Emerging Music Festival Day One

For Chicago-born artist Tasha, the last few years have been a time for transition and flourishing. Since the release of her last album, 'Tell Me What You Miss The Most', the singer-songwriter has supported nationwide US tours with artists like Nilüfer Yanya, Margaret Glaspy, and Lunar Vacation. In 2023, she entered new professional terrain when she was tapped to join the cast of 'Illinoise', the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that adapts Sufjan Stevens’ seminal album, 'Illinois', for the stage. Following last summer's successful Broadway run, Tasha released her newest album, ‘All This and So Much More’ via Bayonet Records. She lives in New York City.

Why Bonnie has changed in both sound and identity over the years. From the four track recordings in her college bedroom to the full band outfit it is today, songwriter Blair Howerton has followed her ear through the waves of personal evolution. While early EPs reflect a gauzy dream pop influence, the most recent full lengths, 90 In November and Wish On The Bone, carry more weight - both sonically and emotionally. Drawing from childhood influences such as Sheryl Crow and Broken Social Scene, Why Bonnie has grown into a more country tinged alt rock sound while whiffs of their earlier bedroom pop days still remain. On the most recent album, Wish On The Bone, Howerton explores themes like grief, purpose, and societal pressures while searching for answers within herself. “Music is the most healing thing for me - both listening to it and writing it. Being able to give that gift to someone else is what keeps bringing me back to the project.” 

In the depths of Marem Ladson’s music lies a profound exploration of her cross-cultural identity, intertwining her unique approach to lyrical and introspective songwriting with influences from folk, pop, and Spanish traditional music. Born in Spain and based in New York, “her sumptuous hooks and sweetly lilting vocals seem to form a language unto themselves” (Stephen Thompson, NPR Music).

Hailing from Galicia in northern Spain, Marem sought solace from an early age in the written word, penning short stories and poems that served as windows into her internal world. It was not long before she discovered the transformative power of music, teaching herself to play the guitar and transforming her literary creations into heartfelt songs. It was through music that she sought to understand herself, seeking connection and a true sense of belonging. In Galicia, she found a close-knit community of musicians at Café Torgal, a small indie music venue that birthed her artistic awakening. It was there that she immersed herself in the music of artists like Damien Jurado, Matthew E. White, and Lee Renaldo, while also stepping onto the stage for her first live performances. In 2018, she released her self-titled debut album, which led to extensive touring in Spain and Portugal, sharing stages with renowned acts like Cat Power and Laura Gibson.

Now based in New York City, Marem’s latest EP, “Baby Light,” is a significant meditation on unresolved trauma and its impact on her personal existence. Singing in both English and Spanish, it showcases a folk-pop fueled by the rawest of emotions and the duality of her bicultural heritage, thus crafting a sound that is all her own. These songs intricately weave pain, anger, loss, and hope, illuminating the brilliance that emerges amidst life’s kaleidoscope of emotions.

Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets on a first-come, first-served basis, or bring your own cotton or fleece blanket. To protect the lawn, please do not sit on waterproof materials such as plastic tarps, yoga mats, or inflatable chairs. 

Take a seat in one of the pre-set chairs on the lawn or grab a chair from the gravel. You can use a chair anywhere in the park except for the center lawn "blanket zone". 

Bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from tents on the east side of the lawn. Attendees can enjoy cuisine from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of artisanal vendors curated by Hester Street Fair.

Stout NYC also offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn and other light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

Visit the Bryant Park Shop tent for exclusive Picnic Performances merchandise and more!

Find a parachute, hula hoops, and more fun on the east side of the lawn at select events. 

Dogs are welcome on the gravel and bluestone, but not on the lawn.

Performances are cancelled when it is unsafe to be outdoors. In some cases, the lawn may be too wet to open but the performance may continue. Follow @bryantparknyc on Twitter and Instagram for day-of event updates. You can also check the lawn status on the bryantpark.org homepage.