Every year I get to Summerstage in central park at least two or three times. seen some pretty good sets too, everyone from Chuck Berry's pianist Johnny Johnson, Sleater Kinney (supporting their best album, Dig Me Out) and Boyz Noize (all free) to James Brown, Pavement and TV On the radio (all paid).
This year feels a little light, except for Hugh Masakela, the great African Trumpeter for free this Sunday! here are the Mainstage (aka 5th ave and 71st) FREE highlights.
Lee Fields & The Expressions / Fitz & The Tantrums / KING / Rich Medina – Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 4:00PM
Hugh Masekela / Freshlyground / Somi – Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 3:00PM
Pink Martini – Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 7:00PM
Wanda Jackson / Imelda May -Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 7:00PM
Friendly Fires / The Naked and Famous / Cults – Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 3:00PM
Rakim / EPMD / FunkMaster Flex – Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 3:00PM