Staten Island Arts’ Folklife team proudly presents People Say: The Staten Island Sound. The streaming series— broadcasting live from ArtSpace —brings together a diverse cast of talented musicians from across our borough at the invitation of local composer / drummer Dr. Darrell Smith. We’ve travelled bridges connecting jazz, hip hop, Afrofuturism, classical, rock, pop, and funk—and forged some new paths along the way. Check out the archived performances on YouTube and catch a vibe.

June 9th, 2021
Musicians: 13th Alibi, Ladibree (feat. DJ Goldgroove), Hegazy, Ray Scro Dixieland Band
Poet: M.A. Dennis

May 12th, 2021
Musicians: White Lotus, Remark, Tyrone Briggs, Outshined
Poet: Kofi Antwi

March 10th, 2021
Musicians: Eddie Jackson Group, Mike Morreale Trio, Karlus Trapp Group, Goon Dads
Poet: Phoebe Blue

A Note from Our Folklife Director

“Musicians are collaborators by nature. They thrive on the energy of musical communication. There is a special spark that gets lit when musicians come together, and one musician, turning to the other, engages them in a dance of melody, harmony, and rhythm. People Say is a program designed for the musicians of Staten Island, spread out around the borough during the pandemic, distanced from venues, revenue, and each other. We offer a platform for them to reconnect, share stories about their craft, harmonize, and showcase their talents. Our livestreamed concerts run the span of musical genres, styles, and vibes; creativity knows no bounds and passion is king.”

About Our Partners

Staten Island Arts Folklife is supported, in part, through public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council.

Questions or ideas? Contact us at folklife@statenislandarts.org or call 718-447-3329 x 1005.