Louis Cato spent years anchoring the band on late-night television, and here he turns that instinct on the Harlem Renaissance — Savoy Ballroom swing and the songwriting that made uptown the center of American music. Grammy winner Catherine Russell, among the great living interpreters of that repertoire, sings alongside first-call players. If you want one waterfront show this summer, take the history lesson.
What to expect
Fixed seating in The Amph, a bowl carved into the island with the river and the West Side skyline in the sightline behind the stage. The program runs as a continuous band set with Cato introducing pieces and Catherine Russell taking lead vocals on several numbers. Expect roughly two hours of live playing, no opener.
Good to know
- Little Island is entered from the Hudson River Park greenway at 13th Street
- The A/C/E and L to 14th Street leave you a walk west across the highway
- Seats in The Amph are assigned, so there is no need to queue early
- The island is open-air — bring a layer, the river gets breezy after dark
- Food and drink kiosks on the island close before the late show ends
- Step-free routes onto the island are signposted from the entry plaza
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Common questions
Who is Louis Cato?
He is a multi-instrumentalist and bandleader best known for fronting the house band on The Late Show, and he curated this program.
Is the amphitheatre covered?
No. The Amph is open-air, so performances are weather-dependent and warm layers help after sunset.
Do I need a separate ticket to enter Little Island?
Entry to the island is free; the ticket covers the performance in The Amph.
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