The weekend may be looking thunderstorm-laden, but that means nothing for dedicated show-goers but an excuse to your golashes and fill up on Dark’n’stormies (we recommend Tandem’s). Then hit the wet pavement and bask in some light rain on your way to one of these amazing 9 top concerts of the weekend. We’ve got festivals, free shows, “art spaces” and warehouse shows for you to peruse. Ride that lightning.
#9 PAGAN RITUALS Record release Show @ Death By Audio (SUN 8:30pm, $8)
Get some sludge cred at Bushwick local band Pagan Rituals release show this sunday. Supported by Real Cops and Pawns, you’ll awash in loud guitar and louder reverb, feeling it all.
#8 OVA THE RAINBOW: MINT 2 BE @ The Spectrum (Sat $5 before 1)
Although we are not entirely sure what this event promises, we are definitely charmed by a party themed MINT. DJS william Francis, J L V M V R, and Anthony DiCapua will keep you right all night and into the wee hours in this “ART SPACE, NOT A CLUB.” at 56 Montrose Ave.
#7 NYU Strawberry Fest @ LGA Place, near Washington Square Park (FRI 12:30pm, FREE)
Titus Andronicus , The World is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die , Rozwell Kid, For Everest all play at this free, all ages show put on by NYU. If you don’t work on Fridays and like to get rowdy with some college kids while enjoying a fucking rad free show, this is the one for you.
#6 i=u Brooklyn takes place @ Brooklyn Fire Proof (Fri + Sat, $15 each day)
The two-day event highlights collaborations between internationally-renowned artists, musicians, dancers and live film-makers. i=u will take over Brooklyn Fire Proof and create a collaborative music-making environment between audience members and performers. We support all of the above.
#5 CRETIN STOMPERS (RECORD RELEASE SHOW) / HABIBI / HEAVEN’S GATE / DANCES @ BK NIGHT BAZAAR (FRI 7 pm, FREE)
https://soundcloud.com/cretinstompers/adult-child
1.21 Gigawatts is taking over Brooklyn Night Bazaar for a whole weekend! Their show on Friday features Burger Records’ Cretin Stompers and Bk’s own rad girl group Habibi and psych-sludge Heaven’s Gate. Better yet it’s free and you can definitely sneak beers in.
#5 High Waisted, La Sera @Baby’s All Right (SAT 8 pm, $10)
Come get right at our fave williamsburg mainstay Baby’s All Right with ex-Vivian Girls’ La Sera, who will sooth rainy day blues with her soaring, angelic vocals. Get there early for High Waisted, a band of psych rock princes and princesses. Tickets here.
#4 Slackgaze with Throw Vision, Life Size Maps & More @ 230 Grand Street (SAT 9pm, $6)
This show is a benefit for Slackgaze’s new space (word) and also featured Bushwick Music Crushes Throw Vision, who are sure to captivate with their unique sound, a blend of “experimental, jazz, rock and soul music in an ear-opening way that challenges even an audiophile to classify.” Also on the bill are Bushwick faves Life Size Maps.
#3 End Tymes Festival of Noise & Experimental Liberation @ Silent Barn (Thurs-Sun, $50)
The 4-night experimental festival will take over the Silent Barn for a not-so-silent noise fest this weekend featuring Kevin Drumm, Pete Swanson, and Telecult Powers. Tickets are $50 for the weekend and available for individual shows.
#2 Liars, Jana Hunter @ The Wick (Fri, 9 pm, $20-25)
The Wick, the long-awaited sister space to the outdoor beer garden/venue The Well, opens victoriously to a slew of great shows, including this one, with Lower Dens’ Jana Hunter and Liars.
#1 M.I.A., A$AP FERG @ Knockdown Center (FRI 9pm, $38)
We gave you all fair warning that this show was going to be dope as all hell. If you got the cash we’ll see you there.