “The Weight” as a summer rain rolled through. —J.K.

Mavis Staples – 2008 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

​There are few performers alive who have borne witness to the Civil Rights movement in the way Mavis Staples has and who can still command an audience with a rare combination of righteousness and hope. When she sang her signature song, the Staple Singers classic “I’ll Take You There,” all 5,000 people were singing along. It was such a beautiful and powerful moment in the park. —E.E.

Naughty by Nature – Video Music Box 25th Anniversary 2008 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

​I have had so much fun over the years celebrating hip-hop across the city. This night was special as I got to work with the legendary Ralph McDaniels to celebrate a milestone anniversary, with an outstanding lineup of artists, including Naughty by Nature. —E.E.

Gil Scott-Heron – 2010 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

This was one of ​Gil’s last performances ​in NYC​, and like all his performances, it was powerful, poignant, and full of humor. When Common joined him later in the set,​ the crowd went crazy. —E.E.

Public Enemy – 2016 – Betsy Head Park, Brooklyn

Public Enemy opened their set by telling people to “pump your fists, this is hip-hop,” and ran through their hits with a live band and signature military hype men.  Flavor Flav later dedicated the show to Muhammad Ali, and then went into their iconic hit “Bring the Noise.” What struck me most was the mix of people, ethnicities, and ages that came out — such a beautiful blend of humanity. —E.E.

Roy Ayers – 2017 – Central Park Rumsey Playfield

I have had the honor of presenting Roy Ayers several times across many boroughs, but this was a special show as we ensembled an orchestra which elevated his music to another level.  When they played “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” it felt like the whole park was singing along. —E.E.

Khalid – 2017- East River Park, Manhattan

​Perfect timing, and thanks to my longtime friend and his agent Cara Lewis, we were able to bring Khalid for free to East River Park (in the historic bandshell that no longer exists!) and just as he was breaking into stardom. The park was packed with young people and the excitement was palpable. —E.E.

La India – 2017 – St Mary’s Park, Bronx

There were people as far as you could see in every direction for the homecoming of the Princess of Salsa​ to St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx​. What an honor to bring her to that park (my neighborhood park too, so even more meaningful for me!). In the blistering heat, India spoke about being from the Bronx, and got emotional about her journey. The crowd was cheering, dancing and having the best time. —E.E.

Eddie Palmieri – 2019 – East River Park, Manhattan

I am so grateful that I got to work with Eddie Palmieri many times at SummerStage. Maestro was such a gentleman, gracious and unassuming, but when he hit the stage and began to play, you could feel the force of his legacy in every note. East River Park was packed, full of life and joy. —E.E.

DMC – 2024 – Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

One of the best parts of my job is bringing local heroes back to their boroughs, and this was absolutely true in this case! —E.E.

Common – 2024 – Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn

Brooklyn in summer is a party to begin with, so adding a free show in Bed Stuy with two of hip-hop’s favorites on the release of their Kings Theater album was a perfect combination of location and timing. It was the type of summer vibe and audience you only find in NYC. —E.E.