Eventful
Hey! It is basically summer! I mean, technically it's raining right now and summer starts towards the end of June, but if you're not in school, it doesn't really matter, does it? If it's mostly warm and movies with explosions are coming out and outdoor concerts are going on, it's summer! As usual, there are some free outdoor shows, some non-free outdoor shows, and the occasional indoor show with sweet, sweet air conditioning. Slightly less usual is the way they're all, at present, crammed into a six-week period from mid-June until early August. So here is a guide to the six shows I'm planning on attending and maybe you should too:
Who & Where: The New Pornographers at Terminal 5, June 19
Why I'm Going: Same reason I usually go see the New Pornographers: they have a new album out, and it's good. I've also heard good things about both opening bands, the Dodos and the Dutchess and the Duke.
Why You Should Go: Though it is neither outdoors nor free, the New Pornographers put on a pretty fun show (stealth weapon: the drummer!), especially when Neko Case is available to tour with them, as she is now. Later tour legs typically see Neko or Dan Bejar dropping out in favor of their own projects, so this is a good time to strike. Terminal 5 might not be the best venue in the city, but on a Saturday the fact that it's close to nothing isn't as much of a pain. We'll figure out the best 24-hour diner in Midtown West yet!
Who & Where: Titus Andronicus at Newtown Barge Park, June 26
Why I'm Going: Because Titus Andronicus kicks ass, I haven't seen them since listening to The Monitor incessantly this year, and "Newtown Barge Park," while possibly made up, is in my neighborhood.
Why You Should Go: This is an afternoon show. You're old. Afterward, you can go with me to one of my neighborhood's many fine restaurants and/or sources for ice cream. It's not free, but tickets are only $12 or so after fees.
Who & Where: She & Him at Governors Island, July 4
Why I'm Going: A free concert on July 4th is becoming a NYC tradition worth sticking around for; after Belle and Sebastian in 2006 and Jenny Lewis last year, She & Him is suitably adorable to continue the trend. It's in the afternoon, so there's still plenty of time to find a good fireworks spot elsewhere. Also, Governors Island is awesome.
Why You Should Go: Because everyone at J-Lew last year seemed to have a pretty fine time. Also, Marisa and I want fun people to wait in line with us.
Who & Where: The Siren Music Festival at Coney Island, July 17
Why I'm Going: This show is free and features a ton of bands I (and you might also) want to see and might not want to pay and wait to see: Surfer Blood, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Matt & Kim, and Ted Leo (OK, I know lots of people who would pay to see that last one), with a few more bands to be announced. I went to Siren for only the second time ever last year, and it was fun!
Why You Should Go: Because despite the heat, it's a pretty low-impact event. During bands you don't want to see, it's extremely easy to take a hot dog/ice cream/rollercoaster break (probably not in that order).
Who & Where: The National and Beach House at Prospect Park Bandshell, July 27
Why I'm Going: I've seen the National live three times in a surprisingly large series of venues, and they never disappoint. I can imagine their dark, pretty songs filling the Prospect Park air nicely, even if it is on a weeknight.
Why You Should Go: Because the National is awesome, which is also why this show is sold out. However, I think I have an extra ticket, so if you weren't on the ball for this, let me know, we'll talk.
Who & Where: The Dead Weather at Prospect Park Bandshell, August 3
Why I'm Going: Sort of on a whim! The Dead Weather is pretty good; they have Jack White. Except for the Siren group, I've seen the other bands on this list before, so it's good to mix in something a little less familiar.
Why You Should Go: Maybe you have similar whims! Also, Jack White!
Who & Where: The New Pornographers at Terminal 5, June 19
Why I'm Going: Same reason I usually go see the New Pornographers: they have a new album out, and it's good. I've also heard good things about both opening bands, the Dodos and the Dutchess and the Duke.
Why You Should Go: Though it is neither outdoors nor free, the New Pornographers put on a pretty fun show (stealth weapon: the drummer!), especially when Neko Case is available to tour with them, as she is now. Later tour legs typically see Neko or Dan Bejar dropping out in favor of their own projects, so this is a good time to strike. Terminal 5 might not be the best venue in the city, but on a Saturday the fact that it's close to nothing isn't as much of a pain. We'll figure out the best 24-hour diner in Midtown West yet!
Who & Where: Titus Andronicus at Newtown Barge Park, June 26
Why I'm Going: Because Titus Andronicus kicks ass, I haven't seen them since listening to The Monitor incessantly this year, and "Newtown Barge Park," while possibly made up, is in my neighborhood.
Why You Should Go: This is an afternoon show. You're old. Afterward, you can go with me to one of my neighborhood's many fine restaurants and/or sources for ice cream. It's not free, but tickets are only $12 or so after fees.
Who & Where: She & Him at Governors Island, July 4
Why I'm Going: A free concert on July 4th is becoming a NYC tradition worth sticking around for; after Belle and Sebastian in 2006 and Jenny Lewis last year, She & Him is suitably adorable to continue the trend. It's in the afternoon, so there's still plenty of time to find a good fireworks spot elsewhere. Also, Governors Island is awesome.
Why You Should Go: Because everyone at J-Lew last year seemed to have a pretty fine time. Also, Marisa and I want fun people to wait in line with us.
Who & Where: The Siren Music Festival at Coney Island, July 17
Why I'm Going: This show is free and features a ton of bands I (and you might also) want to see and might not want to pay and wait to see: Surfer Blood, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Matt & Kim, and Ted Leo (OK, I know lots of people who would pay to see that last one), with a few more bands to be announced. I went to Siren for only the second time ever last year, and it was fun!
Why You Should Go: Because despite the heat, it's a pretty low-impact event. During bands you don't want to see, it's extremely easy to take a hot dog/ice cream/rollercoaster break (probably not in that order).
Who & Where: The National and Beach House at Prospect Park Bandshell, July 27
Why I'm Going: I've seen the National live three times in a surprisingly large series of venues, and they never disappoint. I can imagine their dark, pretty songs filling the Prospect Park air nicely, even if it is on a weeknight.
Why You Should Go: Because the National is awesome, which is also why this show is sold out. However, I think I have an extra ticket, so if you weren't on the ball for this, let me know, we'll talk.
Who & Where: The Dead Weather at Prospect Park Bandshell, August 3
Why I'm Going: Sort of on a whim! The Dead Weather is pretty good; they have Jack White. Except for the Siren group, I've seen the other bands on this list before, so it's good to mix in something a little less familiar.
Why You Should Go: Maybe you have similar whims! Also, Jack White!