1. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
September 28 at Rumsey Playfield
Their first show ever was less than three years ago at Hell’s Kitchen dive Siberia; now David Byrne–ish singer Alec Ounsworth and his quirky cohorts tackle one of the city’s biggest outdoor venues.
2. Secret Machines
October 2 and 3 at Irving Plaza
Since forming in 2000, this outer-borough trio has built a national following on its inimitably epic live shows.
3. The Hold Steady
October 1 at Irving Plaza
At their most recent local show (a free concert at Castle Clinton), the hard-rocking critical darlings played with full horn and string sections; their new album, Boys and Girls in America, showcases a more polished side of the band.