With more than 150 events in one festival, the International Festival of Arts and Ideas has returned to the Elm City in grand fashion. Featuring a wide array of completely free and ticketed events for visitors and locals, the 2024 festival’s theme reads, “Move With Us.” The included events spotlight undersung cultures, illuminating the world’s most historic and beautiful traditions and practices. If that sounds like your thing, read on for five completely free international performances taking place on the New Haven Green in June.
New Haven Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate New Haven
Taking place on June 15 at 8 PM, this vibrant evening of music and merriment brings the talents of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra to the center stage, under the direction of its new music director, Conductor Perry So. This outdoor party on the New Haven Green is open for all-ages, and will feature an array of food trucks and local bites.
DakhaBrakha
On June 20 at 7:15 PM, this heartwarming celebration of International Refugee Day blends traditional Ukrainian folk music with global rhythms, creating a mesmerizing trans-national sound. Meaning “give and take” in Ukrainian, DakhaBrakha were the winners of the Shevchenko National Prize in 2020 and travel around the world, sharing melodies from their homeland of Kiev.
Stokley Williams
On June 21 at 5:00 PM, this GRAMMY-nominated artist from Mint Condition will bring R&B and soul to the New Haven Green. Stokley will bring his chart-topping hits like “Organic” and “Levels” to the stage in an event hosted by comedian Freddie Ricks.
Luca Ciarla solOrkestra
Join us on June 27 at 6:00 PM for a musical journey with Italian violinist Luca Ciarla, who uses a loop pedal, his voice, and toy instruments to create a unique blend of sounds and rhythms.
Caribbean Heritage Festival
The Caribbean Heritage Festival returns to New Haven on June 29 at 6:00 PM. The event celebrates the rich cultural contributions of the Caribbean Diaspora in New England. The performances will span music, dance, and artistry, plus delicious culinary delights from jerk chicken to plantains, and grapenut to rum and raisin ice cream.
