Hip-Hop
Rock the Mic
As hip-hop feuds overtake even the likes of Hot 97’s “Summer Jam,” this tour, bringing together the warring camps of Jay-Z and 50 Cent, seems like a peace offering. The always good-natured Missy Elliott rounds out the bill.
Details: July 7, Jones Beach
Alt-Rock
Lollapalooza 2003
It’s far from a shining moment on the charts for left-of-center music, but that hasn’t stopped Perry Farrell from reviving his alt-rock juggernaut. The ’03 tour joins primordial metal (Queens of the Stone Age) and snotty punk (the Donnas) with retro hip-hop (Jurassic 5).
Details: July 30, Jones Beach
Rock/Pop
Central Park SummerStage
Last year, SummerStage became a victim of its own success—long lines, rude security. This year, expect better (the gripes were reportedly heard). At least count on names like the White Stripes (July 23), Sonic Youth and Wilco (June 26–27), and De La Soul (July 12), plus newcomers like Icelandic rockers Singapore Sling (June 28) and mixologists Gotan Project (July 10).
Details: June 14–August 28, Rumsey Playfield
Experimental
Celebrate Brooklyn!
SummerStage’s riskier cousin brings lesser-known (and more adventuresome) hip-hop, jazz, and Latin acts to the Prospect Park Bandshell stage. This year’s program includes versatile hip-hop duo Blackalicious (June 14), an African-music festival starring Malian star Salif Keita (July 26), and up-and-coming neo-soul man Donnie (August 2).
Details: June 12–August 17
Eclectic
The Hudson River Festival
The sleeper of the summer fests likely won’t stay that way, thanks to ethereal R&B duo Floetry (June 18), iconic rocker Ryan Adams (July 4), and alt-diva-in-distress Cat Power (July 17).
Details: At the World Financial Center Plaza, Battery Park City, and Battery Park, June 17–August 31
See also:
Weekly
Concert Listings
Free Summer Concerts