Robert Garland and DTH students at Lincoln Center Out of Doors
I love the Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival, filled with interesting and thought-provoking programming. Dance Theatre of Harlem was featured Saturday afternoon in the sweltering mid-90s heat. Resident choreographer Robert Garland led the presentation, which consisted of a lecture demonstration from DTH students followed by short works from the company. Da’ Von Doane and Chyrstyn Fentroy were in fine form in a nice pas de deux. The event ended with segments from Garland’s Return, a fun funk and soul work to the music of James Brown. Sultry dancing from Ingrid Silva and Lindsay Croop got audience members off their seats in this rousing work.
In the evening, Darlene Love, celebrated her 75th birthday with a trip down music memory lane. Love is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, featured in the documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom.
The previous evening presented diversified entertainment with R&B great Barbara Lynn, with smooth vocals and rhythm guitar at the Hearst Plaza. Across the way at Damrosch Park was the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra.
This is what summer is all about. Take advantage of the festival, which runs until August 13.