FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT

Harlem Stage Outdoor Summer Concert
featuring The Fats Waller Dance Party
with Jason Moran and Meshell Ndegeocello
and special guests: Maija Garcia/Organic Magnetics

Voted one of Ben Ratliff's Concert Highs of 2011
"... reinventing tunes from the inside out with a jazz and funk band." Ben Ratliff (The New York Times)

After four sold out performances in 2011 at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Jason Moran and Meshell Ndegeochello team up for a second year to present the Fats Waller Dance Party - this time as a FREE outdoor experience. Awakening the spirit of the legendary Fats Waller and re-envisioning the importance of moving to jazz, Moran and Ndegeocello rework his music to create a dance event reminiscent of late night jams and rent parties. Backed by a 5-piece-band and joined by the dancers of Organic Magnetics - this joint will definitely be jumpin'.

This evening will also be filled with performances by Amma Whatt, family activities, cuisine from local vendors and raffles including a chance to win tickets from American Airlines.

Commissioned by Harlem Stage, and created by Jason Moran and Meshell Ndegeochello, the Fats Waller Dance Party looks back at the legacy of Smalls Paradise, where aside from its regular nightly sets, it was famous for its after hours jams and rent parties. Fats Waller was a regular who set the joint jumpin' with late night jams and rent parties. It also took its inspiration from the stride tradition and music for which Waller was a seminal figure and how it presents itself in the musical innovations of contemporary forms. Fats Waller is a recognized genius hailing from the stride piano tradition. He is noted for developing a unique piano technique and his prolific compositional history.

The Harlem Stage Summer Concert is FREE to attend! Doors open at 4PM and the show starts at 5PM.

Come early and enjoy food and drinks from local Harlem restaurants.

For more information, see the event at HarlemStage.org