Art for Progress will feature a special night of live music performances on Friday, June 29th from 4pm – 11pm at Solar One Park (East 23rd Street & East River) as part of the “Artists4Equality” Festival.  We are so pleased to present such an exciting line-up of gifted bands, musicians, singers and song writers at Solar One Park on Friday night.  Some are still a bit underground, while others have produced multiple albums and play regularly at the best live music venues in NYC, but all will be equally impressive.  There’s no doubt that Solar One Park will be the place to hear live music on Friday night.

Opening up the festival (5pm) will be AFP’s long time member, teacher and board member Barry Komitor.  Barry’s an accomplished performer who will have a full back up band in tow to perform his soon to be completed album and some other favorites.  It will be the perfect beginning to a spectacular night.

Next to take the stage at 6pm will be the multi-talented Lachi and her band. Lachi, who’s music is most described as jazz-influenced, piano driven alternative rock, performs regularly at SXSW and CMJ in NYC. Lachi is known for her high energy, mesmerizing performances and exceptional song writing.

The newly formed electro pop duo Bonesugar will take the stage at 7pm and from what we’re hearing their sound is influenced by Kanye West and Timbaland.  Expect hip hop beats, live drums with indie vocals.

The next performer to take the stage, Idgy Dean, is the solo act of Brooklyn based Lindsay Sanwald.  Experimenting with accumulative sound, percussion and choral arrangement, Idgy Dean builds haunted rhythm-driven songs, recorded and produced alone at home and looped live on stage. She’s about to release her second record, “Ominous Hominus” and we’re thrilled that the festival is on her busy schedule of gigs this summer.

Comandante Zero is no stranger to AFP events as we’ve featured them many times through the years and most recently at last year’s festival in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The electro-funk duo, consisting of bassist/producer CØm1x (Dan Freeman) and hip hop drummer Jibrail Nor, mix the heavy live groove of bygone dance bands like Chic, a modern electro sound and baritone Leonard Cohen-esque English and Spanish vocals. Always the crowd pleaser, Comandante Zero will have you dancing nonstop.

Headlining this excellent night of high quality music is another Brooklyn-based band Ellis Ashbrook.  We were first introduced to the band when they played at AFP’s Mixed Greens event at The Paper Box in Brooklyn. In the words of the owner of the venue, they are a “kick ass band!” What’s most impressive about Ellis Ashbrook is their ability to transcend trend with a genre bending style that will leave you breathless.

In between sets we have the very talented DJ Jago throwing down some tracks to keep the party rocking.  Every time we hear him play we are so impressed with his skills on the decks. Jago is a regular on the Noise212 show and his eclectic taste in music is sure to impress.

We are proud to present such an impressive line-up to open the festival.  Don’t miss this exciting night of live music!