In a splendid burst of creativity, the Bryant Park Corporation has revealed the roster for this year's Picnic Performances, an illustrious annual assemblage of complimentary concerts, dynamic dance displays, and thrilling theatrical happenings. Between June 1 and September 14, the series boasts 25 awe-inspiring events, available at no cost to the public.

Maintaining its signature allure, the Midtown manifestation, formally christened as Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America, embraces a diverse tapestry of styles through partnerships with prominent New York City arts institutions. "Bryant Park Picnic Performances represent a remarkably synergetic endeavor, designed to spotlight the crème de la crème of the city's arts scene," articulated Dan Fishman, vice president of public events at Bryant Park Corporation. "I can conceive of no finer way to extol New York's virtues than by crafting a stage in harmony with the myriad cultural establishments, both grand and humble, that render this metropolis extraordinary."

Photo: unsplash.com/almapapi

The season commences on June 1 with a grandiose offering by New York City Opera—a fully staged, impeccably costumed rendition of Puccini's magnum opus, "La Bohème." This year's distinguished collaborators encompass Jazzmobile, Joe's Pub, the Classical Theater of Harlem, and the iconic Carnegie Hall. Among the particularly enticing spectacles are a mesmerizing concert headlined by the enigmatic drone-rock ensemble 75 Dollar Bill, courtesy of Brooklyn's avant-garde music crucible Roulette on August 26, and the much-anticipated U.S. premiere of Turkish chanteuse Gaye Su Akyol on September 9, hosted by East Village's international music hotspot Drom. The season culminates on September 14 as Harlem Stage commemorates its 40th anniversary with a captivating finale.

For those unable to revel in the festivities firsthand, fear not: over 20 performances shall grace the digital realm with live streaming.

Behold, the full array of Picnic Performances events disclosed today:

2023 Lineup

June

01 - New York City Opera: La Bohème
02 - Jazzmobile: The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra
08 - Contemporary Dance: Robin Dunn + Legendary Friends
09 - Contemporary Dance: Dance Heginbotham + TBA
15 - Contemporary Dance: Terk Lewis + Kayla Farrish
16 - Contemporary Dance: Soles of Duende + Josh Johnson
23 - Emerging Music Festival: Psymon Spine, THUS LOVE, Katy Kirby
24 - Emerging Music Festival: Ky Vöss, Seramic, Miss Grit, Dead Tooth
30 - Jalopy Theatre: Michael Daves Quartet ft. Tony Trishka, Yacouba Sissoko, Terrell King

July

07 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
14 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Tessa Lark + Michael Thurber
21 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Magos Herrera featuring The Knights
28 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Champe-Soukous Collective

August

03 - Ailey Moves NYC: Ailey II
04 - Carnegie Hall Citywide: Ndlovu Youth Choir
11 - Joe's Pub: Shaina Taub
18 - New York City Opera: The Barber of Seville
19 - New York City Opera: Alessandro Lora in Concert
25 - Accordions Around the World: Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, Ragini Ensemble
26 - Roulette Intermedium: 75 Dollar Bill, Ka Baird, TBA

September

01 - The Classical Theatre of Harlem: Langston in Harlem
07 - American Symphony Orchestra: American Expressions
08 - New York City Opera: Romeo and Juliet
09 - Drom: Gaye Su Akyol (U.S. debut)
14 - Harlem Stage: 40th Anniversary Concert

See More: bryantpark.org/activities/picnic-performances