Live at the Archway, the music and arts festival tucked beneath Brooklyn’s Manhattan Bridge Archway, returned to Dumbo earlier this month, kicking off with exciting performances and exhibits.
Since its launch in 2015, Live at the Archway has presented more than 120 different ensembles. The outdoor extravaganza returned for its 2022 season on June 8, with a performance from the band Spirit Family Reunion, as well as an art exhibit from lucky risograph.
“This is everyone’s plaza, everyone’s stage, and we’re putting as many voices on stage and in the gallery as we can,” said Clara Schuhmacher, senior vice president of programs at the Dumbo Improvement District. “Our hope is to create a season that reflects the diversity and richness of this great city.”
The Dumbo Archway, she said, is like Brooklyn’s own town square.
“The Dumbo Archway is very much our community center, our neighborhood gathering place — this series gives us a reason to be together in the best possible way,” Schuhmacher said.
Live at the Archway takes place Thursdays through September 1 at 6 p.m., and is free to attend. Each installment features a headlining concert and art show taking place in a pop-up gallery.
Additionally, through August 31, Archway-goers can participate in an artist workshop hosted by Dumbo Drink and Draw.
“The gallery holds a special place for us, as well,” said Schuhmacher. “Dumbo has a long legacy of visual and experimental art, and the gallery is an opportunity for us to showcase Dumbo artists living and working in the neighborhood today. It’s a platform for these artists to reconnect with the neighborhood and connect to new audiences, and such a cool experience for the audience too — where else can you get this intimate with a piece of art?”
Thanks to the Manhattan bridge, under which the events take place, Live at the Archway is protected against any of the elements of weather.
Upcoming performances include a diverse range of musicians and artists.
Thursday, June 16 will see psychedelic Afro-soul revivalists, Gentleman Brawlers perform, as well as an art exhibit featuring the work of CAM (Craig Anthony Miller)
Thursday, June 23 will see Meta and The Cornerstones, a band that fuses the sounds of afro-pop, hip-hop, and reggae, perform, as well as an art exhibit featuring the work of Zeph Farmby.
Thursday, June 30 will see folk singer Miriam Elhajli perform, as well as an art exhibit featuring the work on Kevin Kelly.
For more information or for future performances, visit dumbo.is/live-at-the-archway.
