BY THE VILLAGE SUN | Three’s company at Little Island.
The Hudson River Park’s lushly landscaped “entertainment pier” will be putting on a series of performances, “The Big Mix,” that promises to offer “a whole new way to look” at three uniquely American holidays.
The shows, all at The Amph — the pier’s wooden-seated amphitheater — will kick off on Juneteenth, Thurs., June 16, followed by three more shows based around that holiday’s theme. Next, starting Thurs., June 23, there will be three nights of performances celebrating L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. and Pride. That will be followed from Thurs., June 30, through July 3, by four nights of performances on the theme of Independence Day.
“The Big Mix” is being billed by Little Island as “a one-of-a-kind performance party — part party, part performance art, part vaudeville, part variety show, and a whole new way to look at three of our most joyous, most provocative, most historically challenging and most uniquely American holidays.”
Conceived and directed by Little Island artist in residence Tina Landau, each week will feature an ensemble of musicians, along with Little Island’s house band led by musical director Kimberly Grigsby.
“The Big Mix — Juneteenth” will be hosted by Tony and Grammy Award nominee Joshua Henry, with special acts Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins, singer-songwriter Chanese Elifé, parkour artists Reap Genius and Falco, fire artist Sage Sovereign, Step It Up/HANAC Secret Society Dance Company and Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem Choir, plus newly commissioned work from Brinae Ali & Tamar-kali, Ronvé O’Daniel and Jacinth Greywoode.
The Village Sun caught the end of a recent rehearsal for “The Big Mix — Juneteenth” at Little Pier and the band sounded very good. And the cool, gentle breeze blowing in off the Hudson felt very good, too. People are free to watch rehearsals, for free, at Little Island.
Tickets for the performances, however, are $45; or $25 for over age 65 and under age 25. For tickets and more information, click here.
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