Catalpa NYC

 
I run past Randall’s Island a lot. It looks like nothing much ever happens there. But this summer, that looks set to change with plenty of reason to venture over. One reason begins with “The” and ends in “Black Keys”, another rhymes with Doggystyle.

The Catalpa NYC festival looks set to make quite the impression with its arrival onto the New York summer circuit. Snoop Dogg will be performing his 1993 debut album in its entirety, and true to the description of catalpa that thrives in the warmth of North America and is known for its large, showy flowers, the event will showcase some of the biggest artists around. Catalpa’s going to have 40 performers from across the genre board – from the likes of Girl Talk to Matisyahu to TV on the Radio and Hercules & the Love Affair, the list just keeps getting better.


 
As if these names weren’t persuasion enough to cross the bridge/board the ferry, the event promises to turn the ordinary setting into “an environment more fantastic”, through interactive experiences, “experiments” and art installations. On top of that, there are environmentally-friendly initiatives that Catalpa will be taking and Oxfam will benefit as a charity partner. Through its Music Outreach program, Oxfam has worked with artists like The Black Keys and TV On The Radio to reach out to help create awareness about their efforts to build a sustainable global food system.

More names will be announced in two weeks time, but I’d say this one’s got its place in my diary already.

Catalpa will be held on Randalls Island NYC over 28 – 29 July 2012. For more info, click on over here.