150+ events, one Festival. It all happens in New Haven, Connecticut.

A Night with Matthew Whitaker

Piano phenom Matthew Whitaker is one of the most exciting talents in recent years. Playing in the jazz tradition with gospel roots, he will be joined on the Lyman Center stage by Kergyma and gospel artist Jarron Taylor & the Cross Bearing Nation in a Father’s Day evening that is not to be missed!

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Brooklyn Rider: The Four Elements

A not-to-be missed musical experience! Brooklyn Rider is an adventurous string quartet that performs contemporary music with the energy of four young rock stars. Let the music move you as they bring to life the four elements of earth, air, water and fire as a musical metaphor for both the inner workings of a quartet — and the inter-related effects of climate change on our planet. Performing pieces commissioned by the Quartet as well as by other contemporary composers, they’ll deliver an inspiring musical call to action. Will you heed the call?

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Sacred Land: Songs and Poems of Resilience from Ukraine

Led by celebrated producer, conductor and actor, Marika Kuzma, this unique live performance conveys a portrait of Ukraine not limited to destruction and conflict, but as a country of great cultural beauty and breadth. Experience projected images of the varied Ukrainian landscape, paired with soulful and colorful sacred and secular choral music spanning several centuries sung by Ensemble Cherubim, and interwoven with Ukrainian poetry. The 80-minute long concert is a true celebration of Ukrainian creativity and resilience.

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National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica

Co-Presented with Shubert Theatre

Described as one the most innovative dance companies to have achieved world acclaim in the last hald century, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica blends the lore, music and dance traditions of Jamaica, Africa and the American South with both modern and classical ballet forms, dance performances, training and engagement programs of all people.

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Heidi Latsky Dance: D.I.S.P.L.A.Y.E.D

You are invited to a deeply moving, genre-defying exhibition and performance. New York-based and award-winning Heidi Latsky Dance disrupts space, dismantles norms and redefines beauty through innovative performance.

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La Fille Du Laitier: Macbeth Muet

Inspired by the burlesque acting of silent films, this silent, bold, brutal and bloody performance takes us on a wordless journey through the ruthless pursuit of power with humour and melodramatic gestures.

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Spellbound Theatre: WINK

What happens when we go to sleep? Spellbound Theatre’s Wink is an imaginative and multi-disciplinary performance that explores dreams from the perspective of a young child and her bear. Blending shadow puppetry, physical theatre, and animation, this unique show is designed to engage and inspire the very youngest audience members. Inspired by the classic poem, “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” Wink is ideal for kids age 0-7, but can be enjoyed by all ages.

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Hamlet

Presented by Ice the Beef & Elm Shakespeare Company

Through Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, we explore these questions: What is the difference between seeking revenge and seeking justice? Is the cost of getting one’s revenge too high? What innocent parties get caught in the crossfire? After the play, the ensemble will share a trio of contemporary scenes inspired by real life experiences that offer tactics for violence de-escalation. Ice the Beef is a student-driven nonprofit, dedicated to empowering teens who want to end gun violence.

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Kristina Wong for Public Office

Co-Presented with Long Wharf Theatre

In her celebrated theatrical work, Kristina Wong crosses the aesthetics of campaign rallies and church revivals to tell her unique journey from performance artist to public official. She used to have a bright future in reality television, now she’s become part of the system that she used to ridicule! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of theater, politics, and comedy. Stay for a Talk Back following each performance.

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Keynote: Amelia Winger-Bearskin

Climate & Transportation Summit

Amelia Winger-Bearskin will showcase her art and science storytelling work and demonstrate how new technologies can help preserve and engage with ancestral knowledge. Attendees will discover how innovative formats can engage future generations. Additionally, Amelia will discuss how her collaborations with scientists have enriched her artistic practice.

Following this talk will be a reception and book signing event for those who purchased a Premium Ticket. Books will be available for purchase.

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Keynote: Baratunde Thurston

Tech & Democracy Summit

Talk about your consummate mutli-hyphenate! He’s the New York Times best-selling author of “How to Be Black.” An Emmy-nominated storyteller. Host of the PBS television series America Outdoors and the podcast How to Citizen with Baratunde. One of the greatest TED talkers of all time. Please join us in welcoming Baratunde to our festival to give us his perspectives on where our nation is — and where we can take it.

Following this talk will be a reception and book signing event for those who purchased a Premium Ticket. Books will be available for purchase.

