Let’s face it: we’re all in our prime. We’re also in summer’s prime, which is coinciding with the prime of the best summer concerts. What we’re saying is: load up on music now, especially outdoor shows, because as August starts to unravel, we’re going to be stepping out of summer’s primetime. We’ve got many options for you this week including: free and legendary (Jamie Lidell & Dan Deacon), cheap and ethereal (Blue Hawaii), and kinda pricey but worth it (MoMA Ps1).



6. The Hairs, Graham Repulski, Rad Dreams, Tigerdare @ Cake Shop (FRI 8PM, 75¢)

This show is an invitation to have fun and appreciate some music! I mean, it’s 75 cents, come on! If the pricetag isn’t enticing enough, listen to the track above by darling The Hairs to be enticed by jangly lo fo pop rock!

 

Ratking will be DJing.

5. Warm Up with Marcellus Pittman, Jackmaster, Dre Master, more @ MoMA PS1 (SAT 3-9PM, $15/$18 door)

If you haven’t been to a Warm Up yet this summer, here’s what to expect: great DJs, sweaty Europeans dancing, crazy art installations, and a lot of sunshine/booze. How could you go wrong?

 



4. Grand Resort @ Fulton Stall Market at South Street Seaport (SUN 3PM, $FREE)

Grand Resort is making headlines, and for good reason – the rock is shimmering and transcendental. They kickoff Fulton Stall Market’s Soundbite series this Sunday, and it’s free! Go listen to some jams and check out the local vendors and pirate ships.

 

3. Gauntlet Hair, Jackson Scott, Eula @ Glasslands Gallery (FRI 8PM, $12)

Gauntlet Hair, so glad you’re back in NYC! These sophisticated noise rock gurus are here all the way from Denver, CO to take your ears on a rollercoaster.

 

Photo by Maria Gotay

2. Blue Hawaii, Empress of, Solar Year, Weeknight @ 285 Kent (FRI 8PM, $10/$12 day of)

Blue Hawaii was one of our favorite bands we saw at SXSW and that’s enough of a reason to go see their electronic/space/tropical/beautiful live set again. Plus, Empress Of is amazing live.



1. Jamie Lidell, Dan Deacon, The Stepkids @ Celebrate Brooklyn! Prospect Park (FRIDAY 7PM, $FREE)

This lineup is unbelievable and what’s even crazier is that it’s FREE! If you don’t know exactly what to expect let me lay it down for you: The Stepkids are honey to the ears – experimental pop/funk goodness and will have you dancing/making out with a stranger. Dan Deacon is a crazy mofo who plays experimental electronic jams that will make you rave out, whether you are tripping or not. He will likely have the whole crowd on their feet and creating a crowd-run dance circle in the middle of the bandshell. No joke – that’s actually his shtick. Then Jamie Lidell will rock your world with his soul/pop/rock/electronic solo performance – you won’t believe how much energy this one man has.