This Joyful Summer

Our overachieving city isn’t content to provide us with great art and music. No, she has to show off and give most of it away for free. If you’re looking for concerts that won’t cost a dime, these are your best bets:

Yeasayer on Govenor’s Island, Saturday June 5
When a sharp, bright, brilliantly fun band like Yeasayer plays the most gorgeous open secret in New York, you simply must attend. Even the ferry’s free!

The Roots & Talib Kweli at Prospect Park, Sunday July 11
Remember before Common and Mos Def were movie stars, when “conscious” rappers provided the soundtrack to your childhood? Two of the era’s best acts are coming to Brooklyn to celebrate the first African World Cup.

Siren Music Festival at Coney Island, Saturday July 17
Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Matt and Kim, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are headlining this year, but the real draw of Siren isn’t the music. Spend a delirious day in the sun wandering the boardwalk, eating hot dogs, and playing shoot the freak, then run into the water when night falls.

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra in Battery Park, Thursday July 22
You’ll need to get down to Castle Clinton early for a chance to see this joyous, energetic Brooklyn troupe toast the music of afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Make a day of it; nothing beats those views of New York Harbor.

The Swell Season in Prospect Park, Friday July 30
If you saw Once, you’ve already fallen in love with Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. They’ll be playing humble, heartfelt pop at sunset; take someone you really like.

Sharon Jones in Prospect Park, Saturday August 7
Everyone’s favorite modern soul act rocks the bandstand. Go for her sweet and brassy voice, stay for her peerless horn section, the Dap Kings.

The xx in Central Park, Sunday August 8
Their debut was one of my favorite discoveries this year. Find out how their confident, spare intensity translates to the stage.

Public Enemy in Central Park, Sunday August 15
Summerstage is all about seminal hip hop this season, with free shows from Big Daddy Kane, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Cool Herc, Brand Nubian, and Pharoahe Monch. Capping the year is Public Enemy, marking the 20th anniversary of Fear of a Black Planet.

Follow the links for details, or find all these shows on TJN’s public calendar. May you have a story-worthy summer.

Summer in the City

Once again it’s time for sun and sweat and outdoor concerts. SummerStage has released their full 2010 lineup: their site is still in limbo, but BrooklynVegan has a great roundup of the highlights. The Flaming Lips, The Black Keys, Hercules & Love Affair and Pavement are playing benefit shows (meaning you have to pay); Jimi Cliff, The xx, Dan Deacon and Public Enemy will be free.

Celebrate Brooklyn and River to River also have summer schedules online. Don’t forget to use the “New York” section of those links on the right to navigate NYC on the cheap this season. Bookmark FreeNYC, Celebrate Brooklyn, River to River, and the “free” page on OhMyRockness, or just go ahead and make TJN your homepage.

Speaking of things free and awesome, the next How I Learned is May 26. I’ll see you there. It’s going to be a great summer.