Let’s try not to die in the heat this weekend, remember the stay hydrated and see plenty of good bands. You can even see some great outdoor shows this weekend too, so be careful out there.
5) Colleen Green, Mikey Erg, Cassie Ramone at Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale plays host to what should probably be considered a triple-headline bill. Colleen Green‘s effortlessly cool pop punk seems made for the venue. Latest album, I Want to Grow Up is a couple of years old now but Green is playing new songs on this tour. New Jersey’s cult hero Mikey Erg’s last record, 2016’s Tentative Decisions was an overlooked gem and former Vivian Girl Cassie Ramone is always worth catching. Sunday 8pm
4) Thurston Moore Group, Taiwan Housing Project at Bowery Ballroom
Of all the members of Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore seems to be the one who seems to be hurtling towards his former band’s sound more naturally (though naturally, drummer Steve Shelley is in tow). Just listen to Aphrodite below if you need an example. New album Rock n Roll Consciousness, was released a few months ago via Caroline and Bowery Ballroom is a great setting to catch his band, which also includes My Bloody Valentine bassist Debbie Googe. Friday 8pm
3) Burger Records Beach Bash 2 at Coney Island
If a record label could be described as garage-darlings, then Burger Records would surely fit the bill. Having hosted a festival at MCU Park last year, they are moving the location very nearby, at Coney Art Walls (3050 Stillwell Ave). OG punks The Zeros headline, with a supporting cast including Sunflower Bean, Nobunny, Habibi, Daddy Long Legs and Surfbort, the $15 ticket price seems like the bargain of the weekend. Saturday 12pm
2) Ride, Froth at Brooklyn Steel
Oxford legends Ride released Weather Diaries in June, their first album in over 20 years, and while most bands can’t seem to recapture any magic after so long away, Ride have certainly managed it! Thursday 7pm
1) Conor Oberst, Hop Along, Big Thief at Prospect Park Bandshell
I already felt the need to big-up Big Thief‘s appearance at Prospect Park on Thursday, and my admiration for new album, Capacity, has only grown since then. You’ll have to get your skates on to catch them since they open the show, but it’ll be well worth it. Conor Oberst will have the Felice Brothers as his backing band and Hop Along should be a good counterpoint for the otherwise gentle, melodic bill. Also, $1 from every ticket sale goes to Planned Parenthood, so you can feel like you’re doing your bit as you enjoy the evening. Thursday 6pm
