100 TUBAS! A tuba herd is a rare phenomenon that usually occurs each December. So it's a thrill to know that, according to authorities, Lower Manhattan will be the site of a late spring swarm of 100 tubas performing an Anthony Braxton composition this Sunday, June 4, 2006 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm as part of the Bang on a Can Marathon at various spots at the World Financial Center.

Earlier on Sunday, at 11:30 am, there's an interesting-looking children's program. Around 2:00 pm in the Winter Garden there'll be an appearance from Boston's Gamelan Galak Tika (get it?).

That evening, at 8:00 pm, the Winter Garden will host some music and film plus a turn from Don Byron and performances by modern music specialists Alarm Will Sound, who gave an impressive concert at Zankel Hall back in February.

The Sunday event is part of the kickoff for this year's River to River Festival, now in its fifth season. Some other highlights on the horizon:

Ralph Stanley with Tres Chicas
Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 pm. Rockefeller Park.

Dr. John and Friends Sing Johnny Mercer
Wednesday, June 28 at 7:00 pm. Rockefeller Park.

Puffy Amiyumi
Tuesday, July 11 at 7:00 pm. World Financial Center Plaza.

Maude Maggart with Tony Desare
Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00 pm. Rockefeller Park.

Shemekia Copeland
Thursday, July 20 at 7:00 pm. Esplanade Plaza.

Thomas Meglioranza, baritone
Monday, July 24 at 7:30 pm. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University.

Diane Reeves & Chiara Civello
Tuesday, July 25 at 7:00 pm. World Financial Center Plaza.

Pickup on South Street
Tuesday, August 15 at 6:30 pm. Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Tuesday, August 22 at 6:30 pm. Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street.

Torchlight Tour: Explore the Ruins of the Fulton Ferry Hotel
Wednesday, August 23 at 6:00 pm. South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street.
Reservations and fee required!