SummerStage takes over Springfield Park in Queens for a mini-festival of epic performances from some of the finest voices in soul and R&B music.
DONELL JONES / OLIVIA
Tuesday, July 26
Springfield Park, Queens
Show at 7:00 pm
Chicago native Donell Jones is an established R&B star and has also delved into writing and producing. He got his big break with his debut album ‘My Heart’. He was recognized as a force in R&B after his sophomore album, ‘Where I Wanna Be’, went platinum with the singles “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me)” and “U Know What’s Up” featuring Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC. The success continued with his chart-topping albums, ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Journey of a Gemini’. Jones’ latest album Lyrics harkens back to the traditional jazzy sound of R&B, while his legato voice connects each note over smooth rhythm.
CHRISETTE MICHELE
Thursday, July 28
Springfield Park, Queens
Show at 7:00 pm
New York native Chrisette Michele is a “soulful songbird” as described by Entertainment Weekly, who has been shining on the R&B music scene since 2007. She released her debut album, ‘I Am’ to critical praise, including her first Grammy for “Be OK” featuring will.i.am. Her sophomore album, ‘Epiphany’ fortified her success by debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. It highlighted her “fiery vocal performance” as she backs up every word with strong emotion. Her latest album, ‘Let Freedom Reign’ is driven by Michele’s self-confidence and charged with a “blissful marriage of fiery spirit and artful musicality.” Throughout the album, her “timelessly sleek voice” has room to shine over crisp, understated backdrops. Michele’s “meaty voice” powerfully stimulates her albums as “her voice has real pain in it, with a cry at the back of the throat that lends complexity to even the happiest love songs,” according to the NY Daily News.
Go to the SummerStage website for directions to Springfield Park