With Summer at the Plaza there’s something for the movie junkie, the foodie and the music lover. This year the performance lineup includes a Grammy Award-winning band along with some locally popular groups.
Soul Asylum, the Charlie Daniels Band, Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded are among some of the most famous groups headed to the Empire State Plaza, with local bands like the Rechorduroys taking the stage as well.
Beyond live performances, Summer at the Plaza offers a handful of events including the New York State Food Festival, the Black Arts and Culture Festival, movie nights, a Kids Day and a Fourth of July celebration.
Here’s a glance at the lineup:
Reggae Night
5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Wed., June 28
Freddie McGregor, a Grammy-nominated artist, will be bringing soul-style reggae music to the Plaza. He’ll be playing some of his top songs like “Push Come to Shove,” “Africa Here I Come,” “I Was Born A Winner,” “Guantanamera,” “Big Ship, Lock Dem’ Down,” and “Bangarang,” among others.
New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration
3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Tues, July 4
Every year, over 20,000 people head out to the Plaza for the July 4th Celebration. There’s a naturalization ceremony, a fireworks show, food and craft vendors and a full lineup of live evening entertainment.
The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band will be performing this year. According to New York State, the band has been representing the Air Force for 75 years.
Sam Roberts Band
5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Wed. July 12
The Canadian rock and roll band will be heading to the Plaza and will be featuring their latest album, “Terraform.” The Rechorduroys, an alternative rock band, are set to open.
Soul Asylum
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wed. July 19
The Grammy-winning Soul Asylum will be bringing their raucous sound to the Plaza with special guest Cracker, the alt-rock/Americana group that rose to fame with songs like “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl.”
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Wed., July 26
Charles Bradley is set to bring a bit of soul to the concert series. Since his 2011 debut album, “No Times for Dreaming,” Bradley has been known for his riveting live performances at Coachella, Glastonbury Festival and others.
Black Arts and Cultural Festival
2 p.m.- 7 p.m., Sat., Aug., 5
The Black Arts and Cultural Festival will feature a live performance by Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded, among a kid-zone and plenty of family-friendly activities. Watley and Shalamar bring a mix of soul, funk, R&B and pop to the stage.
New York State Food Festival
11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Wed., Aug. 9
Come hungry. The Festival offers over 100 food vendors, including NYS producers and beer brewers. The Charlie Daniels Band will be bringing its Southern rock anthems and gospel music to the stage for a live performance.
Viewing of “Key Largo”
8 p.m., Wed. Aug. 16
See the 1948 classic Key Largo starring Lauren Bacall, Henry Bogart, Lionel Barrymore.
Viewing of “Rear Window”
8 p.m., Wed. Aug. 23
The Plaza brings Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, starting Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter and Wendell Corey, back to the screen.
Viewing of “Annie”
8 p.m., Wed. Aug. 30
The classic kid’s movie Annie, starring Aileen Quinn, will be finishing off the movie portion of Summer at the Plaza.
Jazz Night: Alex Torres
5: 30 – 7: 30 p.m., Wed., Sept. 13
In a new addition to the Summer at the Plaza series, Alex Torres will be bringing his blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as Salsa, Merengue, Cha-cha, Bomba, Plena, and Latin jazz to the stage.
Jazz Night: Hot Club of Saratoga
5:30-7:30 p.m., Wed. Sept. 20
The Hot Club of Saratoga will be bringing its gypsy swing sound to the Plaza. With music from the 1930s to today, the Club will offer up a vibrant repertoire.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat., Sept. 23
As a part of Hispanic Heritage Month, this celebration will include live music, dance, food and family friendly activities to bring the Hispanic community together.
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