Brian Stokes Mitchell, John Kelly, Richie Havens, et al. Set for NYC’s River to River Festival

Programming has been announced for the 2009 River to River Festival, which takes place at various venues in and around downtown Manhattan.

The festival will kick off on May 31 with a 12-hour marathon marathon performance by members of Bang On A Can, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bill Frissell, and Michael Gordon. Other performers include Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell (June 3), Mark O’Connor (June 15), Ian Hunter (June 24), Conor Oberst (July 4), the Emmet Cohen Trio (July 16-17), Richie Havens (July 23), Arlo Guthrie (July 30), the Merce Cunningham Dance Company (August 1-2), and John Kelly, performing the songs of Joni Mitchell (August 6). In addition, members of New York City Opera will give a series of performances at the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden on June 25, 26, and 27.

There will also be movie nights at the Elevated Acre, featuring screenings of The Seven Year Itch (July 6), The Taking of Pelham 123 (July 13), West Side Story (July 20), and Sweet Smell of Success (July 27).

For more information, visit www.rivertorivernyc.com.