Central Park

This amazing evening will feature an exceptional gathering of musicians and special celebrity guests performing unique interpretations of Silverstein’s beloved songs and poetry as well as the debut of works from Silverstein’s forthcoming poetry collection, Every Thing On It. Performers for this evening span the world of music, comedy and television including Melvin Van Peebles, Martha Wainwright, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Shilpa Ray, Dan Zanes, Gary Lucas, Pat Dailey, Bobby Bare Jr., The Handsome Family, Janine Nichols, Chloe Webb, Kembra Pfahler, Duke McVinnie, Terry Adams, Annabella Sciorra, Roswell Rudd, Reggie Bennett, Emily Haines, Richard Belzer, Don Fleming, Darrell Hammond, Sally Timms of the Mekons, Suzanne Vega, John Ventimiglia, Jodie Markell, the voice of Ken Nordine and many more. Join SummerStage as we bring to life the energy and joyfulness of these timeless works and celebrate the virtuosity of a man that millions around the world have grown up with.

Shel Silverstein is best known as the author and illustrator of many iconic books of prose and poetry, including such modern classics as “The Giving Tree,” “Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back,” “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “A Light in the Attic.” These works are characterized by their deft mixing of the sly, the serious, the macabre and the just plain silly. As an acclaimed songwriter, Silverstein has enjoyed credits that include “The Unicorn” for the Irish Rovers and “A Boy Named Sue” for Johnny Cash, among others. His unique imagination and bold brand of humor are beloved by children and adults throughout the world.

** This evening’s performances have been specially curated by Hal Willner, one of the most well respected and eclectic original producers in contemporary music, TV and live spectacles. Mr. Willner has been at the forefront of producing unique and engaging events running the gamut from pop to jazz to the avant-garde. **