It's that time of year that many have been waiting all year for. Summer! Time to run a muck on the beach, stay out later because it's hot, go and dance in the rain, party hearty, and have some fun. But no great outing starts without a great idea.
Here's one: This summer, as in every summer in NYC, there are a bunch of free concerts to suit your fancy. And GBSTL has got a list that will make you jump for joy. Check out if one of your faves is letting you in on a once in a lifetime event in the calendar below. Then, make sure to make your ears happy by scheduling around that!
More free concerts will be added to the calendar as line-ups are announced.
More free concerts will be added to the calendar as line-ups are announced.
Surely there's a few things you need to know:
--Don't get caught outside where you can just hear, but can't see the music! Each show requires you to get there at least an hour early, even more for morning televised shows.
--Take a flick if you can, but you might not be able to. Pay attention to each electronic policy specific to each show.
--Scope out the prospect for what you can bring and what you can't.
--Bring snacks.
--End times in the calendar are approximate.
--Check each individual site or their Twitter's for cancellations (weather etc).
--Have fun!
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 was a blast, with Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu
headlining the free festivities. Alice Smith, Phony PPL, Flatbush Zombies, Toro
Y Moi, Spank Rock, Toshi Reagon, and more rocked out. How could they possibly
top that? Twiddle those thumbs while waiting for the line-up to a fest you
won’t soon forget.
Where: Commodore Barry Park
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
Check out more: CELEBRATE BK
TODAY TOYOTA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: What’s on Friday? What’s hot and what’s now.
It’s the biggest acts in NYC’s corner, literally.
Where: TODAY's Window on the World Studio, located at 49th Street and
Rockefeller Plaza in New York City
Check out more: TODAY
CITY PARKS FOUNDATION/ SUMMERSTAGE:
What it's about: Music, art, dance film, Summerstage! A
staple to the NY existence as a whole City Parks is back with a new attitude,
and Summerstage NYC/Mainstage at Rumsey Playfield’s faux lawn is ready for your
blanket.
Check out more: CITY PARKS/
SUMMERSTAGE
MLK CONCERT SERIES:
What it 's about: Hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz,
this Monday Night concert series is in it’s 31st year.
Where: Wingate Field, Brooklyn
Check out more: MLK SERIES
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
Check out more: GOOD MORNING
AMERICA
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 15 to July 14.
Where: Various
Check our more: RIVER TO RIVER
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 15 to July 14.
Where: Various
Check our more: RIVER TO RIVER
THE LOWDOWN HUDSON BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: Two days of the best of blues, then and now.
On July 11 and 12, blues lovers will jam to the legendary B.B.King, Los Lobos,
Los Lonely Boys, Alejandro Escovedo, and The James Hunter Six.
Where: Brookfield Place (formerlyWFC--220 Vesey Street btwn West Street and the Hudson River
Check out more: LOWDOWN HUDSON
BAM RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: It's the best of real soul as a lunchtime set, celebrating artists who are doing it big, worldwide heavy-hitters in music, and the underground talents of today as well.
Where: Metrotech Commons, (Flatbush and Myrtle Ave cross-street)
Check out more: BAM RHYTM AND BLUES
BAM RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: It's the best of real soul as a lunchtime set, celebrating artists who are doing it big, worldwide heavy-hitters in music, and the underground talents of today as well.
Where: Metrotech Commons, (Flatbush and Myrtle Ave cross-street)
Check out more: BAM RHYTM AND BLUES
VILLAGE VOICE 4 KNOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
What it's about: One day, all day, with acts of tomorrow such
as The Men, Hunters, Fat Tony, and White Lung; showcasing the sound of the city.
Free for all ages (June 29).
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; only three though,
because that’s the magic number.
Where: Pier 84
Check out more: RIVER ROCKS
BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK:
What it's about: Presented by 106.7 Lite FM, the biggest acts
on Broadway sing “all out” in NYC.
Where: Bryant Park Lawn, NYC
Check out more: BWAY BRYANT PARK
