Sting, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright And More To Play Summerstage Benefit Show

In any other given summer, New Yorkers could expect to enjoy a great night out in Central Park at no cost thanks to the City Parks Foundations Summerstage. The iconic stage has held concerts each summer for over six million fans over the past 30 years but was unable to this year due to health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, the City Parks Foundation has announced a new benefit event to take the place of their annual gala, called SummerStage Jubilee: Songs & Stories Benefiting Free Programs in Parks. The virtual show will be available to stream on all of Summerstage’s social media platforms: Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and Instagram.

Scheduled to perform at the virtual show are Sting, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Rosanne Cash, Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Billie Jean King, PJ Morton (of Maroon 5), Leslie Odom Jr., and Emily King, along with other special guests.

 

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The virtual event will also encourage donations to both organizations so they will be able to continue to host events in the future.

“Your support will ensure that all of our programs can continue, from free tennis and golf instruction to experiential, environmental science-based lessons, all of which provide important, structured outdoor activities for young New Yorkers,” wrote organizers.

“Your support will ensure that we are able to buy tools for volunteers to beautify local parks, and to provide training, microgrants, and coaching to facilitate their local advocacy. And, your support will help maintain our new virtual arts festival, SummerStage Anywhere, to ensure that the performing arts remain available to all, while allowing us to gear up for in-person concerts when they are allowed next year.”

Donors can also purchase “rooms” for the virtual show, beginning at $1000, the proceeds from which will go towards parks programs and equipment.

The gala will be available to stream on September 17 at 8:00 pm EST. It is free for all, but supporters can donate via the City Parks Foundation website.

To learn more, visit the official event website.