The 2024 Summer Jazz Sensations concert series is the third iteration of Lincoln Square BID’s signature summer programming, and it has been the most successful series to date. The key ingredient to the series’ success: handpicked talent by curator Eric Person. Person, himself an accomplished musician, works for a full calendar year before the series’ start to identify and attract the best jazz musicians to play at Dante Park.
Person knows that music is about connection – connection between the musicians themselves, connection between the musicians and the audience, and, perhaps most importantly, connection between the audience and the music. He has used his personal connections as an accomplished musician and music educator to curate a line-up for the 2024 Summer Jazz Sensations concerts that features a remarkable breadth of talent performing music that resonates with the audience. Person spends a great deal of time researching musicians to perform in Dante Park and selects a roster of musicians that represent both established talent, like Lezlie Harrison, and up-and-coming artists.
In addition to the high caliber of performers at the concerts, the Summer Jazz Sensations’ unique setting is paramount to its success. Person, who has curated events in several locations, said that the series’ location in Lincoln Square’s Dante Park (located at Broadway & 64th Street) sets it apart from, and above, other series noting that the park’s greenery and amenities allow the audience to be “comfortable, relaxed, and keyed into the music.” Meaningful interactions with music require presence and awareness, and Dante Park provides an atmosphere where audience members can immerse themselves in the jazz and tune out the outside world every Wednesday from noon to 1:30pm.
One of the most exciting performances of the concert series is coming up on September 11. Lincoln Square is thrilled to welcome Cynthia Scott with special guest Houston Person to perform at Dante Park. Cynthia is known as an outstanding musician in her own right and also for her association with famed jazz musician Ray Charles. Houston Person, who is 89 years old, is one of the greatest tenor saxophone players on the modern jazz scene. To see the two perform together is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Time flies when you’re having fun, and Summer Jazz Sensations will be over before you know it. Be sure to catch the last three concerts of the series through September 18 and savor every last bit of summer!
Photo Credit: Carlos Alayo