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Zainab Johnson

With Opening Act Kareem Green

Zainab Johnson, a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer is quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen. She has appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, HBO’s All Def Comedy, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and many more! Zainab’s comedy is based on her unique point-of-view, which was shaped growing up in Harlem as one of thirteen siblings in a black Muslim family. Join us for a night of laughs featuring Zainab Johnson, with opener Kareem Green and hosted by WYBC’s Jose Candelario.

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Grand Avenue Gastronomy Tour

Sample multicultural taste treats served up with a side of history, as Lee Cruz takes you on the ever-popular Gastronomy Tour of one of New Haven’s most storied streets — Grand Avenue. As you eat your way down the avenue, you’ll learn about the past, present and future of the neighborhood and its many inhabitants over time. A feast for your mind as well as your body!

SOLD OUT: Please contact our Box Office at 203.498.3771 for additional support.

BEER Fest

Raise a pint on the Green and enjoy a variety of beer from a ton of local breweries. Your ticket gives you access to sample the flavors of multiple breweries from around New England.

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Shaken and Stirred Cocktails Class

Hands-on class teaching the process of making one shaken drink and one stirred drink at Sherkaan. Participants will have all the supplies available to practice these techniques and make 2 of their own cocktails to sip on. Additionally there will be bites served in between making drinks.

SOLD OUT: Please contact our Box Office at 203.498.3771 for additional support.

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Soul de Cuba Storytelling Dinner

Enjoy a unique tasting menu from Soul de Cuba Cafe combining exquisite traditional Cuban dishes and special story telling guests for a night of good food and special stories.

SOLD OUT: Please contact our Box Office at 203.498.3771 for additional support.

Jazzy’s Juneteenth Brunch

Celebrate Juneteenth with a Jazzy Brunch at a New Haven hotspot. Guests will enjoy specialty mimosas and a curated menu to celebrate the occasion hosted by improv comedian Nika Domingo, and music by WYBC radio. Put on your Monday best and meet us there!

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Dreaming in Spice From Marrakech

Thoughtfully delicious food excites taste buds even as it elevates the community of individuals who help bring it to fruition for the dinner table. Chef Hari Pulapaka specializes in thoughtfully crafted and globally inspired food. In this session, Chef Hari will demo a Sinfully Vegetarian B’steeya served with a Basil, Cilantro, and Cashew Chutney.

The dish demonstrates the power of fresh herbs, acidity, spices, and a global sensitivity in making food delicious, nourishing, uplifting, and transporting. Attendees will be able to sample the dish.

SOLD OUT: Please contact our Box Office at 203.498.3771 for additional support.

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Rolling Food Tour with Steve Roberts

New Haven is truly a food-lover’s paradise. But sometimes you need a guide who really know the city well to uncover some of its tastiest treasures. Host Steve Roberts leads us on a tantalizing tour of some of New Haven’s best haunts, including Fussy Coffee, Ricky D’s Rib Shack, Orchid Café at ConnCat, Wing Madness and Dope N Delicious. A simply amazing menu of stops on this mark-your-calendar-for-food tour.

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Fair Haven Food & Public Art Tour

Explore Fair Haven, learn about the vibrant public art, and enjoy tastes from Fair Haven Oyster Company, Salsa Authentic, La Molienda, Armada Beer and Cositas Deliciosas.

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How Sound is the Sound

Tour the Outer Island and join us in engaging in activities focused on understanding Clean Water!

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Family Day at Outer Island

Capture small invasive crabs, observe herons and cormorants with binoculars, drag a net to collect small bait fish and algae, become a marine citizen scientist…measure the salt and oxygen in the water. Have fun discovering the island Refuge in Stony Creek CT: learn its history. Bring a picnic; choose a glacial rock for your spot.

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Stir the Style

Love a good story? Then you definitely won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. It’s a storytelling mash-up featuring all styles of great stories told through all flavors of engaging formats — from spoken word and folktelling to personal narrative and rap. Each teller takes the stage for just a 10 minute performance...but no doubt, many will leave you with lasting memories of the stories they share.

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Adult Invitational Poetry SLAM

In Partnership with The Word

Experience the power of live poetry with the top slam poets from throughout the Northeast. Equally skilled in their writing as in their delivery, the poets will engage and entertain guests while competing for a prize of $1000. Come cheer on these incredible performers as they battle for the top spot.

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