The series of concerts kicks off with Songs from the Capeman, running April 1-6. Simon penned 36 songs for the Tony nominated doo-wop, gospel and Latin-flaired score of the short-lived 1998 musical The Capeman. With a libretto by Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, The Capeman tells the true life story of Salvador Agron, a Puerto Rican gang member who murdered two teen-agers in the late 1950s, then underwent a conversion as a poet while in prison.
Songs from the Capeman features Simon as well as The Capeman's Broadway arranger and conductor Oscar Hernández; original cast members Luba Mason, Claudette Sierra, Ray De La Paz; Latin singers Obie Bermudez and Frankie Negrón; New York Dolls guitarist Steve Conte; jazz vocalist Nicole Lequerica; actor Jorge Maldonado; and singer-songwriter Danny Rivera.
The performers are backed by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. The evenings will also include guest performances from Little Anthony and The Imperials.
Simon's residency at BAM also includes Under African Skies, showcasing his African and Brazilian influences that he explored in the albums "Graceland" and "The Rhythm of the Saints." Simon performs alongside David Byrne, Kaïssa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vusi Mahlasela, Milton Nascimento and Luciana Souza at the Gilman Opera House April 9-13. Under African Skies is currently sold out.
Grammy nominee Josh Groban will join Simon for American Tunes, running April 23-27 at the Gilman. The concerts find Simon revisiting "railway stations, urban rhythms, and immigrant dreams" with special guests Olu Dara, Grizzly Bear, Gillian Welch and The Roches. The month-long event also features a screening of "The Graduate" starring Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman. The 1967 film boasted a host of Simon and Garfunkel tunes, including "Mrs. Robinson." The screening of "The Graduate" will take place April 12 at 9:15 PM at BAM's Rose Cinemas.
On May 5 Simon and Academy Award-winning composer Philip Glass will discuss their lives, art and creative process at 7 PM in the Harvey Theatre.
Tickets are available by phoning (718) 636-4100 or by visiting www.BAM.org.
