By Danny Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Wednesday July 27
Earlier this year, Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Famer Wanda Jackson released her 35th studio album on Jack White's Third Man Records. The album, "The Party Ain't Over" has brought Wanda, known as the Queen Of Rockabilly and America's first female Rock 'n' Roll singer, back into the spotlight during her eighth decade. Joining Wanda at this free Summer Stage Central Park performance will be Irish singer Imelda May, whose fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly is attracting rave reviews.
Also tonight:
Antipodean blues from John Butler Trio at Terminal 5, 610 W 56th St; the Allman Brothers Band launches the Tune In To Hep C Awareness Campaign at the Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway (between West 74th and 75th streets); outlandish funk innovator George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic hit the Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club, 89 South Street.
Thursday July 28
Metronomy's music is described as "pure experimental pop" and a "mixture of unabashed funk and sunset tunes." Imagine a hybrid of New Order and Style Council. In support Class Actress, fronted by Brooklyn native Elizabeth Harper, and American Royalty. Get down to Pier 54 at West Street and 13th Street. Doors open at 6pm, free.
Also tonight, the auto-tuned soul of Mindless Behavior, and Tyga at Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place; Dr. John & The Lower 911 and a host of blues and soul legends including Rolling Stone's saxophonist Bobby Keys, Highline Ballroom, 431 W 16th St.
Friday July 29
It's been a quarter century since Billy Bragg took the stage for his first solo gig at North London Polytechnic and he's still as relevant as ever. He returns to New York's City Winery for the series "At Home In the City" where he'll perform an eclectic selection from his storied, socially aware folk career.
Also tonight, Grandmaster Flash hits the decks alongside Coolio at Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St. Self-proclaimed "flower-punks" from Georgia, Black Lips play The Bowery Ballroom and mega-selling metal-heads Queensrÿche rock Irving Plaza.
Saturday July 30: PICK OF THE WEEK
The free, all ages Mad Decent Block Party 2011 hits The South Street Seaport, (Pier 17), today, starting at midday. Created by the Mad Decent record label (Diplo), 2011's Block Party features Major Lazer, Curren$y, Gang Gang Dance, The Hood Internet, Zed's Dead, Claude VonStroke , Maluca , Bosco Delrey , Reptar, Po Po and a Vampire Weekend Dj Set. Until 9pm.
Also tonight Anvil, the '80s metal-rockers from Canada who were documented in the 2008 film Anvil! The Story of Anvil. At The Bowery Ballroom.
Sunday July 31
Zaz is a French singer mixing jazzy styles, French variety, soul and acoustic sounds. With The Hot Sardines, whose foot-stomping '20s jazz vibe is reminiscent of Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller. At City Winery, 155 Varick Street (between Spring and Vandam Streets), SoHo.
Also tonight, Danish duo The Raveonettes. Their sound is characterized by close two-part vocal harmonies inspired by The Everly Brothers, coupled with hard-edged electric guitar overlaid with liberal doses of noise. At Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club, Beekman Street and South Street on the north side of Pier 17.
Monday August 1
Swedish indie pop singer Lykke Li plays tracks from her new album "Wounded Rhymes" with support from atmospheric Canadian indie rockers Timber Timbre. Part of the Summer Stage series at Central Park.
Tuesday August 2
Throughout her career, which spans a quarter century (and she's only 39), Alison Krauss has consistently delivered high quality music, as evidenced by her six Grammy awards for her 2007 collaboration with Robert Plant, Raising Sand. Her most recent album, Paper Airplane, was recorded with her long-time collaborators, Union Station, who play with her at this Beacon Theatre show.
