All Of It Podcast Summary: Lincoln Center's "Summer For The City" Series

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: Lincoln Center's "Summer For The City" Series
• Release Date: May 21, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the podcast delves into the diverse cultural landscape of New York City, fostering a community that celebrates varied perspectives.

Introduction to "Summer For The City"

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart introduces listeners to Lincoln Center's annual "Summer For The City" series—a free, summer-long festival of events celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of New York City. The series, launching on June 11th and running through August 9th, is designed to be a cornerstone of Lincoln Center's programming, aiming to make the performing arts more accessible and reflective of the city's diverse communities.

Notable Quote:

Alison Stewart [00:29]: "We have some more free summer programming that you can add to your calendar."

Festival Overview

Alison Stewart is joined by Jordana Lee, Vice President of Artistic Programming at Lincoln Center, who provides an in-depth look at what attendees can expect from the festival. Emphasizing the festival's foundation in the city's global cultural traditions, innovative spirit, and sense of community, Jordana highlights the inclusive nature of the programming.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [01:25]: "We at Lincoln Center want our community to be the center of what we do."

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

"Summer For The City" is meticulously curated to showcase a wide array of cultural expressions, ensuring that the festival resonates with New York City's multifaceted population.

Opening Performances

The festival kicks off with a dynamic performance by Robert Glasper and Aline Perez, artists from different cultural backgrounds who first collaborated in Cuba. This performance symbolizes the festival's commitment to blending diverse musical traditions.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [01:25]: "The funny thing is they actually met in Cuba at a jazz fest and now they're going to be performing on the same stage together, opening up our festival."

Brazil Week

A significant highlight is Brazil Week, dedicated to celebrating Brazilian culture and art. The week features performances from multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Lenine and pop sensation Lineker, among others, showcasing the vibrant musical heritage of Brazil.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [02:45]: "We have everything from our opening night... to Brazil week. We have a whole week celebrating Brazilian culture and art."

I Am the Band: Celebrating Women in Music

Another key program is "I Am the Band," which honors women instrumentalists who have significantly influenced popular music. Featuring artists like Wendy and Lisa, who performed with Prince, and Bobbi Hall, who worked with Marvin Gaye, the program underscores the pivotal role of women in shaping musical landscapes.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [02:45]: "I Am the Band which is celebrating women instrumentalists who have really changed how we understand popular music."

Mahabharata Theatrical Production

The festival also includes a theatrical adaptation of the Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. This multi-hour performance offers an immersive storytelling experience, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the narrative through interactive breaks and communal dining.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [04:18]: "It is an amazing storytelling piece. It is our Indian community, a piece that people know this story and it is really something that we're very proud to be presenting."

Collaboration with Artistic Partners

Zach Whitaker from the American Modern Opera Company discusses the collaboration and highlights his organization's role in curating performances at Lincoln Center. The partnership aims to bring innovative operatic productions, including twelve performances with ten New York City premieres, featuring renowned opera artists like Anthony Roth and Costanzo.

Notable Quote:

Zach Whitaker [05:13]: "We have a total of 12 productions, 10 New York City premieres, amazing opera artists including Anthony Roth, Costanzo."

Utilizing Lincoln Center's Spaces

The festival leverages various spaces across Lincoln Center's campus to host events, ensuring accessibility and a diverse range of experiences. From the transformed Damrosch Park, which will undergo renovations post-festival, to indoor venues like the David Geffen Hall hosting the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center under the direction of Jonathan Hayward, the festival promises a vibrant array of settings for attendees.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [05:59]: "We are looking at really how to make this space a more community-oriented space."

Accessibility and Free Programming

A cornerstone of "Summer For The City" is its commitment to accessibility. All outdoor events are free, and indoor performances adopt a "choose what you pay" model, removing economic barriers and welcoming a broader audience. This approach aligns with Lincoln Center's historical dedication to making the arts accessible to all.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [06:46]: "We want to break down that barrier to accessing Lincoln Center. The price point is accessing New York City and that people feel welcome."

Future Plans and Renovations

Jordana Lee announces a significant $335 million renovation project aimed at transforming Lincoln Center into an even more community-oriented space. The plans include creating a state-of-the-art outdoor area and an inviting park that will serve both during performances and as a general public space, enhancing the festival's long-term integration with the community.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [07:44]: "We are looking at really how to make this space a more community oriented space. And so the design is really attractive and really beautiful."

Attending "Summer For The City"

Listeners interested in attending can find more information and RSVP at summerforthecity.org. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee entry, especially for popular events where lines may be long.

Notable Quote:

Jordana Lee [08:39]: "Summerforthecity.org is the great place to find everything. And actually if people sign up on Monday, I believe they can do a fast track so they can actually get guaranteed entry into our summer programming."

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to participate in Lincoln Center's "Summer For The City," emphasizing the festival's role in celebrating and uniting the diverse cultural fabric of New York City. The collaborative efforts between Lincoln Center and various artistic partners ensure a rich and engaging lineup that is both accessible and reflective of the city's unique spirit.

Notable Quote:

Alison Stewart [09:08]: "We will see you there."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the May 21, 2025 episode of All Of It, providing a comprehensive overview of Lincoln Center's "Summer For The City" series, its diverse programming, commitment to accessibility, and future development plans.