I once read a quote somewhere that said, “Music is what feelings sound like” ~ Author Unknown. It’s true, if you think about it. Whether you’re happy, in love, sad or angry, music has the ability to control your being. It is the universal language of the soul spoken by all. What’s better than music, really? *shrugs* How about LIVE music! What’s even BETTER than live music? FREE live music! If you’re an eclecticophile, like me, (I love it ALL!), then get ready to put on your dancing shoes. Music makes the world go round and, around Brooklyn, I’ll fill you in on what’s hip-hopping, jazzing, disco dancing and calypsoing in a park near you.
You know that feeling you get when the “Toys-R-Us Big Book” comes out right before the holidays? (Yes! I still GET that feeling. Don’t judge me.) Yeah, well, it’s the same excitement felt when the Free Brooklyn Summer Concerts list comes out. And thanks to our gracious host, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, he really knows how to throw a party. S’all I’m sayin’.
Now in its 32nd year, The Seaside Summer Concert Series has seen some of the greatest live entertainment this side of the Coney Island shore. This event is the largest outdoor music series in the New York metropolitan area. Past acts to grace the bandshell of Asser Levy Park included The B-52s, Blondie, Pat Benetar, Liza Minnelli, Neil Diamond and Donna Summer…just to name a few. This year’s lineup includes the likes of Neil Sedaka, The Beach Boys, “Bad to the Bone” George Thorogood, John Legend, Aretha Franklin, Belinda Carlisle and The B-52s return. Plus more! The concerts are held at Asser Levy/Seaside Park in Coney Island/Brighton Beach located at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue…across the street from the New York Aquarium. They are held every Thursday evening beginning July 15th through August 26th with shows starting at 7:30 PM. Chair rentals are available for $5 on a first-come first served basis, but you are encouraged to BYOC/B (chair or blanket). For more information on the schedule, directions, etc., go to www.brooklynconcerts.com/seaside.html.
Also hosted by BP Marty Markowitz is the 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series. The concerts, which began on July 12th, are held on Monday nights at 7:30 PM through August 23rd. They are located at Wingate Field (Brooklyn Avenue between Rutland Road and Winthrop Street…opposite Kings County Hospital). Here’s your chance to see Aretha Franklin twice in one week! She’ll be performing here, first, on August 9th. Let’s talk about OLD SCHOOL NIGHT baby…August 2nd! Salt-n-Pepa, Naughty By Nature AND Slick Rick in one venue? Now that’s a show chock full of Hip Hop Hoorayness. Other performances through the summer include Toni Braxton, Musiq Soulchild, Bebe & Cece Winans, Sean Paul with The Mighty Sparrow…plus more! For more information on this music series, go to:http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/mlk.html. FYI: Performers are subject to change without notice, so you are encouraged to call the concert hotline at 718-222-0600 for any updates.
Alternative music more your thing? Then do not miss the 9th annual Siren Music Festival in Coney Island, Saturday, July 17th from noon to 9 PM. An estimated 100,000 people packed this event in 2008. Sponsored by The Village Voice, the one-day “premier outdoor indie rock festival” takes place at two large main stages…one at Stillwell Avenue and one at the end of West 10th Street. As well as emerging indie artists, past alternative acts have included vets such at Phish, the New York Dolls, Scissor Sisters, Daft Punk and Modest Mouse. Just checked out this year’s lineup. Looks great! Matt & Kim will be performing? Heck yeah! For more info:http://siren.villagevoice.com/2010/schedule.php
There are a multitude of free concerts and events going on around the borough this summer. If it’s not big names you’re looking for, can’t deal with large crowds, but still want to enjoy a musical, low-key night out in the park, just peruse the Brooklyn Events calendarhttp://brooklyn.com/events.html for all your hyper local festivities.
Okay, time to slather on the mosquito repellent, grab my folding chair and get ready to throw them horns. Hope to see you all shaking your boot-ayyy around town.
Rock on ~ Brooklyn Mama
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