The summer concert season is upon us and we here at HT know that it’s virtually impossible for us to afford every show we want to hit, and still be able to pay our insanely expensive NYC rents. Luckily for us, there are a plethora of fantastic free concerts throughout the summer that don’t cost a dime. We decided to weed through them to give you our 1st Annual Free Summer Concert Picks…

HT Recommends: Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet f. Bela Fleck

Where: Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park

When: Thursday, May 29, 7:00pm

Official Info: This all-star acoustic quartet led by Abigail Washburn (Uncle Earl) and partner Béla Fleck explores intricate, thoughtful arrangements of old songs and gripping instrumental tunes, all with the underlying influence of the Far East. Along with co-members Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee, the Sparrow Quartet has visited China and Tibet as musical ambassadors, doing what mass media cannot in representing contemporary American culture.

Other Free Shows At Castle Clinton:

7/10 – St. Vincent, 7/17 – Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, 7/24 – Akron/Family, 7/31 – The Long Winters

READ ON for more free shows to check out this summer…

HT Recommends: Vampire Weekend/Kid Sister/Ecstatic Sunshine

Where: Central Park Summerstage

When: Saturday, June 14, 4:00 – 7:30 PM

Official Info: Vampire Weekend delivers a classic rejuvenation of ’80s new wave with a splash of world beat thrown in. The New York foursome has created an underground shockwave due to immense support through the internet, indie radio and word-of-mouth. Their infectious tunes have gained momentum from international touring and national exposure, including an appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Melissa Young is the older sister of DJ J2K from the project Flosstradamus. Taking her brother’s lead, Kid Sister picked up the mic and instantly blossomed into a formidable MC, with connections. She recently collaborated with Kanye West to produce Pro-Nails. Kid Sister’s strong presence on the mix-tape circuit and regular rotation on MTV has everyone anticipating her upcoming full-length album, Koko B. Ware.

Two men, two guitars, two folding chairs, and no drums: this was the sonic concept behind the formation of Baltimore band Ecstatic Sunshine. The brilliant technical skills of Matthew Papich and Dustin Wong mesmerize audiences with their fervent guitar fingering and minimalist sound. Their debut album is Freckle Wars.

Other Free Shows At Summerstage:

6/22 – Yael Naim, 7/20 – Santogold, 7/27 – Taj Majal, 8/16 – Battles, 8/14 – Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys, 8/17 – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

HT Recommends: Orchestra Baobab

Where: Rockefeller Park

When: Wednesday, June 25th, 8:00 PM

Official Info: Orchestra Baobab is a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band, and among the most important world music artists of today. Organized as a multi-ethnic, multi-national club band, their 2002 album Specialist in All Styles was produced by fellow Senegalese superstar Youssou N’dour.

This event is part of 2008’s R2R Legacy program. R2R Legacy highlights a selection of the festival’s programs that strongly reflect, revive, newly interpret or celebrate important cultural works, influential artists and our diverse cultural heritage. These programs are made possible, in part, with support from American Express through their commitment to cultural preservation.

Other Free Shows At Rockefeller Park:

7/9 – The Avett Brothers, 7/16 – Steel Pulse, 7/23 – The Punch Brothers f. Chris Thile

HT Recommends: Cold War Kids / Elvis Perkins in Dearland / Sam Champion

Where: Celebrate Brooklyn – Prospect Park Band Shell

When: Friday, June 27th, 7 PM

Official Info: Unleashing “cave-stomp drums, barroom piano and chiming post-punk guitars,” (Rolling Stone) Cold War Kids eschew preciousness for grit. Live, they’re all smoldering energy and raw power. Joining them are local favorites Elvis Perkins in Dearland with their dream-like folk rock “drenched in equal parts sunshine and cloudy grey skies,” (Drowned in Sound) and the tuneful but hard hitting Sam Champion, “an absolute force of nature.”

Other Free Shows At Prospect Park:

6/12 – Isaac Hayes, 6/19 – Medeski, Martin & Wood, 7/11 – Brazilian Girls, 7/12 – Beth Orton, 7/26 – Ghostland Observatory

HT Recommends: The Hold Steady / The Loved Ones

Where: McCarren Park Pool

When: Sunday, June 29th, 12 PM

Official Info: The first free Brooklyn ‘Pool Party’ of the summer will happen (at McCarren Pool) on June 29, 2008. The linuep is: The Hold Steady, The Loved Ones, and The Muslims, and the date is not long before the Hold Steady release their fourth album Stay Positive.

