Live at the Archway: Under the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO

Free Concerts and Events, Thursdays at 6 p.m.

July 26, 2016 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A group performing on stage at Live at the Archway. Photo by Noemie Trusty

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Live at the Archway is an annual series of free summer concerts and events that take place Thursdays at 6 p.m. under the unique setting of the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO — one of the only covered outdoor spaces in NYC. The series, co-curated by Clara Schuhmacher of the DUMBO Business Improvement District (DUMBO BID) and Tanya Rynd, owner of the popular DUMBO restaurant Superfine, reflects the neighborhood’s diversity and commitment to the arts.

“Our signature series is Live at the Archway, which reflects DUMBO’s creative spirit and Brooklyn’s diverse culture,” says Schuhmacher. She says the series “encompasses a broad range of musical genres, including salsa, R&B, jazz and classic rock, together with some of today’s emerging indie bands, performances by modern dance companies and five evenings of social dance.”

The 18-week series showcases the best of Brooklyn talent. Rynd herself will be performing with her group Madame T and the Star Lights on Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. The group will present a program of whistle-blowing train songs, sizzling summer swing and high camp performances combining projections, dance and performance art.

Another series presented by the DUMBO BID, Light Year/First Thursday, is an art walk that takes place the first Thursday of every month. Schuhmacher explains, “We have single-channel video projections on the side of the Manhattan Bridge, and galleries in the neighborhood are open until 9 p.m.” In addition, the Brooklyn Americana Festival takes place in DUMBO Sept. 23 to 25, with 50 bands across seven stages.

“Tanya [Rynd] and I curate this series together, and it’s been a lot of fun to bring together our different perspectives and aesthetic experiences to create something uniquely DUMBO, especially since we are both musicians ourselves,” Schuhmacher explains.

These family-friendly events take place rain or shine (which works well, because they are held under the Manhattan Bridge). The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge is a public plaza on Water Street between Adams Street and Anchorage Place in DUMBO.