Emerging Music Festival returns for its fifth year with rising New York-based bands performing on one of the biggest stages of their young careers. Thousands of music lovers pack the Bryant Park lawn for the city’s best new music, including indie rock, soul, R&B, singer-songwriter, and more.

Bring a blanket and a picnic.

Friday, August 23

• Sammy Rae & The Friends: singer-songwriter and bandleader Samantha Bowers joined by talented musician friends
• Morningsiders: this duo’s music has appeared in films and commercials
• Celisse Henderson: singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, and spoken word artist
• The Muckers: originally from Iran, now “one of the most exciting new bands in NYC,” according to DIY Magazine

Saturday, August 24

• Renata Zeiguer: Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter
• Tomberlin: Sarah Beth Tomberlin’s searching voice backed by lush piano and guitar
• Ghost Funk Orchestra: New York psychedelic soul band
• Remember Sports: indie power pop out of Philadelphia