June 26 – July 2 • Essential Weekly Concert Guide • NYC Edition

Joseph Baura

Aimee Mann at Music Hall of Williamsburg | June 26
Known for her soft and gentle vocals, Aimee Mann continues to weave a powerful career of songs that speak on her personal experiences about love, heartbreak, and the everyday struggle of dealing with life’s obstacles as they are thrown her way. This year Mann released her latest album, “Mental Illness,” which provides another honest look at her life through her acoustic music styling and proves that her songs are truly timeless.

X Ambassadors w/ Post Malone at Theater at Madison Square Garden | June 26
Known for their hit single, “Renegades,” the X Ambassadors have brought a particular style of rock that infuses alternative sounds with folk and indie. With the release of their album “VHS” in 2015, The X Ambassadors skyrocketed to success with the aforementioned single, as well as “Unsteady” and their collaboration with Imagine Dragons for the song, “Fear” which gave the band their first gold selling album. The X Ambassadors will be taking over MSG along with rapper/singer Post Malone, whose album, “Stoney,” took the hip hop world by surprise in 2016.

DAGNY at Mercury Lounge | June 27
Having found success through her debut single “Backbeat,” Norwegian songstress, Dagny made her way onto providing music for television shows like  Grey’s Anatomy. After gaining steam internationally through several music streaming services, Dagny released her debut album “Ultraviolet” which features a highly energetic take on pop music.

Imelda May at Webster Hall | June 27
The Irish-bred songstress mesmerizes audiences with her powerful yet seemingly effortless vocal performances  that are inspired by a 1950s kind of vibe. Her rockabilly style is coupled with her songs that are inspired by influential soul and jazz artists like Billie Holiday and Elmore James. With the release of her latest album, “Life Love Flesh Blood,” earlier this year, Imelda May gives fans a soulful retreat.

Lillie Mae at Rough Trade | June 27
As apart of the Risches and Jypsi, Lillie Mae is known to folk and bluegrass fans to be a very talented and powerful singer/songwriter. Having been apart of Jack White’s touring band as a mandolin and fiddle player, she has since broken out on her own as one of folk’s budding stars. While Mae’s voice fits the traditional folk sound, her songs about love and loss have proven to be much deeper than a rehash of styles of old.

Mobley at Berlin | June 27
Similar to up and coming artists like Khallid, Mobley brings a fresh take on the r&b genre that truly feels like a new generation is finally here. Mobley’s soft and high falsetto perfectly compliments his heavy bass and synthesized sounds that you can often find in his production. With several singles and no album as of yet, this year is shaping up to be the year that Mobley breaks out into the mainstream.

New Kids on the Block w/ Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul at Barclays Center | June 27
Like a complete blast from the past, the New Kids on the Block are back to selling out stadiums as they did during their breakout years in the late 80s and early 90s. As one of the pioneers of the boy band movement that swept the nation during the 90s, the New Kids on the Block were truly some of America’s beloved heartthrobs before bands like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys ever hit a studio. The New Kids on the Block will be accompanied by the soulful harmonies of legendary r&b group, Boyz II Men, and the upbeat pop sounds of singer turned American Idol judge, Paula Abdul.

Patti Smith & Her Band w/ Jesse Paris Smith at City Winery NYC | June 27
Considered to be one of the greatest and most influential artists of her generation, Patti Smith is truly regarded as a legend in the eyes of many. Known for her contributions as one of the primary influences during the New York punk movement in the 1970s, Smith has been deemed the “punk poet laureate” due to her outspoken views on issues that have plagued society. In light of her daughter’s 30th birthday, Patti Smith will be performing in tandem with Jesee Paris Smith for a special celebration.

John Legend at Theater at Madison Square Garden | June 27 + 28
In 2004, John Legend broke out into music with the release of his single, “Ordinary People,” and his album, “Get Lifted.” Now more than a decade of music under his belt and even an Academy Award to his name through his work with the film “Selma,” John Legend is truly one of the biggest and most successful acts in r&b today. Legend’s soft and soulful voice will be taking over the Madison Square Garden Arena for a two-night engagement that will feature songs like his hit single, “All Of Me,” and more.

