Sweat and stickiness? BBQ's and beaches, sprinklers and fire hydrants, yup. It's summertime alright! And enjoying the sunshine beats staying home hogging the air conditioner (or fan!). But why, when there are free summer concerts in New York City?
Summer is a chance for NYC to catch their favorite artist in the sun, while sprawled out on a blanket, for no money down. It's a great way to catch world acts, and also a great way to scope out new acts on the horizon.
Want in? Well start off with GBSTL's handy free concert calendar, and check the website (links are below) for details/cancellations, time changes, the like. Get a posse, put some ice waters in your bag, and away you go!
Things you should know:
--Morning shows with established artists require you to get there extra early, so plan on getting up before daylight and being there at least an hour before showtime.
--Punctuality, actually, is the way to go with these concerts. Plan on arriving at least an hour early to avoid the lines, but use discretion. The bigger the artist, the bigger the crowd.
--See particular websites for photo/film rules.
--Also check websites for what you can and cannot bring. Chairs, etc.
--Pack lunch if you don't want to shell out the bucks on inflated venue meal prices.
AFRO PUNK FESTIVAL:
What it's about: Started by Matthew Morgan and James Spooner in 2002, this festival was created to celebrate Afro Punk: music, film, skate, and the unique members that embody that community. Last year Res, Cee-Lo Green, Santigold, Janelle Monáe, Gordon Voidwell, Jay Electronica, and more were expected before Hurricane Irene ripped through and festival heads cancelled the show. This year should make up for it.
UPDATE: This year, expect Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, Gym Class Heroes, Das Racist, Cerebal Ballsy, Gordon Voidwell, Skindred and more. All with a street skate and BMX competition in the heart of BK.
Where: Commodore Barry Park
Check out more: AFROPUNK
*Afropunk has not announced their line-up yet.
CELEBRATE BROOKLYN:
What it's about: Celebrate Brooklyn! is run by BRIC Performing Arts, and supports music, dance, theater, and new acts. There are over 25 free performances each summer.
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell
TODAY TOYOTA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Outside TODAY's window many a Friday morning are a bunch of people jamming to the biggest hitmakers in the country.
Where: TODAY's Window on the World Studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza in New York City
CITY PARKS FOUNDATION/ SUMMERSTAGE:
What it's about: As the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer shows in all five boroughs of NYC, it also always and consistently has a great and well-rounded line up. Includes Summerstage, NY's largest free performing arts festival, bringing more than their fair share of performances to 18 parks in the five boroughs. Everywhere from hip-hop to world, Summerstage covers it all.
Where: All five boroughs, NYC/Mainstage at Rumsey Playfield, other stages throughout NYC.
MLK CONCERT SERIES:
What it 's about: Hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz, this Monday Night concert series is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
Where: Wingate Field, Brooklyn
*MLK has not announced their line-up yet.
GOOD MORNING AMERICA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: ABC's Good Morning America concert series brings the biggest acts out for big productions all summer, in the heart of NYC, and bright and early on a weekday morning.
Where: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
RIVER TO RIVER
What it's about: Into music, dance, theater and visual art? Everything comes in River-To-River's summer event schedule, showing in Governors Island, Rockefeller Park and more from June 17 to July 15.
Where: Various
Check out more: RIVER TO RIVER
THE LOWDOWN HUDSON BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: Two days of the best of blues, then and now. For those who love it, July 11 and 12 is when it's going down, and when blues lovers may just get happy! Featuring the legendary Buddy Guy, 12-year-old prodigy Quinn Sullivan, and John Mayall (of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers).
Where: WFC Plaza
Check out more: LOWDOWN HUDSON
VILLAGE VOICE 4 KNOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
What it's about: One day, all day, with acts of tomorrow such as Bleached, Crocodiles, Nick Waterhouse, and Hospitality; showcasing the sound of the city. Free for all ages (July 14).
Where: South Street Seaport, Pier 17
Check out more: VV 4 KNOTS
RIVER ROCKS CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Free concerts by the pier, in quality not quantity.
Where: Pier 84 (New Location)
Check out more: RIVER ROCKS
BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK:
What it's about: Presented by 106.7 Lite FM, the biggest acts on Broadway perform lunchtime sets in the heart of NYC.
Where: Bryant Park Lawn, NYC
Check out more: BWAY BRYANT PARK
*Broadway in Bryant Park has not announced their line-up yet.
MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY:
What it's about: A bunch of people rocking out and jumping up and down to the best of electro, club, house hits on Diplo's Mad Decent Label. The day-festival will hit a few cities this year, New York on August 5. What's in store for concert goer's this year? Well, just look at the promo video.
Where: Location TBA
Check out more: MAD DECENT
