New Yorks Central Park SummerStage once again present an eclectic mix of free music, film, comedy and poetry performances at Rumsey Playfield. The summer-long series will kick off with an action packed opening weekend, featuring appearances by soul singers Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay (6/13), indie-sensation Vampire Weekend and Latin music royal Victor Manuelle (6/15). Other choice performances include comedian Stephen Lynch (6/21), Israeli folk singer Yael Naim (6/22), Malian singer Vieux Farka Tour6/28), afro-beat star Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 and hip-hop architect Afrika Bambaataa (7/6), Philadelphia-based DJ Diplo, reggae-icons the Skatalites and blues-legend Taj Mahal (7/27), experimental singer Jamie Lidell (8/3), electro-pop band Kinky (8/9), Latin-influenced jam-rockers Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos (8/14) and indie-rockers Battles (8/16). Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings will close out the series with an afternoon performance on August 17.

In addition, a number of groups will play benefit shows at SummerStage, including Dire Straits Mark Knopfler (7/23), Crosby, Stills & Nash (7/29) and Sonny Rollins (8/6). All benefit performances will be ticketed events. On April 20, Rumsey Playfield will also host free performances by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Bacon Brothers, Vusi Mahlasela and Vienna Teng as part of the Green Apple Festival.