The past two weeks have tested our strengths, our limits, and our air conditioners. Now, with temperatures finally dropping below the triple digits, it’s time we celebrate the fact that we can all breathe again. You guys, we did it; we survived the heat wave, and now it’s easy to remember that summer is actually a pretty great time of year in New York. Below you’ll find ten solid options for staying entertained this weekend– including lots of free happenings (spoiler alert: James Murphy, Foxygen, Aputumpu, Bushwick Block Party & more) – all of which are perfect for celebrating the significantly chillier summer weather. Have fun staying cool, Bushwick!
10. Adam Green & Binki Shapiro and Hooray for Earth @ MHOW (THU 9PM, $20)
Hosted by Les Savy Fav frontman and comedian Tim Harrington, Thursday’s show at Music Hall of Williamsburg will honor the tenth anniversary of Animation Block Party. If cartoons and animation are your thing, there will be exclusive content from Nickelodeon and Pixar. If performances from Adam Green & Binki Shapiro and/or Hooray for Earth are your thing, they’ll be there, too. It’s pretty much a win/win/win.
9. Fletcher C. Johnson and Hector’s Pets @ Shea Stadium (SAT 8PM, $8)
Local favorites Hector’s Pets will bring their signature brand of groovy guitar rock to Shea Stadium on Saturday night, alongside Fletcher C. Johnson, formerly of King Tuff. Plus, openers Boytoy and Rozwell. Should be a pretty breezy night of mellow, (relatively) mild-mannered debauchery.
8. Foxygen and Thao & the Get Down Stay Down @ Pier 84 (THU 5PM, FREE!)
If you’re willing to make the trek, head to Manhattan’s Pier 84 (Hudson River Park) to witness Foxygen and Thao & The Get Down Stay Down in a rather fitting, extra-summery waterfront setting. It’s a good night for dynamic musical duos: Foxygen is of the enchantingly retro variety, while Thao & the Get Down Stay Down are sure to display their sweet, folky style. Best of all, this show is totally 100% free, so if that doesn’t make the trip to Manhattan worth it, nothing will.
7. BABL @ 345 Eldert (SAT 9PM, $5)
BABL make electronic sounds that are twitchy, glitchy, and totally from the future (not that we’re Marty McFly over here or anything). We’re really digging them and think you will too. Check ’em out in this house party/venue settting.
6. Aputumpu presents Breakout Sessions @ Shea Stadium (FRI 8 PM, $7/$10)
More good times at Shea Stadium! This time around, the audio excellence comes courtesy of Aputumpu’s Breakout Sessions with Denitia & Sene, Conveyor, Osekre & The Lucky Bastards, and Lightouts.
5. Imaginary Friends Album Release Party With Japanther @ UFO Loft (322 Troutman st) (SAT 8PM, $5)
It’s hard to imagine a better one-two punch than Japanther and Imaginary Friends, the latter of whom are celebrating the release of their debut album on Saturday night. These Odd Years features the above choice tune, among others, which gives off a deliciously grimy, groovy vibe. Plus, dollar beers! AAAAND, it’s right off the Jefferson L stop – yes!
4. House of Blondes, Tiers, Fall of Another Year, & Rarefaction @ Cobra Club (SAT 9PM, FREE!)
Another great collection of local acts at another great local establishment, the Cobra Club on Wyckoff Avenue. Not to mention more free-ness! Our wallets could definitely get used to this!
Night Moves – Colored Emotions by surlis
3. Night Moves & ARMS @ Glasslands (SAT 8:30PM, $10/$12)
Bluesy, poppy, and vaguely psych rock-ian in vibe, the genre-bending Night Moves accompany NYC indie rock quartet ARMS for what’s sure to be a killer night at Glasslands. Saturday night is really starting to fill up here!
2. Bushwick Block Party (SAT NOON-11PM, FREE!)
Bushwick Block Party is back in action from noon until 11PM around multiple venues on Moore Street between Bogart and White. This year, the gathering is headlined by Queens rapper Action Bronson, plus Jamaican Queens (we’re sensing a theme here), Pictureplane, Moon Dudes, Death Threat, and many, many more. In addition to Roberta’s Vogue Magazine-touted pizza, Action Bronson will be selling snacks from the inside of his very own food truck (but eat at your own risk).
1. James Murphy & Eric Duncan @ Output (THU 10PM, $15/$20 – sold out but tix at door)
So we’re going to let you in a little secret here, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. There’s this new DJ in town – not a lot of people know about him – called James Murphy. Anyway, if you wanna catch this guy before he starts to get really big, head to Output on Thursday night. There’s also Eric Duncan – but remember, all this stays on the DL. Be sure to arrive early for door tickets!
Bonus! Steel Phantoms, See Through & Rob Bryn @ Union Pool (FRI 8 PM, $5)
Bonus show alert! Don’t forget that our new pals Steel Phantoms, the latest Bushwick Music Crush, will be playing Union Pool with See Through & Rob Bryn (of Wild Yaks). Believe us– you’ll want to hear these sweet, sweet jams for yourself. Tell ’em we sent you!