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Staging a revolution in song

Performances that embrace truth and freedom

Lincoln Center’s American Songbook uplifts contemporary and legendary storytellers who are unabashedly themselves while inspiring others to do the same. On March 13, the earth-shaking powerhouse Justin Vivian Bond performs songs from the hippy counterculture at The Appel Room. In honor of Women's History Month, AFROPUNK returns to Lincoln Center with a musical and poetic tribute to Phillis Wheatley Peters, author and figurehead for the abolitionist movement. Soon after, the incomparable Deaf Broadway brings Jonathan Larson’s RENT to the stage, vividly performed in American Sign Language.

Artists who dare to dream of a better future

Experience groundbreaking voices and projects that redefine what’s possible, on stage and off. Afrofuturist Nona Hendryx opens this year’s series with an evening of music integrating human and machine as co-artist. LGBTQIA+ icons, the Indigo Girls, ignite David Geffen Hall, performing their timeless anthems and sharing the stories behind them. Rising folk star Crys Matthews performs protest songs with depth and exquisite clarity—for free at the Atrium on March 30. For two nights at The Appel Room, the Obie Award-winning jazz musical, Running Man, gets a full concert performance at this overdue recording of its cast album.

Music that unites us all

The artistry on our stages reflects musical genres as wide and diverse as the American people. Following a turn as a finalist on The Voice, countertenor John Holiday shines bright in a solo concert of classical and pop selections at The Appel Room. Artist-activist Jeremy Dutcher shares his latest album, Motewolonuwok—a moving exploration of contemporary Indigeneity and his place within it. Then on April 6, the Unscripted Live interview series celebrates the Freedom to Dance with career-spanning interviews with Melba Moore and Kathy Sledge, whose voices have both shaped the liberating power of dance music.

Honoring American visionaries

Free

April 6 at the David Rubenstein Atrium

Choose-What-You-Pay

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About 

American Songbook reflects experiences of people across our nation in a celebration of a shared musical inheritance by some of the most fearless storytellers today. More about the series »

How to get tickets

All American Songbook performances and events are FREE—with a General Admission and Fast Track option—or Choose-What-You-Pay. Learn how to get tickets »

Food and dining at Lincoln Center

Looking for a pre-show drink, meal, small bite, or coffee? We have you covered! Lincoln Center offers a variety of dining and grab-n-go options. For dining, click here »

Plan your visit

Explore this year's venues, parking options, how to get here, accessibility, and contact information. Plan your visit »

Thanks to Our Supporters

Hip-Hop and contemporary arts programming made possible by Nike

American Songbook is supported by PGIM, Global Asset Management

Corporate Support is provided by Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.

Additional support is provided by Barbara H. Block

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