Today, Paul Simon announced that he was coming home to Queens for the final performance of his farewell tour.
“Homeward Bound — The Farewell Performance” will take place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, September 22.
However, the show is the first major concert in the park in decades and Borough President Melinda Katz isn’t thrilled about the idea of paid admission events in public parks.
“Queens adores the fact that Paul Simon has chosen to come home for the final concert of his Farewell Tour. As a lifelong fan, I am absolutely thrilled,” Katz said. “The news, however, is bittersweet. The City of New York could have – and should have – turned this long-anticipated homecoming of Paul Simon into a free concert for all in the park, not limited to those who can afford to pay concert ticket prices at the expense of the surrounding community.
“There are still several days before tickets go on sale. In fairness to all New Yorkers, the City should figure out a way to make this historic performance free and accessible to everyone,” Katz further stated.
In recent years, Katz has shared her concerns regarding for-profit companies running paid admission events in the city’s public parks.
During his announcement of the show, Simon also indicated that he will be donating all personal proceeds from the event to a cause that will be announced at a later date.