UNLOCKING THE TRUTH AND MORE ROCK SUMMERSTAGE'S FAMILY DAY

It was a fun day Sunday as Summerstage held its first Family Day of the season! With Willie Mae Rock Camp For Girls, Black Girls Rock, and Unlocking the Truth, the kid-friendly concert displayed the fire of the next generation.

Willie Mae Rock celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary this year, showcasing one of their alumni bands, Harsh Crowd. The four piece punk band got off on the right foot singing songs of teenage crush angst and rebellion. They covered Radiohead’s “Creep” and performed their songs “Fine,” and “Don’t Ask Me,” among others.

DJ Diamond Kuts rocked the interim getting the grown crowd on the floor with “Wobble” and “Electric Slide” before Beverly Bond and the Black Girls Rock girls came on. BGR’s mentorship program supports African-American girls from all over the world, and some of Beverly’s youth came out to perform. BGR sang covers of Alicia Keys' “New Day”, and Imagine Dragons' “Radioactive,”while poet Mercy Jaye performed her “Shut It” and “Empire” poetry and song. Abby the DJ kept the crowd live before the BGR girls ended with a chilling rendition of the once-televised BGR performance of For Colored Girls … “Four Women.”

Next, Omari Mizrahi and Ephrat Asherie, dance extraordinaires, got the kids poppin’ and locking on the stage, playing songs that they knew the dances to like Silento’s “Watch Me Whip (Nae Nae).”

Unlocking The Truth closed the latter portion of the show with some heavy metal. They rocked out with “Help Me,” “Other Side,” “Escape,” “Native's Thorne,” “Spiritual Wannabe,” and more. Whether it’s on one knee jamming on the bass, or bending their heads backward while they play to show they know their chords, the band’s performance had no dull moments.

Who says the future isn’t bright? Sunday proved that there are many youth who want to change the world for the better.-GB

(Propers: Merissa Blitz/ City Parks Foundation)

ZENDEE CREATES WAVES WITH JESSIE J'S SMULE "FLASHLIGHT" DUET

SMULE is an app in which can do all types of cool stuff, and it may be next after Snapchat as the biggest tech sensation. One really innovative thing that can be done on SMULE is the "duet" function, in which the sender can sing a tune and his or her followers can sing with them.

UK singer Jessie J took to her SMULE a few days ago to post an invite to duet her song "Flashlight" from the new movie Pitch Perfect 2, and Zendee Tenerefe, internet sensation from the Philippines, took up the offer. Along with 75,700 others from around the world, and counting, Zendee sang alongside her idol; she blew it out the water and hit 900,000 views in the process. Catch the duet above.--GB

GBSTL RECAP: PHONY PPL AND TROY AVE. BRING THE ENERGY TO RED HOOK PARK

Brooklyn came out last night for Summerstage’s first show of the season. With hosts Laura Stylez and Ebro from Hot 97, Red Hook Park was live for Phony PPL and Troy Ave., and crowd was full of die-hard fans of both ready to jam.

GBSTL RECAP: THE ROOTS BACK ERYKAH BADU IN THE DOPE-TASTIC "ROOTS PICNIC"

Being a part of a live show by The Roots is a check off the bucket list, but no fear if you weren’t able to make it last weekend to PA. The Roots are a staple to Philadelphia (they are inductees for this year's Philly Music Walk of Fame), with the band celebrating it’s 8th annual Roots Picnic on Saturday to a sold out crowd. 

One great thing about the Roots is that they embrace all types of music. With an eclectic set of artists on the bill which includes new artists such as the electro Marc E. Bassy, reggae brethren Chronixx, internet sensation Brianna Cash, Hiatus Kaiyote, Rae Stremmured, Donn T, Phantogram and more, there was something for everyone. 

Raury was a sight for sore eyes. The adorable 18 year old played his hits on the come-up from the ATL, and the crowd was feeling his set. He wore a brown opened shirt and had fun parading around the stage to “God’s Whisperer,” and others. 

DJ Mustard got the crowd going with radio hits from the new age. Everyone was lit from the time he stepped on the stage to the time he stepped off. Spinning tracks from Fetty Wap and Drake, Big Sean, Omarion and more, he was definitely the hype needed to get everyone excited for the headliner events. 

A$AP Rocky played songs from his latest album “AT.LONG.AT.LAST.A$AP” (and “Wild For the Night” from his first album) while the crowd was feeling him, they were a little too chill for his taste. He commented that they all must be smoking, but stayed positive saying that he loved the vibe and that it was a “beautiful day” in Philadelphia. 

Talk about crowd hype when The Weeknd came on the stage; the ladies went wild for his passionate lyrics and smooth vocals. He did not miss a beat on the vocal tip by the way. He proved his point in a stationary position in the middle of the stage, only moving his hands up and down slowly while he sang. Girls were melting singing all of his songs word for word like “Love Me Harder,” and “Wicked Games.” 

The Roots took the stage and played two hits before introducing Erykah Badu, who started off with “Window Seat.” Every one in the crowd was singing her lyrics back at her the entire time. She wore a loose white shirt, loose white pants, a taupe cloak, feather earrings, space sunglasses, beaded neck attire, and a flowing fro. 

During her song “Love of My Life“, Erykah would sing a verse, and then the Roots would flip it to another one of their tracks like “The Rising,” but when Erykah sang a verse and Freeway came out to perform “Roc The Mic” the crowd went wild. Then she sang another verse and the Roots flipped it and the LOX came out to perform “All About The Benjamins (Remix).” It was a great throwback. 

One of the highlights of Erykah’s performance was “Green Eyes.” This is one of her most poignant songs ever; it just pulls on the heart strings, you know, like music is supposed to do. After performing the last line, “You tried to trick me” she shook her head with so much emotion, as if she could still tap into the pain that it took her to write the song in the first place. Erykah also sang more hits like, “Bag Lady,” and “Gone Baby/Don't Be Long” and the crowd was all ears the whole time. The Weeknd came out and closed the show with one last hit, and everyone left filled. 

The Roots are thinking about taking the show on the road, considering that the attendance is growing and so is their notoriety of being “the best band in the land.” If you missed it, you may have another chance to catch them in your city in the future.--GB

GBSTL SUMMER 2015 "TO DO" NYC FREE CONCERT CALENDAR (UPDATED)

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

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

Check out more: MLK JR. CONCERT SERIES

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. 

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

NEW VIDEO: LIANNE LA HAVAS, "UNSTOPPABLE"

The new video from Lianne La Havas' song "Unstoppable" has the enamored singer dancing and twirling in a building with a high ceiling. It's the first single from her forthcoming album "Blood," out July 31.

NEW SONG: EMILY KING, "THE ANIMALS"

As an alternative to her catchy soulful single, "Good Friend," Emily King has just released the video to her latest single entitled, "The Animals." Feeding wolves just wasn't good enough for the crooner, and giving ammunition to frenemies didn't suit her fancy. It did make for a good song, though.

This second single from her sophomore album The Switch available June 26 is sure to turn some heads. 

I Like

Marc E. Bassy, "Stick To Your Guns"

Seinabo Sey, "Hard Time"

Jennah Bell, "Yes, This is a hold up." 

I Like

Tori Kelly; "Unbreakable Smile"

Lianne La Havas "Unstoppable"

Avery Wilson Vine Compilation

AARADHNA REWINDS TO THE 90'S WITH "SO MUCH IN LOVE/IF I EVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN" COVER

Aaradhna's back with a cover of a mashup of "So Much In Love" by 90's group All-4-One, and "If I Ever Fall In Love Again" from Shai. Capture her sweet vocals in an a-cappella treat for all her fans as they await her next official release.