Music 2024

Juneteenth Celebration

Kick off your two-week Festival experience with a performance that pays homage to the Juneteenth holiday and celebrates our collective dedication to liberation and joy! Curated by Artsucation and New Haven’s Official Juneteenth Coalition, this evening promises to be a harmonious blend of rhythm, love, and artistry like no other. Keep an ear out for the upcoming announcement of the featured performers, and make sure to mark your calendar for a night that you won’t want to miss!

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water

Choral Fusion

Experience the transformative melodies of “Malhaar: A Requiem for Water” by composer Reena Esmail, presented by Yale Choral Artists. Inspired by mystical Hindustani raags invoking rain, this performance blends Latin requiem texts with Hindi poetry, exploring water’s beauty, loss, and renewal. Join us on a journey of hope with Mumbai vocalist Saili Oak, renowned for bridging Indian and Western classical music. Dive into a world of music and reflection on our relationship with water and the earth.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate New Haven

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and merriment at “Celebrate New Haven!” Experience the vibrant energy of our city as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its new music director, Conductor Perry So, fills the air with melodies. Get ready to dance under the stars at our outdoor party! NHSO brings passion and innovation to every performance, inspiring audiences of all ages. Enjoy a bite from a local restaurant or food truck and revel in this free concert on the New Haven Green!

Cécelia

Celtic Fusion

You are invited to delight in the enchanting sounds of Cécilia! This dynamic band effortlessly blends traditional, Celtic, and Quebecois music, creating a whirlwind of musical magic. From skillfully arranged pieces to influences ranging from contemporary to classical, jazz, and swing styles, their performances are a true celebration of musical fusion. Get up and dance as you won’t be able to sit still!

The Ebony Hillbillies

Americana

Get ready to be swept away by the infectious tunes of The Ebony Hillbillies – the last African-American String Band
in America! Keeping essential traditions alive with a fresh twist, they blend pop, country, bluegrass, folk, rock, and jazz into an untamed, joyful sound. From appearances at NYC’s music under New York to captivating performances today, they bridge generations and transcend cultural boundaries. Join us for a toe-tapping, heartwarming experience that honors musical heritage and celebrates unity!

DakhaBrakha

Ukrainian Folk Fusion

Join us on June 20th for a heartwarming celebration of International Refugee Day with DakhaBrakha! Meaning “give and take” in Ukrainian, DakhaBrakha blends traditional Ukrainian folk music with global rhythms, creating a mesmerizing trans-national sound. Winners of the Shevchenko National Prize in 2020, DakhaBrakha performs around the world, bringing song and stories from their homeland of Kiev. Experience the joy of cultural exchange through captivating video content and live music.

Stokley Williams

Get ready to groove with R&B and Soul sensation Stokley Williams from Mint Condition! With a GRAMMY-nominated career as a vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi- instrumentalist, Stokley has collaborated with music icons like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. Known for his soulful voice and electrifying performances, Stokley brings his chart-topping hits like “Organic” and “Levels” to the stage. DJs SW1 and Hollywood will warm us up along with Connecticut favorite, Ricky Alan Draughn and his band. Join your hosts comedian Freddie Ricks (Shaft, Baby Boy, Strays) and Hollywood for an unforgettable night of smooth rhythms and soulful melodies!

El Laberinto del Coco

Bomba Fusion

Experience the rhythmic magic of El Laberinto del Coco, an Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion ensemble, led by percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez. With a unique blend of sizzling musical ideas, Barez presents new ways to the traditional sounds of Puerto Rican Bomba. Expect sizzling horn lines, funky guitar riffs, layered percussion, and captivating vocals that will leave you mesmerized. With their infectious energy and innovative sound, El Laberinto del Coco has carved a distinct niche in the music scene, captivating audiences worldwide. Join us at 6PM for an opening treat with New Haven’s own Harmony in Action.

Mulan Fitness Art School

Don’t miss the vibrant dance performance by Mulan Fitness Art School! Led by the talented Ms. Jichun Sun, whose students showcase traditional Chinese dance styles alongside Mulan quan – a modern fusion of tai chi, yoga, and martial arts. With Ms. Jichun’s expertise and years of stage experience, the performance promises to be a delightful celebration of Mulan spirits and Chinese culture.

Pamyua

Inuit Soul

Experience the vibrant rhythms and rich culture of the Inuit people with Pamyua! Through their captivating music and dance performances, Pamyua showcases Inuit traditions, sharing indigenous knowledge and history with the world. Their unique style blends traditional melodies with contemporary vocalization and instrumentation, earning them the title of “Inuit Soul Music.” With pride and sincerity, Pamyua brings people together, spreading a message of unity and joy through their masterful interpretations of Inuit traditions. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of Alaska’s indigenous culture! Fans of the PBS Kids Show, “Molly of Denali” will recognize Pamyua as the performers and co-writers of the theme song!

Samara Joy

Soulful Jazz

Come be swept away by the soulful sounds of two time GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist, Samara Joy. Still in her early 20’s, Samara’s soulful voice channels the essence of jazz legends like Sarah, Ella, and Billie, creating a fusion of classic vibes and contemporary flair. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the golden age of jazz, as Samara transports us with her timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this rising star of the jazz world - Samara Joy!

Luca Ciarla solOrkestra

Italian Folk

Dive into a mesmerizing musical journey with Italian violinist Luca Ciarla! Using a loop pedal, his voice, and even toy instruments, Luca creates a unique blend of sounds and rhythms. Watch as he transforms his violin into a guitar, cello, or percussion, weaving a tapestry of melodies that transport audiences to the Mediterranean. From traditional Italian folk tunes to original compositions, Luca’s performance is a dazzling solOrkestra of innovation and charm. Don’t miss this magical acoustic seduction.

Caro Pierotto

Brazilian Bossa Nova

Prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing melodies of GRAMMY Award-nominee Caro Pierotto and her all-star Brazilian band! From the moment she strikes her first note, Caro’s vintage voice captivates audiences, singing originals and covers in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. With a repertoire spanning samba, reggae, pop, and soul, she defies musical labels, spreading love, hope, and healing wherever her music takes her. Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with joy, rhythm, and soulful expression!

Dobet Gnahoré

Afro Pop

Get ready to be dazzled by the phenomenal talent of GRAMMY Award-winner Dobet Gnahoré! Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Dobet is a virtuosic singer, dancer, and percussionist who’s captured the world’s attention with her powerful stage presence and emotional vocal style. With her latest album, “Couleur,” she’s breaking boundaries, infusing modern Afropop with electrifying grooves and catchy hooks. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with hope, positivity, and the vibrant rhythms of Africa!

Carribbean Festival

The New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival is a vibrant celebration that honors the rich cultural contributions of the Caribbean Diaspora in New England. Enjoy captivating performances that showcase the heart and soul of Caribbean music, dance, and artistry. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean through colorful displays that represent various island nations. The festival is an all-ages affair, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Indulge in Caribbean culinary delights, from jerk chicken to plantains, and grapenut to rum and raisin ice cream.