Charles Turner & Uptown Swing

Join Caramoor as we celebrate African American freedom and achievement! Known as our country’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honors their families, heritage, and resilience. Millions celebrate this nationally and globally significant American holiday. Channeling the spirit of Harlem with vibrant swing and vital blues, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing perform music from the 1920s to the present day. Family-friendly activities complete this annual June jubilee steeped in tradition and joy. All are welcome! This event is FREE.

2:00pm / Activities begin.
4:00pm / The performance begins.

Activities

DOUBLE DUTCH—JUMP IN!
Join Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester and Caramoor and Dance Theatre of Harlem Teaching Artist, Dianne Robinson, as they show you and your family how to Double-Dutch rope jump. Richly steeped in Black history, Double-Dutch is a powerful, joyful tradition that brings together rhythm, song, dance, teamwork, and friendship. 

EXPRESS YOURSELF
Guided by Antioch Baptist Church community artists, feel free to use lines and forms to celebrate yourself or someone you care about or even shout out a powerful message with color. Speak your truth as you put down on paper what your future holds!

ACTIVATE
Learn how you can empower your family and neighborhood with Neighbors Link with offerings such as free ESL classes, how to become a community volunteer, and more.

BRING YOUR IMAGINATION
Guided by Katonah Museum of Art educators, make your own moving artwork that explores your heritage, cultural identity, and imagined future!

WRITE YOUR FUTURE!
Explore rhythm, word play, and creative self-expression through spoken word poetry and creative writing with poet, spoken word artist, community leader, and educator Thomas Ray and Bethany Arts Community!

EXPLORE
Start your Juneteenth off right with a walking adventure of Caramoor’s multisensory sound art and enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic Rosen House, with a focus on women artists.

Know Before You Go

The Venue: Friends Field
A large open lawn adjacent to Concessions and restrooms, Friends Field is used for many programs throughout the summer. Food and drinks are allowed (and encouraged!) – just remember to throw out or recycle before you leave. Note that there is no built-in seating on Friends Field, so please bring your own chairs and/or blankets.

Summer Season Shuttle / Take the FREE shuttle from Metro North’s Katonah train station to and from Caramoor! The shuttle runs before and after every summer afternoon and evening concert. There is no RSVP to get on the shuttle, it will be there when you arrive (in the parking lot side of the station). If it’s not there, it’s just making the loop and should be back within 5–10 minutes. The shuttle will start running at 1:30pm, and 1 hour after the concert ends.

Rain or Shine / All events at Caramoor take place rain or shine. In the event of bad weather, this Friends Field concert will move under the fully covered Venetian Theater tent. This is a large tent with open sides and seating already provided. You will no longer need to bring your own seating to this concert in this scenario.

Make the Most of Your Time at Caramoor

Explore the Rosen House from 2:00pm–4:00pm / Select rooms of the Rosen House are free to explore during our Open House hours. No RSVP is required; feel free to attend and discover more about Caramoor’s history and founders.