Longtime Blackrock arts promoter Joseph Celli has been producing the IPA concerts for 10 years. The free concerts have always feature an eclectic range of music from around the world, and bands have even appeared in Norwalk as part of a summer lunchtime concert in 2003. This year, the festival calendar features:
Sunday, July 8 - Mikata: Salsa & Latin Jazz
The Black Rock Art Center presents the powerful percussion group Mikata - Feel your pulse quicken as Mikata ignites the stage in a joyful celebration of Africa, the Caribbean Islands and Brazil. “Elegant traditional African music” - Vogue Magazine. “A kinetic sampling of African music” - New York Times.Went Field, corner of Went St. and Railroad Ave., Bridgeport, Exit 26, I-95, FREE, 2:00.
Sunday, July 15 - Anthem Reggae Band
The Black Rock Art Center presents CT’s most esteemed reggae band. Anthem’s music is laced with big doses of urban contemporary music, soul and the joy of the Caribbean. Direct from SOB’s in New York.Washington Park, corner of Washington and Barnum Avenues, Bridgeport, FREE, 2:00 pm.
Friday, July 20 - Ashford & Simpson: Master of American Soul
Sweetport Music Fest and The Black Rock Art Center present Ashford and Simpson – the duo is one of the most prolific, versatile and exciting musical couples in recording history with 22 gold and platinum records and 50 ASCAP awards including hit songs for Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and many more show opens with singer Ashlie Luckett.McLevy Green corner of State and Main Streets, downtown Bridgeport, FREE, 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 22 - David Munnelly Irish Band
The Black Rock Art Center presents the award-winning David Munnelly Band direct from Ireland. Accordion wizard Munnelly brings new excitement and depth to traditional style, evocative of the rugged beauty of Ireland’s West coast. “Munnelly is a creative force at the true epicenter of Irish traditional music†New York Times.Puglio Park, Madison Avenue, Bridgeport FREE
Friday, July 27 - Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz
Sweetport Music Fest and The Black Rock Art Center present The Legend, The Master, multiple Grammy Award winner, Eddie Palmieri – The Sun of Latin Music is famous for mixing salsa with R&B, pop, rock, Spanish vocals and jazz improv, opening with Manchado Afro-Caribbean band.McLevy Green corner of State and Main Streets, downtown Bridgeport, 6:00 pm FREE
Sunday, July 29 - Cosmic Jibaros
The Black Rock Art Center presents Cosmic Jibaros, the band that has redefined Latin rock building from Latin and Caribbean rhythms, adding funked up guitars and accordion flourishes to achieve a sound both cross-cultural and highly danceable, pulsing music.Newfield Park, Newfield Avenue, Bridgeport, 2:00 pm FREE
Friday, August 3 - Living Colour & Native Lands
Sweetport Music Fest and The Black Rock Art Center presents Grammy and MTV award-winner Living Colour – the black-funk-metal pioneers return with the high promise of their apocalyptic funk in the hands of guitarist Vernon Reid, drummer Will Calhoun, bassist Doug Wimbish and singer Corey Glover. Will Calhoun’s Native Lands Experience opens the show at 6:00 pm.McLevy Green corner of State and Main Streets, downtown Bridgeport, 6:00 pm. FREE
Sunday, August 5 - No World Improvisations
The Black Rock Art Center presents No World Improvisations featuring musicians from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas in a multi-cultural celebration of musical diversity.Went Field, corner of Went St. and Railroad Ave., Bridgeport, Exit 26, I-95 FREE
Sunday, August 12 - What Up Funk Band
The Black Rock Art Center presents the high octane What Up Funk Band performing the works of Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, James Brown, the Four Tops and the best of American soul music. Dancing Allowed! So, Bring Your Dancing Shoes! FREEWashington Park, corner of Washington and Barnum Avenues, Bridgeport
Sunday, August 19 - Airborne Jazz Ensemble
The Black Rock Art Center presents one of CT’s leading jazz ensembles featuring bassist Steve Clarke, percussionist James Moss and other important musicians.Puglio Park, Madison Avenue, Bridgeport FREE
Sunday, August 26 - Tenth World Ensemble
The Black Rock Art Center’s final concert in the 10th Anniversary Summer Sounds of the World featuring Tenth World with Kevin ‘Bujo’ Jones featuring jazz, African rhythms and exotic instruments. Jones has performed with Germaine Jackson, Archie Shepp, & Whitney Houston among others.Newfield Park, Newfield Avenue, Bridgeport FREE
Call 367-7917 or visit www.blackrockartcenter.com.
