LOWER MANHATTAN — Performers from Brooklyn to Brazil will headline J&R's 17th annual Musicfest and Tech Expo this week.
The Downtown electronics superstore's packed lineup of free concerts and autograph signings from Thursday to Sunday includes Brooklyn's DJ Empanadamn, known for blending genres and getting crowds dancing, and Brazil's Eumir Deodato, a jazz keyboardist and producer whose albums have sold millions of copies worldwide.
The concerts are free, and so are the technology seminars, which teach everything from the basics of how to TiVo your favorite shows to the intricacies of filming high-definition video.
"It's a fun event for everybody," said J&R spokesman Abe Brown. "It's a way of giving back to the community, to the city. It's a big party."
J&R will offer discounts and giveaways throughout the festival, along with special programs for children on Saturday, featuring characters from "Dora the Explorer."
Michael Jackson fans will have reason to visit the Park Row store on Friday, as the King of Pop's wax figure from Madame Tussauds will be on hand from noon to 5 p.m. for those who want to pose with it.
The festival will continue Sept. 8 with a free Earth, Wind & Fire concert at 5 p.m. in the South Street Seaport. Those who want to attend should pick up free wristbands from J&R in advance.
The full schedule for the Musicfest and Tech Expo, which will take place at 23 Park Row, is available on J&R's website.
