Musical Mischief / June 2025
What I listened to this month
June was a month of decompressing. I had a few obligations here and there, but I was privileged to slow down and refocus before the summer heat rudely came knocking on our doors. One of my favorite things about summer in NYC is all of the live outdoor music throughout the city. Listening to music this month was less about Spotify and more about the live experience and being in community with many other eager listeners.
Stravinsky
Every late spring, the NY Philharmonic does a free 5-borough tour, making classical music accessible for all. This is one of my favorite events of the year. There is something about being around thousands of New Yorkers picnicking in the park, seeking out an experience of glorious music under the stars in Prospect Park. This year was extra special, as Gustavo Dudamel conducted, giving us a much-anticipated preview of what his artistic leadership at the NY Philharmonic will be like. And he did not disappoint. He charismatically and dynamically led the orchestra in one of the most memorable park concerts that I’ve experienced. Here is a snippet of him gloriously conducting the finale of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. This pairs perfectly with Vinho Verde and a selection of charcuterie.
Nour Harkati
I saw Nour Harkati very recently at Celebrate Brooklyn at their Habibi Festival, an organization that celebrates the diaspora of Arab music and culture. Harkati is a Tunisian singer-songwriter who layers trance-like rhythms and grooves. It made for the perfect setting for an outdoor concert on a humid evening. I recommend listening to several of his tracks so you can get to know him better. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his enthusiasm and graciousness. It was a wonderful evening. I suggest pairing it with a NY-style gyro and some lemonade.
Chuwi
Just the other night, I was at Celebrate Brooklyn, once again, to hear three incredible groups from Puerto Rico. The second group was unknown to me, but I often prefer going to concerts where I’m unfamiliar with the artists. It can feel like an exciting personal discovery. The band of four filled the stage with incredible presence and had the audience in an absolute chokehold. This group has collaborated with Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper who has taken the world by storm, which has dramatically helped Chuwi’s popularity. I recommend listening to this music while sipping on a mojito in the summer breeze.