Lauded keyboardist, composer, and improviser Robert Glasper gathered a band of his world-renowned musical peers on Wednesday to kick off the 11th annual Blue Note Jazz Festival with a free show in Washington Square Park.

On a stage erected in the shadows of the famous Washington Square Arch, Glasper dove into his patented mix of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B with Isaiah Sharkey on guitar, Chris Dave on drums, Burniss Travis on bass, DJ Jahi Sundance behind the decks, and Pher on hand to deliver some dreamy vocals.

Fans packed into the space between the park’s landmark fountains and the stage as Glasper and company worked through a hazy, swaying cover of Tears For Fears‘ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” peppered with instrumental nods to Nas‘s “The World Is Yours”.

The grey clouds looming overhead eventually opened up, pouring rain onto Washington Square Park. While a sea of umbrellas popped up and fans prepared to stay through the storm, lightning flashes overhead prompted Glasper and company to pull the plug early. Fortunately, Robert Glasper will have another chance to perform for the NYC crowd when he heads to the Blue Note Jazz Club on Thursday, June 2nd for a late-night show.

Related: Isaiah Sharkey Continues 12-Show Residency At Blue Note New York [Recap/Video]

The Blue Note Jazz Festival continues at various venues in New York City throughout the month of June and into July with performances by Herbie Hancock, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Bill FrisellChris BottiCharles LloydMacy GrayKenny GAl Di MeolaMadeleine PeyrouxDave Holland & Kenny BarronRobert CrayKenny GarrettJosé JamesChief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), RAKIM with Ravi Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie Big Band.

For a full list of upcoming Blue Note Jazz Festival performances, click here.

Scroll down to view a gallery of photos from the weather-shortened show in Washington Square Park via Ken Spielman.

 

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