Other Free Shows At McCarren Pool:

Free Pool Parties every Sunday, check website for details – other confirmed artists MGMT, Aesop Rock, Team Robespierre, Liars, The Breeders, Matt + Kim, Fuck Buttons, The Black Lips, Deerhunter

HT Recommends: Sonic Youth / The Feelies

Where: Battery Park

When: Friday, July 4, 3:30 PM

Official Info: Sonic Youth came on the music scene in the early ’80s and continues to be a major force in the indie genre today. Known to “redefine what rock guitar could do,” they have created a new sonic landscape rich in alternate sounds. Bring a blanket and come Downtown to enjoy the hits that have earned them a dedicated decades-long following. The Feelies will reunite to open.

Tickets are required and space is limited.

HT Recommends: 8th Annual Village Voice Siren Festival

Where: Coney Island

When: Saturday, July 19th, 12 PM – 9 PM

Official Info: The Village Voice, the nation’s largest alternative weekly newspaper, is excited to announce the initial line-up for the 8th Annual Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL at Coney Island on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m. Scheduled performers include STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, THE HELIO SEQUENCE, BEACH HOUSE, TIMES NEW VIKING, JAGUAR LOVE, THE DODOS, ANNUALS, FILM SCHOOL, PARTS & LABOR, DRAGONS OF ZYNTH, THESE ARE POWERS, DJs and more to be announced.

This free, all day, all ages music festival will feature international, national and local bands and DJs performing on two outdoor stages in historic Coney Island. Now in its 8th year, the Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL has solidified its status as a leading New York City outdoor music festival, drawing over 100,000 music fans by showcasing indie rock veterans and emerging artists.

HT Recommends: KRS-One

Where: East River Park

When: Thursday, July 24, 2008, 7 PM – 9 PM

Official Info: Grammy-nominated rapper, KRS-One is a significant figure in hip hop, often considered one of the greatest rappers to pick up a microphone. An outspoken MC, KRS-One has been a mainstay in anything hip hop over the last 15 years. Hip-Hop Lives, his 2007 collaboration with fellow veteran, Marley Marl, met with positive reviews. Adventures in Emceein and Conflosation with Buckshot, are KRS-One’s most recent releases.

Other Free Shows At East River Park:

7/17 – The Fiery Furnaces

HT Recommends: The Big River Project: The Music Of Johnny Cash

Where: Winter Garden, World Financial Center

When: Saturday, July 26, 8:00pm

Official Info: Culminating a week-long celebration of Johnny Cash, several of New York City’s premiere singer-songwriters gather to cover gems from Cash’s songbook. Featured guests include Ollabelle, Benevento/Russo Duo, Laura Cantrell, Catherine Russell, and The Persuasions, among many others.

Other Free Shows At The Winter Garden:

7/24 – Ollabelle, 7/31 & 8/1 – The Persuasions

HT Recommends: Ryan Shaw

Where: Madison Square Park

When: Wednesday, August 6th, 7 P.M.

Official Info: Grammy nominated this year for his debut album on Columbia Records, Ryan Shaw is the real deal in the classic sense of Soul and R&B. A 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Decatur, Georgia, Shaw energetically combines Southern warmth with New York vitality. This charismatic artist relies on the old school values of strong melodies and meaningful lyrics which he delivers with commands authority and style.

Other Free Shows At Madison Square Park:

6/25 – Raul Midon, 7/16 – Robert Glasper Trio, 7/23 – Phoebe Snow

HT Recommends: Blonde Redhead

Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 54

When: Thursday, August 14th

Official Info: New York’s own Blonde Redhead returns to its roots! Emerging from the underground music scene, Blond Redhead has established itself as a force in indie rock. Front woman Kazu Makino’s voice both stands out and blends melodically with the guitar and drums of Amedeo and Simone Pace giving rise to a distinctive and incredible sound.

Other Free Shows At Pier 54:

7/10 – Yerba Buena and Si-Se, 7/31 – Flogging Molly/O’Death

HT Recommends: Dirty Projectors / White Williams

Where: South Street Seaport

When: Sunday, August 17th, 7:00 PM

Official Info: Brooklyn’s Dirty Projectors is wildly orchestrated bliss, beautiful and intricate. White Williams is unapologetic pop that flirts with the vacuous nostalgia of the American dream, engaging ambiguous and schizophrenic instruments with impressionistic lyrics. A soundtrack to our dreams of a lustful and indifferent prom night that lasts forever.

Other Free Shows At South Street Seaport:

7/11 – No Age, 8/1 – Brother Ali

So go out and see some great music this summer. We don’t want to hear the excuse that you couldn’t afford to go to any of these shows.