Indie Shows in Manhattan

Mavis Staples has been performing for eight decades. At 86 years old, she’s known as one of the most enduring figures in American music, earning inductions into multiple halls of fame (blues, rock, and gospel), was a Kennedy Center Honoree, and winner of numerous GRAMMY awards, including one for lifetime achievement. With her return to SummerStage, she’s sure to perform the hits alongside new tracks from her 15th solo album Sad and Beautiful World . She’s collaborated with nearly every major figure of her many eras, from Bob Dylan to Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Willie Nelson. Opening the evening is Brother Wallace, a force of modern soul and gospel sound. Most recently, he’s collaborated with The Heavy guitarist Dan Taylor to build a body of work built on his electrifying brand of soul music. The LaGuardia Gospel Ensemble explores the rich history and enduring legacy of gospel music, tracing its evolution from the early 20th century to today while honoring its roots in the Black Church and the struggle for social change. Through powerful performances, the ensemble celebrates one of America’s most influential musical traditions while fostering artistry, community, and the next generation of performers.

Known for their rhythm, sonic chemistry, and raw emotion, Adam Ten and Mita Gami’s sets have delighted audiences from Burning Man to Coachella. Their collaborations, like the recent release “Million Pieces”, are built for the dancefloor. To SummerStage, they’re bringing their collective Maccabi House featuring friends and collaborators Darco, Malive, and Monobase, presented by Stranger Than.

SummerStage has teamed up with Festival Latinidades and Afro-Latino Festival NYC to spotlight some of the world’s most talented Afro-Latina musicians. The lineup features Luedji Luna, one of the leading voices in contemporary Brazilian music, celebrated for her powerful artistry and commitment to amplifying Black narratives, alongside a very special guest: the outstanding Liniker. The two Latin GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriters collaborated on “Harém,” a soulful track that has garnered hundreds of thousands of plays. Also appearing is Susana Baca, the Peruvian singer-songwriter, educator, folklorist, ethnomusicologist, and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner who once served as Peru’s Minister of Culture. Rounding out the bill is Afro-Latino Festival founder and singer-songwriter Mai-Elka Prado, performing with the Brooklyn-based Lush Song Collective. To know more about the Festival Latinidades, click here . To support the Afro-Latino Festival of New York, click here .

Few records—if any—have had as much impact on music as the Ultimate Breaks and Beats compilation assembled by BreakBeat Lou and BreakBeat Lenny in 1986. By collecting what they called the “foundational” breakbeats – the very records DJs looped for breakdancers at the earliest hip-hop park jams and block parties, they created not only an essential tool for DJs, but also an accidental archive of hip-hop’s DNA. For this 40th anniversary celebration of the original compilation—of which only 25 volumes were released between 1986 and 1991— Breakbeat Lou is joined by members of the Bronx’s legendary Diggin’ in the Crates crew, Lord Finesse and Diamond D. As pioneers of a distinct New York sound, their work helped define the golden era of hip-hop production and lyricism that would soon resonate nationwide. Rounding out a line up filled with SummerStage alumni are Grand Puba and Sadat X of the acclaimed socially conscious rap group Brand Nubian; the iconic duo Nice & Smooth, best known for their single “Hip-Hop Junkies,” their feature on Big Daddy Kane’s “Pimpin Ain’t Easy,” and their unforgettable appearance on Gang Starr’s “DWYCK”; and Peter Gunz, whose collaboration with Lord Tariq, “Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)” became a late-90s anthem—sampling the unmistakable groove of Steely Dan. Completing the celebration is a set by DJ Boogie Blind, known for his affiliations with the legendary X‑ecutioners as well as the Diggin’ in the Crates collective. Together, these artists represent the culture, creativity, and crate-digging spirit that helped transform a DJ tool into one of hip-hop’s most influential musical documents.

Yeat’s latest album ADL (A Dangerous Lyfe / A Dangerous Love ), released just this past Friday, features an all-star list of collaborators ranging from Elton John to 070 Shake to Grimes, showcasing his talent for bringing together unique sounds and pushing the boundaries of his genre. Since 2018, he has gained a huge social media following and a loyal Gen Z fanbase in the process. Slayr and BNYX will support the evening.