Wednesday, Aug. 15
The Two Man Gentleman Band, whose music is often described as a mix of Jazz and Western swing, manage to feel both old and new. The music is certainly retro, but with cheeky, modern lyrics. Check them out at the honky-tonk inflected Rodeo Bar in Gramercy.
Also playing: Yeasayer enjoyed their time as Brooklyn's next big thing with their atmospheric, psychedelic sound. While they haven't become the next Yeah Yeah Yeahs, they've gained a loyal following. Their new album is set to drop on Aug. 12. Check them out at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with Daedelus.
Thursday, Aug. 16
Wesley Snipes' character in "White Men Can't Jump" gets angry at Woody Harrelson's character for referring to the legendary soul band as "Gladys Knight and the 'Pimps.'" She'll be playing without her backers, the "Pips", so you won't have to worry about making the same mistake. Check her out for free with the Commodores at Coney Island.
Also playing: Omaha, Nebraska's Saddle Creek Records is most closely associated with Conor Oberst's various solo and group projects. But the label has a more eclectic sound — it's not just emo bands with a country twang — than it's sometimes given credit for. Check out one of Saddle Creek's best bands and Omaha mainstays Cursive with New Jersey's literary, punk, epic Titus Andronicus — who, it should also be noted, is not afraid of the occasional Springsteen cover — at House of Vans at 25 Franklin Street in Brooklyn.
Friday, Aug. 17
Legendary LA band Jane's Addiction is touring again after reforming to record 2011's "The Great Escape Artist." The band's sound mixes elements of rock, punk, metal and the occasional steel drum. Check them out under the stars at Williamsburg Park
Also playing: Erstwhile Tribe Called Quest MC Q-Tip is behind the wheels of steel at Irving Plaza for what's sure to be a spirited party.
Saturday, Aug. 18
The Kills do dark, minimalist rock really well, with the help of a drum machine. With three albums under their belt they have plenty of back catalogue to mine while playing for free at the Hudson River Park at Pier 63.
Also playing: One of the best of the neo-soul bands around, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings sound like they could have been produced by Stax Records back in the mid-1960s. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more fun, rich sounding live act. Check them out at Williamsburg Park with afro-beat band Antibalas.
Sunday, Aug. 19
There are too many bands left that rock, overwhelming even the largest arena with sound, but My Morning Jacket is one of them. The psychedelic southern rock sound is perfect for the summer. At Williamsburg Park.
Also playing: Remember the song "Bad Boys" from the show "Cops"? It's from reggae legends Inner Circle and, if you're lucky, they may play it at Central Park for a concert celebrating Jamaica's 50 years of independence.
Monday, Aug. 20
Brooklyn's Talib Kweli is both one of the most respected and underappreciated MCs in the game. He received a modicum of fame with Mos Def as part of Black Star in the late 1990s. Instead of trying to find a more commercial sound, he has stayed true to his artistic merits. Check him out at the Highline Ballroom with his latest project Idle Warship. With Philadelphia singer, Res.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
Fabolous is finally expected to release his next album, "Loso's Way 2," sometime in the fall after numerous delays. This could be your chance to hear some of the tracks. At Governors Island with Kelly Rowland, Big Sean and J. Cole.
