BK Public Library Is Looking For The Song Of The Summer
Two NYC institutions say it's time for a new anthem in the national canon — they're looking for the next "America the Beautiful." The Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center are seeking a new national tune by summer, with the aim of adding it to the "national canon" of songs such as "America the Beautiful," "We Shall Overcome," and "My Country Tis Of Thee." Song submissions will be accepted through Feb. 6, 2024 from artists of any age, both in the U.S. and not, and a select 160 submissions will undergo workshopping alongside industry professionals and be finalised for a performance at Lincoln Center's Summer for the City Festival on July 6. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the country's founding.
Published : 3 months ago by Emily Rahhal in Entertainment
BROOKLYN, NY — It's time for a new great national tune, and two New York institutions are determined to find it by summer.
The Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center have set out to find a new contemporary great to add to the "national canon," among likes of "America the Beautiful," "We Shall Overcome," and "My Country Tis Of Thee." And they want to find it by this summer.
Song submissions will be accepted through Feb. 6, 2024 from artists of any age, both in the U.S. and not — and a select 160 submissions will be workshopped alongside industry professionals and prepped for the finale performance. Three finalists will finally face a panel of judges and perform their triumphant pieces on July 6 at Lincoln Center's Summer for the City Festival.
The song comes just in time for the 250th anniversary of the country's founding — and music is a powerful way to reflect on national identity and experience, according to organizers. "Music and the written word have always had the power to help us face challenging realities, celebrate moments of triumph and, in the best cases, art fosters unity in the face of divisions," said László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture at Brooklyn Public Library.
"[This is a] landmark program that explores and pays homage to the unique genre of the anthem, delves into the current essence of our nation, and offers participants invaluable mentorship opportunities.”