Free Summer Concerts in New York City

I would imagine that most of the time when you think about a concert in New York City in the summer, you think about spending big bucks if you want to see a worthwhile performance! Think again! You can actually see some great concerts for absolutely free!

1. Toyota Concerts in Rockefeller Center.

The Today Show is hosting live performances on Friday mornings in Rockefeller Center on its stage, at 49th street and Rockefeller Center. These performances start early- 7 am- so you have to arrive early if you want to be able to get a good seat! Most concerts are in the evening, but here's a refreshing change of pace. You can start out your day by listening to a concert. What's even better is the line up of performers from May through September! Check out the schedule at http://gonyc.about.com/od/summer/a/today_show_2.htm . In May, you can hear Blondie on May 25th and on May 28th (a Monday) Maroon 5! Then, in June, on the 1st you can watch Big and Rich, followed by Bon Jovi on June 19th. July features Fall Out Boy on the 6th and KT Tunstall on the 13th! I may have to drive up for the day just to see some of these big names! This is an incredible free opportunity!

2. Broadway Shows in Bryant Park.

If you prefer Broadway type theatrics compared to a Rock concert or country show, then these concerts are for you. The performances take place at lunchtime, so if you are working in New York City, you could potentially watch the show on your lunch break. Otherwise, if you are visiting, you could pick up a hot dog from a street vendor and watch the show while eating it, on your way to and from other New York City destinations! The shows in Bryant Park are on Thursday afternoons at 12:30 pm. They last about one hour. Seating in chairs is available, or you can bring a blanket and sit in the grass. For a complete schedule, visit www.bryantpark.org/calendar/broadway.php . Thursday July 6th features Stomp, July 13th features Beauty and the Beast, and August 3rd features The Lion King. Bryant Park is located between 5th and 6th Avenues from 40th to 42nd Streets (behind the New York Public Library.)

3. Lincoln Center Out of Doors.

This is a summer festival that runs from August 3rd to 27th, 2007. The events are free! There are many events at this festival, including jazz performances and world/international music. The Blues is a common theme in the music being played. Shows are also shown for children. The performances take place on a few different stages set up for the event. The main stage is in Damrosch Park at 62nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Other stages are near the Lincoln Center Campus between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues at 62nd through 65th Streets. A brochure can be requested by calling 212-LINCOLN, and more information can be found at www.lincolncenter.org . Performances could be cancelled due to rain, so make sure to call ahead or take a look at the weather before arriving! At this event, you may not bring in your luggage, large bags or coolers, so plan accordingly.

4. Celebrate Brooklyn!

Celebrate Brooklyn has been going on since 1979, as a free summer outdoor performing arts festival. It has received rave reviews from different newspapers in New York over the past few years! Last year, Prince showed up for a surprise performance. The events take place at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, and consist of music, dance, film and spoken word. The opening night performance will be by the Neville Brothers, on June 14th. Performances take place on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer. A brochure can be requested at www.brooklynnx.org/celebrate , for a list of other performances this summer!

5. Jazzmobile.

Jazzmobile is Free outdoor Summer Mobile Concerts. The concerts are held in July and August in Manhattan and Queens, at various locations. For a schedule, go to www.jazzmobile.org . For instance, on July 6th, you can hear Ms. Ghanniyya Green perform at 7 pm at the Marcus Harvey Park at 122nd Street and 5th Avenue.

6. Rhythm and Blues Festival at Metrotech.

These concerts are performed on Thursday afternoons from 12 am to 2 pm, from June 8th to August 10th. The schedule has not been announced yet, but the performances will all be R & B. Held in downtown Brooklyn at the corner of Flatbush and Myrtle Avenues, the concerts appear at MetroTech Commons.

7. Lucille's. Live nightly performances take place at 8 pm at Lucille's restaurant, located at 247 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. You can dine and enjoy a free performance. For more information, check out www.bbkingblues.com . The Melvin Sparks band plays most Sunday evenings in May, for instance.