Sheryl Crow at Beacon Theatre | June 28
With the release of her latest album, “Be Myself,” Sheryl Crow has probably released her most intimate and honest album yet. The female guitarist and songstress has had her share of success with 35 million albums sold across the world and has the honor of having five of her albums reach platinum selling status. Having gone through several experiences as of late, “Be Myself” takes listeners on a journey through Crow’s personal dealings with broken relationships and trying to establish a social life.

“XXL Freshmen” ft. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Amine, Kamaiyah, XXXTentacion, Kyle, PNB Rpck, Ugly God, Kap P, Playboi Carti at PlayStation Theater | June 28
In their typical annual fashion, XXL magazine has chosen their latest batch of rappers to keep an eye on in 2017. As one of their most controversial classes yet, 2017’s XXL Freshmen class is looking to make a statement as to why they deserve a spot amongst some of hip hop’s most elite. From the laid-back, smooth delivery of female emcee Kamiyah, to the almost punk rock-esque performances of XXXTentacion, this year’s class is covering all bases.

U2 w/ The Lumineers at MetLife Stadium | June 28 + 29
The release of their album, “The Joshua Tree,” changed the landscape of rock music for generations that came after its inception. What is now considered to be one of rock’s most influential albums of its time will be brought to the stage by U2 in celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary. U2 will be performing “The Joshua Tree,” in its entirety from front to back as well as touch on many of the bands hits through the years. U2 will be joined by folk pop band, The Lumineers, as their opening act.

Gipsy Kings at Prudential Hall (Newark) | June 29
Bred in France, yet inspired by Latin American culture through their manipulation of genres like salsa, flamenco, and pop, the Gipsy Kings have brought their unique rhythmic taste of music to the stage for nearly four decades.

Jared & The Mill at Rough Trade | June 29
Bred in Phoenix, Ariz., Jared & The Mill have been working hard the past few years playing every venue they could get their hands on. The band has proclaimed that they can’t be truly classified under one particular genre, which is a fair assessment as their brand of “indie rock” is a patchwork of genres like folk, alt rock and indie. While they don’t fit under one particular umbrella, one thing you can say is that their music is truly infectious.

Jesse Boykins III at Highline Ballroom | June 29
Jesse Boykins III has a sound to him that feels reminiscent of neo soul artists like Raphael Sadiq or Maxwell. With a light and airy voice that carries a ton of soul, Boykins III feels like a old soul that brings a refreshing contribution to the r&b genre.

Talib Kweli at Brooklyn Bowl | June 29
As one half of Blackstar and seemingly one of hip hop’s greatest contributors in his solo work, Talib Kweli is still considered to be one of the genre’s greatest lyricists. As a proponent of what hip hop fans call “conscious rap,” Kweli has become one of the leaders of speaking on social injustice and providing political insight through his music.  

Trixie Whitley at Le Poisson Rouge | June 29
As the daughter of singer/songwriter, Chris Whitley, music has always been around Trixie Whitley’s household. With the release of her latest album, “Porta Bohemica,” Whitley takes a trip down a road that leads her to a place of introspection and discovery of her identity.  Taking a page from genres like electronica, r&b, and punk, Whitley has shaped a musical identity that doesn’t fit into one particular mold.

VHS Collection at Music Hall of Williamsburg | June 29
With their mix of various genres that incorporate aspects of rock, edm, and disco,  the VHS Collection has a sound that is reflective of the culture that surrounds their New York origins. Their dance inducing tracks beg you to sway along to their smooth and silky grooves that are guided by their use of creeping bass lines and heavy guitar riffs. With their funky riffs coupled with their style of rumba flamenco, the Gipsy Kings produce music made for dancing.

