Governors Island Preservation and Education Group

Visit the Island

Programming and events in the summer of 2007 included:

Saturday, June 2nd: Opening Day Family Festival, 12:30 pm
Join us for arts and crafts, musical and theatrical performances for kids and MORE! Sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance.

Saturday, June 9th: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra/ Jazz Age, 1:30 pm
Celebrate the beginning of summer with a free Great-Gatsby-inspired afternoon of picnicking, dancing, and sizzling hot jazz, performed by in vintage style by one of the East Coast's most beloved 1920s bands.

Saturday, June 16th: Prisoners of 2nd Avenue (formerly Steaks and Chops), 1:30 pm
Deep cuts classic rock and blues in the spirit of the music heard at and associated with Bill Graham's Fillmore East (Cream, Blind Faith, The Band). Come rock out with New York's own Jimmy Vivino, Rich Pagano and John Conte.

Saturday, June 23rd and Sunday June 24th: Army Heritage Weekend
Join Park staff for special programs and tours highlighting the military history of Governors Island

Saturday, June 30: Dance China NY - The Professional Dance Company of the New York Chinese Cultural Center, noon
Watch as this accomplished troupe performs six traditional dances including the Ribbon Dance and take part in a 15-minute interactive dance workshop where select audience members dance on stage.

Saturdays in July: Concert series presented by Trinity Church and the Governors Island Alliance. Four outdoor concerts on the island featuring classic folk artists. Pack a picnic lunch and be sure to bring the kids!

July 7th: Odetta,1:30 pm
Odetta is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Her 1950s and 60s classic recordings of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," "Kumbaya," "Goodnight Irene," "Amazing Grace" and "This Little Light of Mine," became folk and spiritual classics throughout the world and inspired an entire generation.

July 14th: Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song,1:30 pm
The famous musical Chapin Family comes together to celebrate and bring alive the music of the late Harry Chapin. Songs like "Taxi," "Cats In The Cradle," "Mr. Tanner," and "Circle" are sung by those who know them best--Harry's original band and his amazing family.

July 21st: Richie Havens,1:30 pm
Richie Havens first emerged from New York City's Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 60's, and in 1969 inspired and electrified an audience of over half a million with his legendary three hour opening performance at Woodstock. Four decades later Richie Havens remains one of the most recognizable voices and universal lyricists in popular music.

July 28th: Ribbon of Highway/Endless Skyway: A Tribute in the Spirit of Woody Guthrie,1:30 pm
This is a show specifically designed to showcase Woody's songs, words and spirit. The show, originated by singer-songwriter Jimmy Lafave, focuses on the entire scope of Guthrie's career so that all of his music, known and unknown, recorded and unrecorded, can be experienced by the audience.

Saturday August 11th and Sunday August 12th: Civil War Living History Weekend
Experience a re-creation of a day in the life of a Civil War soldier through special programs and living history demonstrations.

Watch out for the News section:

May 12, Governors Island announces new ferry waiting room More...

April 10th: GIPEC Board approves funds to begun demolition of non-historic buildings on Governors Island More...

Park News: The acclaimed team of West 8/Rogers Marvel/Diller Scofidio + Renfro/Quennell Rothschild/SMWM is the winning team to design the park and open space on Governors Island, including a new park and promenade.

● Read the press release
● Read a transcript of the press conference