Susana Baca spent decades excavating Afro-Peruvian song from near-erasure and won two Grammys doing it, and here she shares a free Central Park stage with Luedji Luna, one of the sharpest voices in Brazilian music. The bill threads Peru, Brazil, Jamaica and Panama into one evening that treats the African diaspora across Latin music as a living conversation. If you make one free outdoor show this summer, a five-act bill of this caliber at no cost is it.
What to expect
Rumsey Playfield opens as a general-admission field, so it is standing near the front and blanket-sitting toward the back. The evening moves through five sets with DJ transitions rather than long gaps, and the sound carries well across the whole lawn. Expect a dancing crowd by the time the headliners land.
Good to know
- Enter Central Park at 69th Street and Fifth Avenue for the shortest walk to the stage
- Free but capacity-limited — the line forms well before doors, and it is worth joining it early
- Bags are searched at entry, so travel light and skip large backpacks
- No outside alcohol; food and drink are sold on site
- Bring a light layer, since the field cools noticeably once the sun drops behind the trees
- The venue is wheelchair accessible with a dedicated viewing area
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Common questions
Do I need a ticket?
No ticket is required for free SummerStage shows, but entry is first-come and the venue closes once it reaches capacity.
Can I bring a blanket or low chair?
Blankets are welcome on the field; chairs and large umbrellas are generally not permitted.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes — free SummerStage concerts are all ages, and the back of the field is the easiest spot with kids.
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