A Site-Specific Evening-Long Multicultural Performance Commemorating Juneteenth

Conceived, Curated, and Art Directed by Carl Hancock Rux

Featuring Performances by Aaron Diehl, Alicia Hall Moran, Martha Redbone, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber with special guests Vernon Reid & DJ Logic, Morley Kamen with music by Chris Bruce, and Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE

Costume and scenic designer: Dianne Smith

Curated, conceptualized, and executed by the singular creative force that is Carl Hancock Rux, To a Garden Luxuriously Verdant (Enameled with Countless Flowerings) is a multi-genre, experiential, full-campus celebration of the fight for a more free America on the eve of the 158th anniversary of Juneteenth Independence Day. This year's work, inspired by the eponymous verse by Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões and Harriet Tubman's self-described recurring dream, embraces the transformative intensity and power of both color and nature. Rux's performance, featuring guest appearances by Alicia Hall Moran, Aaron Diehl, Martha Redbone, Morley and Chris Bruce, and Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber with special guests Vernon Reid & DJ Logic, will be presented amidst awnings of flowers across the space and a wave of petals atop the Hearst Plaza pool; and the audience will witness modern dance by Ronald K. Brown’s EVIDENCE. The concert will blend traditional spiritual songs, European opera, and Scottish folk songs in an exploration of salvation through floral rapture. Costumes, visual art and production design for this event are courtesy of the acclaimed installation artist Dianne Smith, with hair and makeup by Bernard Giles.

Silent Disco: Let Freedom Dance
Hosted by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Afterwards, join Rev Dr. Jacqui Lewis—author of Fierce Love and the pastor of one of NYC's most diverse congregations, Middle Church—as she inspires all of New York to dance towards freedom in a Juneteenth dance party and silent disco. With gospel music reimagined by Rimarkable and special guests, the path to justice and transformation is illuminated.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected].