NYC Summer Concerts: 7 Best Shows Happening This Week
Every Monday from here on out, I shall be providing you with a rundown of what's going on in New York City (and occasionally around it) for your musical listening pleasure.
I will do my best to expose you to bands you might not have heard of to go along with those you have in genres as disparate as rock to electronic to my favorite jam bands (you will probably see more of these than you would find in Time Out NY). Without further adieu, here is the list for this upcoming week with a brief description for one show and a mention of another show or two that is going on that night.
1. Monday, June 24: The Greyboy Allstars at The Blue Note (also playing on the 25th and 26th with shows at 8 and 10:30 p.m.) — $20-35
More than 20 years since they formed, this excellent collection of musicians featuring Robert Walter and Karl Denson, occasionally find time to play with one another, and when they do, it is magical. This funky, jazzy quintet will be joined by a number of guests throughout their six shows including Houston Person on Monday, James Carter on Tuesday, and Gary Bartz on Wednesday. Any fan of deep pocket grooves would be wise to get to one (or more) of these six shows.
Also on Monday: Dawes at the Bookstore Cafe (Sold Out)
2. Tuesday, June 25 — Dragon Smoke at Maxwell's (also playing the Brooklyn Bowl on Monday night) — $20
A mainstay of Jazz Fest down in New Orleans (they have played every year since the band formed in 2003), this group was born out of a "Superjam," featuring the rhythm section of Galactic (Stanton Moore and Robert Mercurio) as well as Eric Lindell and Ivan Neville (because what would a superjam be without a Neville?). Because you can always use some more New Orleans in your life, and you want to get to Maxwell's before it closes, you are wise to make the trek out to Hoboken.
Also on Tuesday: Jonathan Batiste at the Bowery Ballroom ($25) or if bands from Treme aren't your style, check out moe. at the Brooklyn Bowl ($25)
3. Wednesday, June 26 — Buddy Guy at BB Kings Blues Club (also performing on the 27th) - $67
No it is not cheap, but seeing Buddy Guy is a must for any fan of the blues. He has shared the stage with a who's who of blues and classic rock artists and getting a chance to see him in such an intimate setting is an unbelievable opportunity that is not to be passed up. Also, the opening act, Quinn Sullivan, just 62 years younger than Guy, was a better guitar player at six when he appeared on the Ellen show, than I am today.
Also on Wednesday: If you are not feeling the blues, check out the Yellowbirds with Superhuman Happiness at Rockwood Music Hall ($8)
4. Thursday, June 27 — Counting Crows at Hammerstein Ballroom — $66-76
I've always been a big fan of these guys, and they have an history of uneven performances; however, this should be a fun night with The Wallflowers opening up. The price tag is a little steep, but for a fan of the band, it is a small price to pay.
Also on Thursday: For those not into the Counting Crows, Peter Frampton at the Beacon Theatre ($40-125)
5. Friday, June 28 — Golden Era: The BQE Edition at SRB Brooklyn — $15
For the 21+ crowd, and for fans of an earlier era of Hip-Hop, this is a must see. DJ sets by Talib Kweli (who is one of my personal favorites and one of the best performers), DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest fame), and DJ Marley Marl, this should be a great night of music which is slated to stretch until 4 a.m.
Also on Friday: If Hip-Hop isn't your thing, try Wayne Shorter at Town Hall ($47-152) or the Old 97's at the Brooklyn Bowl ($15, also performing Wednesday and Friday)
6. Saturday, June 29 — The London Souls at the Red Door — $45
A little more than one year after a near-fatal hit and run incident left singer and guitarist Tash Neal in the ICU, The London Souls are back on the road, prepping themselves for an opening slot for The Black Crowes and the Tedeschi Trucks Band this summer. Before that, they are playing an increasingly rare hometown show at an incredibly intimate venue with an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. For those familiar with the band and those who have never heard of them, this is an absolute can't miss opportunity to see one of the brightest rising stars on the scene.
Also on Saturday: Under 21 or want something different, try David Byrne and St. Vincent at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester ($55-95), Bruno Mars at the Barclays Center ($40-130) or Ha Ha Tonka with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin ($15 and worth every cent)
7. Sunday, June 30 — Fitz and the Tantrums at Irving Plaza — $29.50
Bruno Mars isn't your thing, but you really want to see Fitz and the Tantrums anyway? Luckily, you have your chance the next night at the far more intimate (and more appropriate) Irving Plaza (a real gem of a venue as well). Only around since 2008 and fresh off the release of their second album, More Than Just a Dream, these guys are a staple of the festival circuit and a chance to see them in a club is a great opportunity.
Also on Sunday: New Riders of the Purple Sage at The Iridium
And that is this week in music in and around New York City. Hopefully you found something that you didn't otherwise know about and comment below if there is something else worth seeing that didn't quite make my list.
