This summer I have vowed to see as much live music as possible. Ever since leaving Austin (a sad 5 years ago), the presence of new music on my iPod has come to a screeching hault. Thus, my play lists consist of late 90s grunge, mid-2000s emo, and recent dance hits I’ve heard in the clubs.
It’s time for an audio intervention!
So, let the quest for new music begin:
June 15: Bobby Long @ The Highline Ballroom – REVIEWED!
Bobby is an English, folksy guitarist. I saw him last Fall, and now he’s back for a second tour, this time with a full-band.
June 30: Passion Pit @ The Beach at Governors Island – NEW!
Passion Pit was recommended to me by several friends for a coveted spot on my Missouri Road Trip Mix. The electronic, dancey tunes are perfect for bopping along the street. I feel like one of those black shadow people from the Apple iPod commercials a few years ago, walking along and intermittently breaking into uncontrolled dance moves.
July 4: She & Him @ The Beach at Governors Island – REVIEWED!
Ok, I will openly admit that I really can’t stand Zooey Dechannel’s voice. That cotton commercial she sings is like nails on a chalkboard to me. But, I really want to check out Governors Island for July 4th weekend, so, I’ll make an exception.
July 7: Delorean @ Music on the Oval, Stuyvesant Town
Delorean is one of those bands that pops up on my Pandora all the time, and I think, “Ooo…who’s this? Let me minimize this e-mail to see. Delorean again?! Man, I need to see them live.” I’ve never been to Music on the Oval, but I imagine it could be really neat. Stuy-town is highly underrated.
July 28: The Black Keys @ Central Park Summer Stage
Again, The Black Keys are permanent residents on my Pandora. It’s good, old rock music – a sort of KOL vibe. And, they’re on the Eclipse soundtrack…not that I own that thing.
July 29: The National @ Terminal 5 – NEW!
These guys were in my latest issue of Rolling Stone, where the author deemed them “the next U2.” That’s a mighty shoe to fill. They’re brooding, grungy sound reminds of Bush…and who doesn’t like Bush?
July 30: The Swell Season @ Prospect Park
I’ve loved Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova ever since Once. (They were so cute when they won their Oscar, right?) The Swell Season is their new act, so, it’s a must.
August 7: Local Natives @ The Beach at Governors Island – NEW!
Peters…I’m trusting your awesome music taste on this one!
August 8: The XX @ Central Park Summer Stage
I keep hearing about The XX…everywhere. Most recently, I met a group of Brits who were here in NYC on holiday (note the colloquial reference) and couldn’t stop talking about them. I’m down for some English rock music.
August 19: Ray LaMontagne/David Gray @ Jones Beach Theater
Considering I have an actual Ray LaMontagne/David Gray pre-programmed channel on Pandora, this is essentially the concert of my dreams. So long as I don’t start to feel like I’m sitting at my desk at work during the show, ’cause I literally let this station play all day, every day.
I am WIDE open for other show suggestions. Leave your ideas here! I’ll be back to review the shows and update the list as it grows.
yup, i saw the same in london’s hyde park. mind, clapton is god.
You know how I feel about live music so I doubt you’re surprised I’m excited for your summer plan.
The XX are creeping up everywhere and I’m digging them so far, if you want the album. Black Keys are a great live show as are the Swell Season. You’re right not to get too excited for She & Him. I saw them at SXSW and was content chatting throughout the set – good background noise for a chill time out with friends. You should go back to Governors Island on August 7th to see Local Natives. Matt and I heart them so much. HAVE FUN!
Excellent! Thanks, Meg! Yeah, let’s just say, I’m glad the She & Him show is free. I will definitely check out Local Natives — I trust your taste!
Alison, three words.. ‘Dave Matthews Band’
7/17/10 Citi Field, Flushing NY but I think tickets are sold out. eBay?
Ref: http://www.davematthewsband.com/tour
Also, be sure to check out John Mayer when he passes through NY
Ref: http://www.johnmayer.com/tour
John Mayer is actually quite entertaining. I saw him a few years ago in TX, and he did a whole Clapton montage…wicked!