Summerstage 2011
Bringing Neo Soul Out of the Clubs for the Summer
By: Ernest Barteldes

In addition to all the grilling, picnic outings, beach going, swimming or just lazing around that comes with the summer months, nothing excites me more than the wide availability of outdoor concerts – a time when audiences can come out to public parks not only to listen to their favorite music (often for free) but also to discover new sounds, as the concerts often feature more than one performer throughout the evening. 

Like in previous years, the 2011 edition of Summerstage in New York – which has now been expanded to a citywide program – features many soul or soul-influenced acts that hail from various different nations across the globe. Such diversity gives fans a chance to discover music that they are not ordinarily exposed to on a regular basis – and once you get hooked, there is no looking back. 

Kicking off proceedings in Central Park on Sunday, June 19^th is Brazil’s Mart’nalia, a young singer and percussionist who mixes samba, soul and funk. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she is the daughter of Martinho da Vila, one of the country’s most prominent (and legendary) samba icons.  She is not shy about using electronics, and unlike her dad, she is open to sounds from all over, and has frequently toured in the U.S. and Europe 

Hailing from the old continent is 27-year-old Ben L’Oncle Soul, a French-born singer and songwriter who grew up to the sounds of Motown – and incorporated them into his own music.  L’Oncle Soul sings mostly in French, but that has not been a barrier for him. He recently opened for Raphael Saadiq and India.Arie, who both invited him back on stage to perform alongside them. Signed to Motown France, he is sure to make a splash when he makes his first U.S. appearance on June 21. 

When X2theL interviewed Les Nubians, they mentioned South African band Freshly Ground (not to be confused with Baltimore’s Fertile Ground) as guests on their latest disc Nu Revolution (Shanachie).  Now we will have the opportunity to hear them in the flesh – they are known for blending African sounds with blues, jazz and rock – which makes us eager to hear them when they share the bill with Ugandan vocalist Somi and South African living legend Hugh Masekela on June 26. 

Colombia has a lot of soul, and to prove that their number one hip hop/soul band ChocQuibTown will be showcasing their upbeat mix of rap, funk rap and electronica. They hit the stage on July 9  as part of the latest edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), an annual music industry event that focuses on Latin artists who don’t play mainstream music from their countries. 

Marcelo D2 made a splash in the Brazilian music scene over a decade ago as the front man of the controversial band Planet Hemp (they were often barred from performing because of their unconventional name). Now a solo artist, he continues to work his mix of samba, rap, punk-rock and soul – with great results. He played Brazilian Day 2010, and returns to New York for his debut Summerstage performance on July 24, when he shares the bill with Sao Paulo-born rock singer Pitty. 

Queens’ Highland park will be R&B singer Donell Jones, best known for his singles  “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me)” and “U Know What’s Up,” the latter that features late TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of His latest album Lyrics looks  back at the more traditional jazz-leaning  sound  of R&B. He shares the stage with “First Lady of G-Unit Olivia on July 26 

After appearing for the first time on the main stage in 2010, Chrisette Michelle returns on the heels of her latest disc, Epiphany (Def Jam). She is quite a force in a live format, and blending the discipline of jazz with the spontaneity of soul – with very welcome results. Find out for yourself at Springfield Park on July 28. 

Summerstage’s final night is fully dedicated to neo-soul as they welcome newcomer Melanie Fiona, who opens for two of the genre’s favorites: the first is Avant, known for romantic-tinged melodies like “Separate,” “Makin’ Good Love,” and “Read Your Mind.” 

Closing the evening is Jagged Edge, the legendary Atlanta-based vocal group best known for hits such as “Let’s Get Married,” “Promise,” and “Where the Party At.” For their Summerstage performance they will be featuring not only their favorites but also songs from their new record The Remedy, which features guest appearances from Trina and Gucci Mane. 

Incidentally, celebrity guests often make surprise appearances during these shows (like P. Diddy and Rick Ross have done in previous years), so have your cameras ready on August 28. 

For the full performance schedule, visit www.summerstage.org