By Danny Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Thursday August 11
Nas — one of New York's rap superstars since the mid-'90s — and Damian Marley (son of Bob) teamed up to release the collaborative album project "Distant Relatives" last year. Fusing musical elements of hip hop and reggae, "Distant Relatives" features lyrical themes about ancestry, poverty, and modern Africa. Joining him at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park is savvy star on the rise Theophilus London.
Also tonight: Providence country pickers Deer Tick at Pier 54; the avant-garde and timeless pop of Lia Ices at Mercury Lounge; soulful and timeless reggae from Beres Hammond at Hammerstein Ballroom.
Friday August 12
Rootsy American singer John Hiatt's new album is "Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns" released this month. Hear him play tracks from it at City Winery tonight.
Also tonight: Bouncy indie popsters Art vs Science at The Bowery Ballroom; and drony folksters Six Organs of Admittance at Mercury Lounge.
Saturday August 13
The War On Drugs is a band that merges the songwriting prowess of a Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty with the experimental sensibility of noisier influences such as Spacemen 3 or My Bloody Valentine. The just-released new album, "Slave Ambient", is garnering glowing reviews. With Porcelain Raft and Arc In Round at Mercury Lounge.
Also tonight: Digitalism and Caspa at Terminal 5; Size Matters and Steve Angello at Governors Island, Water Taxi Beach. Boats depart from Pier 11.
Sunday August 14
The 2011 American Beatbox Championships Presented By the World Beatbox Association at Le Poisson Rouge.
Also tonight: Harlem Gospel Choir at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.
Monday August 15
Reggae legend Yellowman, Jamaica's albino son, returns to New York City at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill.
Tuesday August 16: PICK OF THE WEEK
R&B superstar Beyoncé performs her acclaimed new album "4" over four nights at the city's famed Roseland Ballroom (August 14, 16, 18, 19) to a standing-room only audience.
