The concerts are designed to give audiences a taste of the vast and eclectic array of talents who have performed and been nurtured by the Public Theater and Joe's Pub.
Kicking off the series on Sept. 19 will be "It's My Party" hit-maker Leslie Gore; songwriter Jill Sobule ("I Kissed a Girl"); and contemporary trio The New Standards, known for reconceptualizing such popular hits as Outkast's "Hey Ya" and "London Calling" by The Clash.
Sept. 20 will feature popular singer/songwriter Patty Griffin, whose song catalogue was just incorporated to create the score of the Off-Broadway musical 10 Million Miles; New Orleans pianist laureate Allen Toussaint; and the Country Music Association's Songwriter series including Bob DiPiero, Rivers Rutherford, Victoria Shaw and a yet to be named guest.
From Sept. 22– 24 the tribal rock musical Hair will make a return in a series of free concerts open to the public. Diane Paulus will direct the 40th anniversary concert production. Casting will be announced at a later date.
Sept. 25 will feature Italy's premiere female rock star, Carmen Consoli; singer/songwriter Morley; and Brazilian jazz vocalist Luciana Souza. The Sept. 26 concert will include the indie-pop sensation Beirut; Balkan Beat Box, blending folk traditions with electronic beats; and the jazz flaired gypsy musicians of The NY Gypsy All-Stars.
Sept. 27 will host Michelle Shocked and her adventurous musical style; gospel-rock and soul influenced Toshi Reagon and her band BIGLovely: Sacred Music Project; as well as vocal soul artist John Boutté.
Sept. 29 features Clem Burke, Tony Shanahan, Joe Hurley, James Mastro, Jane Scarpantoni, Tish & Snooky, Ed Rogers and more in a tribute to T. Rex leader Marc Bolan. David Driver will sing the songs of Scott Walker, and Justin Bond of Kiki and Herb will interpret The Carpenters' classic 1970 album "Close to You."
The final evening on Sept. 30 will conclude with Stew & Friends: Songs from Passing Strange and More with some of the Public's cast reunited, as well as Stew's "afro-baroque" rockers, The Negro Problem.
Ticket information, regarding free and paid concerts, is available by calling (212) 967-7555 or by visiting www.joespub.com.
