This summer it's all about getting out and having fun. More pollen and less rain means more sunshine, and more time to enjoy all things musically related! (How do you do that while reading a blog, you ask? This site is mobile friendly!) GBSTL has your remedy for your music hungry, festival pangs, and your ready-to-two-step feet. Your aural-desires will be fulfilled this season, at a fraction of the cost. So maybe you can spend your mula on some good grub! Be free...
Check out the GBSTL SUMMER 2015 "TO DO" NYC FREE CONCERT CALENDAR. Maybe your guilty pleasure is Jazmine Sullivan at Summerstage, or you are a hip-hop head that wants to take it back to the 80's/90's with Pete Rock or Marley Marl. Or maybe you like salsa, or jazz, or electro. It's all covered.
Things to remember when out and about at these events:
--Get there early, especially if it's a morning show with a major label artist.
--Make sure you know what you can or can't bring. Check each individual site for details.
--Cancellations due to weather are posted on the event planner's Twitter.
Below are the masters behind the free shows this summer:
CELEBRATE BROOKLYN:
What it's about: The best of music, dance, and theater come together at Prospect Park Bandshell run by BRIC Arts Media. Chill in the background picnic style, or enjoy the standing room in the bandshell pit. A combination of benefit shows and free shows are available this season (free one's are on the calendar).
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell
Check out more: CELEBRATE BK
TODAY TOYOTA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: An artist knows he/she has made it when he does a TODAY show concert. Head to the plaza bright and early (they suggest by 5AM) to catch your favorite radio musician. You know, those songs you just can't get out of your head, and some you just don't want to.
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: It's Summerstage's 30th Anniversary season, and with more than 160 free shows (and some benefit shows, only free shows on calendar) you just can't miss all the surprises that are in store. You're in for all genres of music, dance classes, documentaries, and stuff for the kiddies as well. There's something for everyone this season at this established concert series.
Where: Various, NYC and the boroughs
Where: Various, NYC and the boroughs
Check out more: CITY PARKS/SUMMERSTAGE
MLK JR CONCERT SERIES:
What it 's about: Hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz, this Monday Night concert series is in it’s 33rd year. The series showcases many R&B, soul and throwback artists.
Where: Wingate Field, Brooklyn
GOOD MORNING AMERICA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Rumsey Playfield hosts the GMA Concert Series, and it's pretty much is like being backstage on a television set for a concert taping. The biggest starts come together early morning, and you may need to set your clock to go. They say arrive at 6AM.
Where: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
Check out more: GOOD MORNINGAMERICA
RIVER TO RIVER
What it's about: It’s music dance theater and visual art--everything comes into play with River-To-River's 60 summer event schedule, showing in various spots in NYC and more from June 18 to June 28. This year an RSVP is required to attend each individual show.
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. This year, the Wood Brothers and O.A.R. take the stage.
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: This is the heart of Brooklyn, with cultural shows that will tickle your heart strings. It's mid-day lunch hour greatness for your ears.
Where: Metrotech Commons, (Flatbush and Myrtle Ave cross-street)
Check out more: BAM RHYTM AND BLUES
VILLAGE VOICE MUSIC FESTIVAL
What it's about: Mikal Cronin, Twin Peaks, Happyness, Meatbodies, and Heaters take the stage at the free Village Voice Music Festival. If you like indie music, this is for you.
What it's about: Mikal Cronin, Twin Peaks, Happyness, Meatbodies, and Heaters take the stage at the free Village Voice Music Festival. If you like indie music, this is for you.
Where: South Street Seaport, Pier 17
Check out more: VV 4 KNOTS
RIVER ROCKS CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: three magic concerts by the pier.
Where: Pier 84
Check out more: TBD
BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK:
What it's about: Sing along to your favorite Broadway tunes in Bryant Park. It's your lunch hour, with pep.
Where: Bryant Park Lawn, NYC
Check out more: BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK
