By Danny Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Wednesday, July 13
If you missed out on tickets to the sold out Ratatat show at the Central Park Summerstage, you could check out the runner-up in BBC's Sound of 2011 poll, London-based electronic composer James Blake. He'll do his best to woo audiences at Webster Hall with his soulful minimal grooves, supported by Teengirl Fantasy. Webster Hall is at 125 E. 11th Street.
Thursday, July 14: PICK OF THE WEEK
Punk hero, visual artist and acclaimed author, Patti Smith is a New York City icon. Free tickets for this River To River Festival show are available — on a first come, first served basis — starting at 5 p.m. at Castle Clinton, Battery Park. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Friday, July 15
If you're not already going to Paul McCartney at Yankee Stadium, check out Swedish dream-poppers The Radio Dept., who cite influences as varied as Saint Etienne, Neu! and Kraftwerk. See them on this rare stateside visit alongside local shoegazers Asobi Seksu, who'll be playing tracks from their new album "Flouresence". Part of the River to River Festival at South Street Seaport, 12 Fulton Street, doors at 7:00 p.m. and it's free.
Saturday, July 16
This expansive lineup at Village Voice's annual free indie-rock festival showcases the renowned and emerging artists of today. Previously at Coney Island, this year it's debuting at South Street Seaport’s Pier 17. Listen out for Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces) showcasing her debut solo album "Last Summer," as well as the psychedelic, bluesy drone of five-piece The Black Angels, hailing from Austin, Texas. The Village Voice 4 Knots Music Festival, at Pier 17, 89 South Street.
Sunday, July 17
''If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band," says Thomas Lauderdale, bandleader of Pink Martini. Embracing an international style sprung from the members' multinational backgrounds, Pink Martini will have you feeling you're in a samba parade in Rio one minute, and a French music hall, circa 1930, the next. At Central Park's Summerstage, 69th Sts at 5th Ave. entrance, free.
Monday, July 18
Cibo Matto (meaning "crazy food" in Italian) is a Japanese-born, New York-based experimental pop duo. The pair disbanded in 2001 and reformed in March to perform as part of a benefit concert for Japan. This current tour was launched with this video on YouTube. At the Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St.
Tuesday, July 19
Detroit's D12 formed in 1996 and achieved mainstream success after one member, Eminem, rose to international fame. They're still at it, despite their most recent album being released in 2004. Supported by horrorcore artist King Gordy, D12 are at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 W. 42nd Street.
