SummerStage free concerts announced

The roster of free SummerStage shows was released last week, and it spans numerous parks across the five boroughs. There's a lot to see, so we here at amNewYork have selected some events that we're itching to check out. For the full list, go to summerstage.org.

Mainstage, Central Park, Manhattan

June 7: Night at the Caravanserai: Tales of Wonder featuring Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (concert)

June 22: Reggie Watts/Natasha Leggero (comedy)

June 28: The Moth, hosted by Andy Borowitz, with stories by Pam Grier and other special guests (spoken word)

June 29: Comedy Central Park starring Jim Gaffigan (comedy)

July 17: Pink Martini (concert)

July 27: Wanda Jackson/Imelda May (concert)

Aug. 6: Shelebration! A Tribute to the Works of Shel Silverstein, produced by Hal Willner (concert/poetry)

Aug. 14: Gospel Explosion featuring Donald Lawrence (concert)

Aug. 21: Rakim, EPMD and Funkmaster Flex (concert)

Tompkins Square Park, Manhattan

Aug. 28: The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival featuring Archie Shepp Quartet (concert)

Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan

Aug. 9: Salute to Hip-Hop featuring Rob Base/Funkmaster Flex (concert)

Aug. 11: Ryan Leslie (concert)

Aug. 27: The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival with Toots Thielemans (concert)

Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn

June 15: Nice and Smooth and the Awesome 2 (concert)

June 16: Jon B /  Olivia (concert)

Red Hook Park, Brooklyn

June 21: Talib Kweli (concert)

June 22: Ozomatli (concert)

June 23: We Are Scientists / Milagres (concert)

June 24: Reggie Watts / DJ Stormin' Norman (concert/spoken word)

Betsy Head Memorial Playground, Brooklyn

June 7: Salute to Hip-Hop featuring EPMD / Funkmaster Flex (concert)

Queensbridge Park, Queens

July 19: Kool Moe Dee  (concert)

July 20: Harold Melvin's Blue Notes / Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez (concert)

July 21: Salute to Hip-Hop featuring Funkmaster Flex and special guests (concert)

Crotona Park, the Bronx

July 12: Slick Rick / DJ Brucie B (concert)

July 13: Xcstacy (concert)

July 17: The Manhattans / Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez (concert)

July 19: The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series (concert)

Tappen Park, Staten Island

Aug. 2: Sugarhill Gang (concert)

Aug. 3: The Budos Band (concert)