SummerStage to Celebrate 40th Anniversary with Historic Photo Exhibition
Sun Ra Arkestra at SummerStage, 1989, photo by Jack Vartoogian
In 2026, the crowning achievement of New York’s public arts will commemorate a milestone by honoring its past and looking forward to its future. Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage’s 40th anniversary year promises a concert program worthy of representing its legacy, and as anticipation for that announcement mounts, the organization has previewed its plans to expand the celebration beyond the stage.
From June 12 to August 21, NYC Parks will invite visitors to look back on four decades of performances through a curated commemorative photo exhibition. “40 in Focus: SummerStage through the Lens of Photographer Jack Vartoogian” will open the NYC photographer’s archives to share memories from the stage dating back to the Sun Ra Arkestra’s legendary inaugural performances at the Naumburg Bandshell in 1986; some of the other icons captured on film include Mavis and Pop Staples, Tito Puente, Hugh Masekela and backstage shots of Buddy Guy and Darlene Love. The exhibition will be set in the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, located at 64th and Fifth.
“SummerStage was created to reflect the extraordinary diversity of New York City and its people. This year, as we celebrate 40 years, the festival continues to showcase the sounds of the city, from the streets and clubs to the parks,” said Joe Killian, founder and former executive producer. “For four decades, SummerStage has championed unique collaborations, bold commissions, and has embraced a vibrant mash-up of music, dance, and theater, from pop to rap to jazz and more.”
In an early press release, SummerStage teases the music planned for this year with an allusion to “legacy artists who have graced our stages throughout the years, marquee talent returning to their hometown boroughs, genre-defying collaborations, and breakout stars from across the globe.” Until the full lineup’s arrival in April, find surprise giveaways, contests, trivia and more at cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage.