DVBBS at Webster Hall | June 30
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the electronic music duo known as DVBBS has been making noise through their remixes and original songs in collaboration with artists like Tinie Tempah, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, and 2 Chainz. With the release of their last album “Beautiful Disaster” in 2016 DVBBS made a statement, making them  a duo to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Fred Falke at Brooklyn Bowl | June 30
With the heavy influx of house djs from France, one of the standout acts that has come out of that cloth is Fred Falke.  With a signature sound that has been sought out by many artists, Falke has provided remixes of songs from artists like Kesha, Grizzly Bear and Katy Perry.

French Horn Rebellion at Rough Trade | June 30
In celebration of the launch of the new music label, YouTooCanWoo, French Horn Rebellion will be performing a special show at Rough Trade. The Brooklyn electronica duo has created a sound that is reminiscent of 80s synth pop with a taste of contemporary edm.

Ginuwine at Betsy Head Memorial Playground | June 30
Known for his timeless classic, “Pony,” Ginuwine is one of the most memorable artists to come out of the surge of r&b artists in the 90s. Since breaking out after his debut album, “Ginuwine…The Bachelor,” Ginuwine has released other countless hits, most notably his single “Differences.” While also known for being apart of the r&b supergroup TGT, comprised of himself, Tank and Tyrese, Ginuwine has proven that he is an r&b icon all on his own.

Shobaleader One at Warsaw | June 30
In a collaborative effort, Strobe Hazard, Squarepusher, Company Laser, and Arg Nuition have come together to form the supergroup, Shobaleader One. The newly formed supergroup is headed by Squarepusher and was formed through a fated meeting by the group’s members. The group brings a fast paced and highly stylized electronica sound that sounds like it could have come straight out of a Super Nintendo video game soundtrack.

Pitbull w/ Enrique Iglesias at Madison Square Garden Arena | June 30 + July 1
As arguably two of the biggest musical acts in Latin America, the joint tour of Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull is one of the most exciting tours to hit the stage this year. As the son of singer Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias has certainly paved his own path and has made timeless hits such as “Bailamos” and “Hero” which stormed their way up the charts in the early 2000s. The dance club connoisseur, Pitbull, has been a machine creating countless dance and hip hop hits that have become anthems for those looking to have a party.

Pitchfork’s In Sight Out w/ Mitski at Brooklyn Night Bazaar | July 1
Many artists are said to have distinctive voices that are unlike no other, but with Mitski that statement is truer than ever. Her hauntingly beautiful voice greatly compliments her songs about love and heartbreak as she strums away at her acoustic guitar. In collaboration with Pitchfork, Mitski will be in conversation with Jillian Mapes to discuss her music and career, which will be followed by an intimate performance.

Bob Moses at Central Park SummerStage | July 2
If there is one duo in EDM to keep an eye on this year, it has to be the Vancouver trance duo by the name of Bob Moses. While the two artists have always dabbled in music, it wasn’t until they came together that they found a sound that blends both electronica and rock in a way that is truly unique in the genre.

Caravan Palace at Stone Pony | July 2
Caravan Palace brings an interesting mix between both electronica and swing music that began through a fated meeting on social media.  After gaining a following online through the release of several demos, Caravan Palace has since released two albums that have been met with critical praise for their upbeat dance infused tracks that can be compared to artists like Daft Punk.

DJ Premier at Betsy Head Memorial Playground | July 2
In the early days of hip-hop, the relationship between the emcee and the DJ was one that was almost sacred as the DJ was just as important in carrying a show as the rapper. One of the most prolific remnants of that time is DJ Premier, one half of the rap duo, Gangstarr. As one of the most distinguishable sounds in hip hop through his iconic production, Premier, more known as Preemo, is one of the main inspirations of the current generation of hip hop producers and DJs.

HYTE NYC ft. Dj Richie Hawtin, Maceo Plex, Marcel Dettmann, RODHAD, Matrixxman at Governors Island | July 2
EDM fans can rejoice with HYTE making its way to Governors Island. The DJ focused festival brings some of techno’s heaviest hitters into one location for one of the genres biggest and most exciting two-day events.  With the event gaining steam throughout the world in locations such as Ibiza and Miami, This year’s New York installment is set to be one of the year’s most talked about techno events.