Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at Summerstage Opening Night Concert

June 17, 2021

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you. Thank you, Heather. Thank you to everyone who's part of making parks for everybody in this city. Let's thank everybody at the Parks Department, everybody has City Parks Foundation – everyone who makes sure the parks are a place where all New Yorkers come together. 

[Cheers] 

So, I have an announcement to make – Summer Stage is back, New York City. 

[Cheers] 

Central Park comes alive with music again. There were some out there that thought we wouldn't come back. They were fools, because we're back. New York City is the center for arts and culture in this nation, in this world. You cannot keep us down. We are a place that makes things happen. Am I right, New York City? 

[Cheers] 

We are, tonight, going to be treated to some of the best jazz anywhere on the planet. Tonight, we get to hear the real thing. This is an example of the richness of the city, that at any hour of any day you can go to somewhere in the city and hear the authentic music and see the authentic art of cultures from all over the world. Nowhere has what we have, and it's something to cherish. So, everyone, remember, the way you know New York City is coming back is when you see arts and culture coming alive again. And guess what? You're about to see it. 

[Cheers] 

Jazz at Lincoln Center – Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, renowned everywhere. Wynton Marsalis, a leader in the musical world, to say the least, but someone who has given so much to this city. I hope tonight you recognize that Wynton Marsalis has, for years, given an immense amount of time and energy to the people of this city, and particularly to the young people of the city, encouraging them to make their lives in music, bringing forward the next generation. I want you to thank him for that. 

[Cheers] 

Before I call him up, I just want to say something really simple. There is no stopping the music in New York City. There is no stopping New York City ever – ever. So, ladies and gentlemen, multi-Grammy winner, Pulitzer Prize surprise winner, philanthropist, humanitarian, one of the greats – Wynton Marsalis. 

[Cheers]