Paul Simon to Be Saluted by Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) will present a multi-part salute to Paul Simon during the month of April.

Love in Hard Times: The Music of Paul Simon will start from April 1 to 6 with a concert version of his 1998 Broadway show The Capeman. The show, which combines rock, doo wop and latin styles, will be performed by Simon, Oscar Hernández and The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, original Capeman cast member Claudette Sierra, Obie Bermudez, Salsa and Ray de la Paz with a special appearance by Little Anthony and the Imperials.

Part two will run April 9 to 13 and is called Under African Skies, saluting his music from the albums Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints. Performing with Simon in this segment will be Hugh Masekela, Milton Nascimento, Kaïssa, David Byrne, Luciana Souza, and Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista. The backing band will include a number of players from the original Graceland sessions, including Jay Ashby on trombone, Anthony Cedras on keyboard & accordion, Steve Gadd on drums, Jamey Haddad on percussion, Jim Hynes on trumpet, Bakithi Kumalo on bass, Vincent Nguini on guitar, and Andrew Snitzer on saxophone.

April 23 to 27 brings American Tunes, saluting Simon's work from throughout his career. Final performers are still being set, but the list at this point includes Olu Dara, indie band Grizzly Bear and the Roaches.