Casa Mantequilla

The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is back with a fresh new lineup! Kicking off the Central Park Conservancy’s summer series on July 12, 2026, is cross-cultural music collective Casa Mantequilla.

MEET THE ARTIST: A Q&A WITH CASA MANTEQUILLA

How would you describe your music or performance style?

Casa Mantequilla is a high-energy Harlem band of lifelong friends. Musicians from the United States, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, Belgium, and Congo blend West African, Latin, and American rhythms into joyful polyrhythmic grooves, sung in multiple languages for a vibrant, border-crossing sound.

What does a live audience feel, hear, or experience when they see you perform?

The band's energy is warm and communal—more like a neighborhood celebration where everyone is invited to dance, sing, and feel uplifted. We offer a mix of polyrhythmic grooves, rich harmonies, and infectious melodies that move both body and spirit.

What inspires your work?

Our music draws on traditional African and Caribbean styles, reimagined through a modern sound shaped by jazz and blues.

What is the connection between your work and the Harlem community?

Most of the band members have been living in Harlem for many years. We’re part of the neighborhood’s vibrant music scene and community, performing regularly at venues like Shrine, Silvana, and The Porch.

ABOUT THE HARLEM MEER PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL

The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is a beloved annual tradition, filling Central Park with music and movement on select Sundays throughout the summer. The festival is free, and all ages are welcome. Check out our Event FAQs for more information and join our mailing list to receive event updates.

COMMUNITY EVENTS BY THE CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY

Central Park Conservancy community events reflect the spirit of the Park itself: fun, free, and open to all. Join us all year for family-friendly programs across Central Park—featuring music, movement, art, film, and more—creating a culture of connection in the Park we all love.