Kimera Festival 2025: A Hyperlocal, Omnicultural Celebration of Music and Storytelling in Morningside Heights

Saturday, May 17, 2025
2:00 – 6:00 pm

Rain date: Sunday, May 18

All events are free and open to the public.

Amsterdam Avenue and West 111th Street

The third annual Kimera Festival returns to Morningside Heights on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. This free, outdoor event takes place at Amsterdam Avenue and West 111th Street, in front of the Hungarian Pastry Shop, and celebrates the rich culture and community of the neighborhood through music and storytelling.

Hosted by the W. 111th Street Block Association and the International Brazilian Opera Company (IBOC), the festival is part of the New York Opera Alliance’s Opera Fest 2025. It features a diverse lineup of performances, blending folk-pop, opera, and family-friendly entertainment, highlighting both local talent and nationally recognized artists.

Festival Schedule:

• 2:00 PM – Emily Keating
  Upper West Side singer-songwriter opens the festival with a dynamic folk/pop sound reminiscent of Florence and the Machine and Joni Mitchell.
• 3:00 PM – MORE Opera and IBOC Present “Empress Matilda”
  This performance includes fresh arrangements of traditional and folk songs in English and Spanish, culminating in the first act of the contemporary opera Empress Matilda by Sarah Wald. Featured performers include Cheryl Warfield, Laura Forero, Michael Conway, and pianist Tom Jennings.
• 4:00 PM – Esther Crow and Her Puppets
  Award-winning children’s entertainer Esther Crow brings whimsical storytelling and puppetry to the stage for a lively and engaging performance.
• 5:00 PM – Wendy and DB
  Grammy-nominated children’s performers Wendy and DB close the festival with an imaginative musical journey for kids and families.

The Kimera Festival is committed to showcasing the cultural depth of the Morningside Heights community while maintaining a global perspective. It is supported by the Upper Manhattan Cultural Council, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Additional media and institutional support comes from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General of Brazil.