The Downtown N.Y.C. River-to-River Festival 2002 kicks off May 30 with a free concert in Battery Park by Sheryl Crow. Other artists scheduled to perform throughout the summer include Randy Newman, Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the New York Pops, Rosanne Cash, Angelique Kidjo, Great Big Sea, Jane Siberry and Chocolate Genius, and Los Amigos Invisibles.

“We have seen how the arts can lead the way in revitalizing communities across the country and we believe this festival will be a key part of our overall commitment to bring people back to Lower Manhattan and to make downtown a thriving, exciting place once again,” said Kenneth Chenault of American Express, the title sponsor of the event.

Organizers say the festival will boast some 500 events featuring nearly 1,500 artists performing at 20 locations around the city. Workshops in Mexican embroidery and holistic gardening, an international Latin dance competition, a basketball competition and a birthday tribute to Jerry Garcia are some of the many eclectic aspects featured at the fest.

Most events will be free to the public.