June 8, 2026<\/p>\n
St. John\u2019s University will celebrate 26 years of music under the stars when the\u00a0Queens<\/a>, NY, campus hosts the annual Great Lawn Summer Concert on Tuesday, June 30, from 7 to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n The 26th annual concert features the\u00a0American Soul Band<\/a>, led by St. John\u2019s alumna Deanna Carroll, performing timeless hits from the Motown era. The high-energy program\u2014called \u201cThe Great American Soul Book<\/a>\u201d\u2014features legendary R&B sounds and classic soul, creating an unforgettable musical experience for guests of all ages.<\/p>\n \u201cI am thrilled to perform at my alma mater,\u201d Ms. Carroll said. \u201cFans can expect a high-energy performance with some great music from the \u201960s, \u201970s, and \u201980s. Wherever we perform, the audience always gets involved.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The concert supports\u00a0Hearts on Fire: The Campaign for St. John\u2019s<\/a>, a bold initiative to strengthen the University through student scholarships, academic excellence, and capital improvements.<\/p>\n Guests should enter Gate 1 at Utopia Parkway and Kildare Road before the 7 p.m. start and bring chairs and blankets.\u00a0The concert will move indoors to\u00a0The Little Theatre<\/a> in the event of inclement weather.<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s alumni are invited to attend a preconcert barbecue,\u00a0featuring summer food, wine, and beer. Tickets for the alumni barbecue are priced at $30 per person and are free for St. John\u2019s\u00a0Loughlin<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0McCallen<\/a>\u00a0Society members.\u00a0Preregistration<\/a>\u00a0is required for the alumni barbecue.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. John\u2019s Great Lawn Summer Concert has long been a signature event that brings together alumni, families, friends, and neighbors for an evening of music and community,\u201d said Paul Lazauskas \u201901CCPS, \u201908M.B.A., Associate Director,\u00a0Office of Alumni Relations<\/a>. \u201cAs our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we are proud to welcome the American Soul Band for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music and artists who have shaped America\u2019s cultural heritage.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis cherished tradition strengthens the bonds within the St. John\u2019s community while supporting the University\u2019s Hearts on Fire campaign and its mission to transform the student experience for generations to come,\u201d Mr. Lazauskas added.<\/p>\n The American Soul Band\u00a0delivers a journey through the decades of Motown, R&B, and other iconic music that inspired generations through its show “The Great American Soul Book.” Ms. Carroll, who for years toured as Diana Ross in Lady Supreme, is joined by six talented background singers and six musicians whose performances delight audiences with the music of Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, The Supremes, The Temptations, and more. Rooted in Motown and classic R&B, the band continues the journey forward with tributes to the newest generations of soulful superstars.<\/p>\n