Red Bull Music Academy takes its show on the road with dozens of pupils and teachers to one different cultural metropolis around the world each year, but once a year in May it also holds a month of shows, workshops and speaker panels in New York City with luminaries and important names in the world of music. This year the Red Bull Music Academy Festival New York lineup will feature some names like Spike Lee, Kamasi Washington, Dizzee Rascal, Metro Boomin and many more.
The festival kicks off on April 29 with the NYC premiere of the film KIKI by Sara Jordeno and Twiggy Pucci Garcon, which dives into the city's ballroom culture from the eyes of LGBTQ youth of color.
The following night will get trapped out with three of the biggest beatmakers in hip-hop right now, Metro Boomin', Sonny Digital and Zaytoven in focus. The night will hone in on the success of Atlanta trap through a live performance and a roundtable on the subject.
On May 2, Spike Lee will have a discussion to talk about music in film and music documentaries, which he has some experience doing, at the SVA Theater.
The month continues on with grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal slated to perform his 2003 debut album Boy In Da Corner live on May 6. A lot has changed since he first performed in NYC in 2004 with grime starting to become mainstream globally.
Another highlight will be with Kamasi Washington, Pharaoh Sanders and The Sun Ra Arkestra on May 8 combining for a special night of jazz fused with many different global influences.
The rest of the schedule will vary between different genres and venues around Williamsburg with panels and live performances taking place during the day and at night.
Check out all of the details on the festival line-up and ticket information here.
