Music

New York's music scene plays a major role in summer activities. Throughout the months, hundreds of concerts featuring major performers are offered for free. Visit the links below for information about some of the most popular summer series.

  • River to River Festival
    rivertoriverFollowing September 11, 2001, River to River Festival was founded with the intention of using the arts to revitalize Lower Manhattan. The festival takes place each year from June through September. Pace’s Schimmel Center hosts the River to River Festival's Summer Stars series, which features some of the most talented young classical musicians today. Performances are free, but tickets are required. 

     
  • NY International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) 
    fringeThe largest multi-arts festival in North America also holds a spot at the Schimmel Center. Held in August, this festival is home to more than 1,300 performances by emerging talents. In addition to FringeNYC, there is also FringeU (covering a wide range of theatrical issues), FringeJR (for families), FringeHIGH (for young adults), and several other popular offshoots. 
     
  • Central Park Summerstage
    Frequent summer concerts are held outdoors at Central Park’s great Rumsey Playfield bringing outstanding and diverse talent to the stage. From opera singers to hip hop dancers to Israeli reggae singers, to contemporary artists like Wyclef Jean and Yael Naim to readings by authors like Junot Diaz, Summerstage is guaranteed to be a good time. Most of these shows are free. 
     
  • Good Morning America Summer Concerts
    On Fridays beginning in May, get up bright and early to be a part of ABC's Good Morning America's audience at free performances in Bryant Park.  Last year's concerts included Counting Crows, Usher, Maroon 5, and the cast of former Broadway show "Rent."
     
  • Today Show Summer Concert Series 
    Another bright and early (and free) concert, NBC's Today Show brought performers like Rihanna, New Kids on the Block, Coldplay, and Natasha Bedingfield to the stage last summer.
     
  • Tribeca Film Festival's Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge 
    Last year, the Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge brought emerging and established artists like Regina Spektor, Joseph Arthur, Augustana, Sia and Rachael Yamagata to the stage for intimate performances at the Canal Room.