By Gregg McQueen
The rites are coming.
This week, a Northern Manhattan playground will be transformed into a place of ancient Taino rituals and traditional music.
On Wed., June 21, Anne Loftus Playground at Broadway and Riverside Drive in Inwood will host “Songs and Offerings for the Solstice Sun.”
Produced by IgniVox and presented by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) and Make Music New York, the special performance will feature a procession, sand paintings and a concert of Dominican folk accordion music.
It is led by singer/songwriter/musician Irka Mateo, who will sing and play accordion.
The Dominican-born Mateo said the performance is steeped in spiritual traditions designed to celebrate the summer solstice.
“The procession will mix several traditions that celebrate the sun and St. John the Baptist,” said Mateo. The performance will focus on Taino rituals of song with masks and props.”
“It’s artistic and traditional, all at the same time,” she added.
Read more: Uptown Tonight: Songs and Offerings for the Solstice Sun | Manhattan Times
“Offerings and Songs to the Solstice Sun” will be held on Wednesday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park.
For more information, please visit irkamateo.com.
The event is free.
We invite you to subscribe to the weekly Uptown Love newsletter, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter & Instagram or e-mail us at [email protected].
