Event Details
On the opening night of its 40th Anniversary season, SummerStage and the Blue Note Jazz Festival showcase GRAMMY-winning vocalist Ledisi performing selections from For Dinah, her tribute to jazz and R&B legend Dinah Washington. Also appearing are SummerStage alumnus José James, jazz vocalist Spilata, and DJ Kultured Child for an evening connecting jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and contemporary styles.
About SummerStage
The 2026 season lineup is here! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, the season features more than 60 shows in 13 parks and honors SummerStage history by presenting beloved veterans and tomorrow’s icons.
In June 1986, the first-ever SummerStage show kicked off with avant-garde Afrofuturist Sun Ra Arkestra at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Both the park and the city’s cultural landscape were forever changed. In the 40 years since, SummerStage has presented thousands of global artists to audiences numbering over seven million, bringing free live performances to neighborhood parks across the city. Whether attending since the very first show or discovering SummerStage more recently through performances by Jon Batiste, The Roots, Marcus Miller, or Soccer Mommy, audiences have continued to dance, sing, and groove together.
In June 1986, the first-ever SummerStage show kicked off with avant-garde Afrofuturist Sun Ra Arkestra at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. Both the park and the city’s cultural landscape were forever changed. In the 40 years since, SummerStage has presented thousands of global artists to audiences numbering over seven million, bringing free live performances to neighborhood parks across the city. Whether attending since the very first show or discovering SummerStage more recently through performances by Jon Batiste, The Roots, Marcus Miller, or Soccer Mommy, audiences have continued to dance, sing, and groove together.
Location
Central Park
Rumsey Playfield
New York, NY 10021
Image: Courtesy of SummerStage 2026