Blue Curtain, a Princeton summer tradition, returns to Pettoranello Gardens Amphitheater with two free concerts in July. The venue is located at Route 206 and Mountain Avenue.
Get ready to be dazzled by the phenomenal talent of Grammy Award-winner Dobet Gnahoré on Saturday, July 13 at 8 p.m. Hailing from Coté d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Dobet Gnahoré is one of Africa’s hottest and most beloved talents. With her amazing voice, incredible dance moves, powerful presence, and color style sense, Dobet Gnahoré appeals to fans of Angelique Kidjo, Rokia Traoré, Fatoumata Diawara, Oumou Sangaré and other divas of African music. Dobet Gnahoré is currently on tour with concert stops in New York City, Berkeley, Vancouver, and Princeton to support her newest album Zouzou.
The series continues on Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. with a great night of Brazilian Jazz with Nanny & Dani Asiss. Joyful, contemplative, and rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions, singer and percussion master Nanny Assis’ artistry uplifts listeners of every generation. He has performed with such renowned artists as Vinicius Cantauria, Eumeir Deodato and John Patitucci, and is a master of the many styles of Brazilian music, including samba, the music of Bahia, Brazilian Jazz, Afro-Brazilian music and other popular and folkloric sounds from his homeland. He will be joined by his son, Dani Assis, winner of the prestigious 2024 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. Opening will be the Ampersand Jazz Quartet, featuring bassist Kai Gibson, a 2017 Princeton High School, and 2021 Berklee College of Music graduate.
Blue Curtain, co-sponsored by the Princeton Recreation Department is a nonprofit dedicated to presenting the highest quality of culturally diverse music and dance to the audiences in the Princeton area. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets— email info@bluecurtain.org for more information.
In case of rain or extreme heat, the shows will be moved to the Princeton High School Performing Arts Center at Franklin Avenue and Walnut Lane.
