Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 1:30pm Location: Colonel's Row, Governer's Island Cost: Free
Coming back from Figment last weekend, two "Planetary Dancers" were excited about this afternoon's concert with legendary folk-pop singer/songwriter Janis Ian. Of course, since my folk leanings are more towards Meg Biard or the Wood Brothers, I knew very little about Ms. Ian, "a Grammy-award winning performer [who] hit it big in 1975 with her single 'At Seventeen', a bittersweet commentary on adolescent cruelty and teenage angst. In her 40-year history, this Grammy award-winning performer’s music continues to reflect and transcend the challenges of our times." Time to get schooled this afternoon. Free ferry info below. All Ages.
Colonel’s Row, Governor’s Island. Free ferry service available every hour, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Dreamland Pavilion Coney Island Cost: Free
"One of New York City’s successful and long running soirees, The Melting Pot NYC [continues] its summer music series Coney Island stylee. The series of six features the global dance soul sounds of MPot resident DJs Kervyn Mark and Kamala." This afternoon features special guest Kevyn Mark and Kamala from TMPNYC. Old Flyer, All Ages.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Central Park Summerstage (directions) Cost: Free
One of the best things about summer in New York City is Central Park's Summerstage. Today is a day of global rock featuring Algerian raï-punk from Rachid Taha, the Cambodian–infused psychedelic rock of Dengue Fever, and guitar-driven soundscapes direct from the Lower East Side courtesy of Apollo Heights.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 5:00pm Location: Richmond Shepard Theatre (309 E 26th St) Cost: Free with RSVP at 212.684.2690
The Best Party ever is a "satirical Two Act Play about a Keg Party followed by an Office Party consisting of vignettes, sketches, and monologues. This show ignites onstage with a Congo Line in the First Act and a Bunny Hop in the Second Act." Normally, $21 to get in, tonight it's free for FreeNYC readers which sounds like the perfect pregame or post-BBQ activity. Be sure to RSVP and mention FreeNYC for the free admission. $4 beer and wine served. 21+
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 6:00pm Location: AfroPunk Skate Park, BAM (corner of Lafayette and Flatbush, Ft. Greene) Cost: Free
Those AfroPunk folks are at it again, celebrating the intersection of African American culture, skate culture, punk rock music, and alternative youth culture in general. This year they've stepped up the game by building a skate park in the BAM parking lot. Tonight they start it up with a live music from Janelle Monae, The Apes, Shawn Hewitt, and Millsted. Lots more info here. All Ages.
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 7:00pm Location: Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St & Prospect Park West, Park Slope) Cost: Free
I know nothing about this one so here we go with the cut and paste... With hints of reggaetón and other urban strains flavoring his classic New York sound, the dashing salsero Michael Stuart’s style “isn't your abuelita's salsa,” (All Music) but it will get you up and dancing. William Cepeda adds a dose of traditional Puerto Rican roots to the mix with special guest Angel Luis Torrullas, the "King of the Plena", while Zemog turns tradition on its ear with a sound “more all-encompassing than Manu Chao … not to mention heavier, artsier, and maybe wackier—yet no less catchy.” (Village Voice)
Date: Saturday, July 5th Time: 11:00pm - 4:00am Location: Union Hall (593 Union Ave at N. 11 St, W'burg) Cost: Free
DJ Danomyte and DJ Bugbear are back with their monthly throwdown at banker-tinged hipster haven, Royal Oak. Now, almost 3 years old, I'm sure you've drunkenly stumbled into this party (you've most certainly drunkenly stumbled out) known for its late night makeout session, drunken dancing, and assorted debauchery. 21+
