Hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association and PBS, “Feel Free: A National Parks Celebration in Central Park”  featured highlights from Ken Burns’s new PBS documentary, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” (premiering September 27 on PBS) and musical acts by an array of talented performers. The live show from East Meadow in Central Park was shared via satellite to PBS affiliates and other partners assembled in various locations around the country.

Feel Free: A National Parks Celebration in Central Park

Pavement performing at SummerStage in 2010

A benefit concert to support the full season of free programs at Central Park SummerStage.

After years of speculation, the most important American band of the Nineties is returning to the stage with the lineup of Mark Ibold, Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West reuniting for dates around the world in 2010. Please be advised this tour is not a prelude to additional jaunts and/or a permanent reunion.

Described in their own Wikipedia entry as having experienced “moderate commercial success,” Pavement’s catalog for the Matador, Domino, Drag City and Treble Kicker imprints has come to define in the eyes of many the blueprint for independent rock over the past generation. An evidentiary compilation release is planned to coincide with the touring sometime in 2010.

The first show announced is a New York performance on September 21, 2010 at Central Park SummerStage. The general on-sale is slated for 10:00 AM EDT on Friday, September 25, 2009. Please note that tickets will be available without surcharges from the Nokia Theatre box office in Times Square and from Earwax at 218 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg.

Alan Gilbert, Music Director Designate- the Philharmonic in Central Park

The orchestra will be performing Copland’s Old American Songs, with the second set featuring Nathan Gunn and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. There will not be any Mozart Arias. The Philharmonic is also inviting audience members to “Vote for Your Encore” via text message. The winning selection will be announced by Alan Gilbert and performed for the conclusion of the concert. As always the fireworks display will immediately follow.

The 14th will feature Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Jupiter - Mozart finished his Symphony No. 40 in late July, 1788; a mere 16 days later, he had completed the present Symphony No. 41—an amazing achievement by any measure.  The second piece featured will be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 - Beethoven’s most instantly appealing symphony was first performed in Vienna in 1813, at a benefit concert for Austrian soldiers who had been wounded in the Napoleonic wars.  The driving energy and sheer exuberance of Beethoven’s Seventh sweeps everyone along before it—from the suspenseful opening to the whirlwind ending, where every part of you will feel like dancing.

July 17th will feature selections by Copland as well as selected arias from Mozart with baritone Nathan Gunn.  The concert will finish with Symphony 1 by Mahler.   

Both performances will be conducted by Alan Gilbert, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, beginning in the 2009-10 season, the only native New Yorker to hold the post.

Performances begin at 8 p.m., so if you want seating close to the bandshell, plan to arrive at least 2 hours early — if you’re less particular, and depending on the size of your group, you can arrive up until the show begins.

Things to Bring:

* Food and drink (alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Central Park)
* Candles (it gets dark as the night goes on and it can be difficult to see your companions)
* Jacket or Sweater (after the sun sets, the temperature can drop and you’ll be happy to have it)
* Insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay away (citronella candles can also do double duty)
* Blankets to sit on (a plastic garbage bag makes a great liner between your blanket/beach towel

The Philharmonic Concerts end with a brilliant fireworks display and this year’s promises to be one of the most spectacular ever.