Kim Gordon + Sun Ra Arkestra 6.13.24 Central Park Summerstage NYC

Words & Photos by Mark Dershowitz

New York’s Central Park SummerStage hosted a fantastic triple-bill on Thursday night, with performances by Slauson Malone 1, Sun Ra Arkestra, and Kim Gordon headlining the show.

Slauson Malone 1 – also known as Jasper Marsalis (the son of Wynton Marsalis) – kicked off the night blending rock and roll, experimental Jazz, and sometimes rap. If you are a fan of experimental music like myself, I highly recommend you check Slauson Malone 1 out.

I’ve been following Sun Ra Arkestra for many years, and this year is special as Marshall Allen turned 100 years of age on May 25th of this year, and it is a gift that Marshall is still with us onstage. The lineup on Thursday was stacked, featuring additional musicians that the band doesn’t usually incorporate including violin and harp players.

Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon was headlining in support of her second solo album, “The Collective.” She stood at the microphone in a mini-sequined dress, at 71, still a rock icon. Kim’s experimental music and art added an excellent touch to the triple bill, and her band closed the night with my favorite song, “BYE BYE” from “The Collective”.

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