5 free NYC concerts
Queen Latifah will be performing a free concert Aug. 15, 2011, in Brooklyn. Credit: Getty Images, 2010
With recent temps topping 100, this has been a steamy summer, but it's about to get even hotter. In August, savor the scorch with these free outdoor shows, featuring Americana originals, hip-hop luminaries and a promising infusion of new blood on the indie circuit.
1. Friendly Fires + The Naked and Famous + Cults
WHAT Your ankles will love to hate you after this dance fest. London's Friendly Fires burn bright with whirling, high-energy music that floods the senses with joy. Auckland's electro-pop band The Naked and Famous plays romantic jams that recall prom scenes in '80s movies. Local mega-buzz duo Cults remake girl-group melodies with a sinister attitude.
WHEN | WHERE Aug. 7 at 3 p.m., Central Park SummerStage, enter at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue
INFO Free, summerstage.org
2. Deer Tick + Dom
WHAT A homespun mix of indie rock, folk and country comprise Deer Tick's sprightly music, but it's singer John Joseph McCauley III's craggy yet comely voice that leaves the most memorable mark. Dom is a synth-heavy pop-rock trio with a sweet, shaggy swing.
WHEN | WHERE Aug. 11 at 6 p.m., Pier 54, West and 13th streets
INFO Free, riverrocksnyc.com
3. 28th annual Roots of American Music Festival
WHAT You'll hear everything from Appalachian music to doo-wop soul at this Americana celebration, taking place all weekend on Lincoln Center's outdoor stages. The stellar roster includes the Bar-Kays, Sid Selvidge, the Ebony Hillbillies and a pantheon of Sun Records alums.
WHEN | WHERE Aug. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m. Lincoln Center, between West 62nd and 65th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues; check website for exact locations.
INFO Free, lcoutofdoors.org
WHAT Though Queen Latifah has been spending more time in Hollywood studios than in the recording booth lately, her crowning achievement will forever be her game-changing 1989 debut, "All Hail the Queen." The commanding, take-no-prisoners MC also has recorded an album of jazz standards, so expect a mixed set list from this thoroughly regal performer.
WHEN | WHERE Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Wingate Field, Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland Road and Winthrop Street
INFO Free, brooklynconcerts.com/mlk.html
WHAT Everybody in hip-hop boasts that they're the best, but few can touch Rakim, routinely listed among the top five MCs of all time. This gig celebrates the 25th anniversary of his landmark debut, "Paid in Full." EPMD released a new single this year, but a full album has yet to materialize, which likely means they'll break out the funky hits that put them on the map. Also appearing: FunkMaster Flex.
WHEN | WHERE Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. Central Park SummerStage; enter at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue.
INFO Free, summerstage.org
