This Week's Live Picks

Monday: Afro-Punk Fest @ Brooklyn Academy of Music 3pm FREE
If you were looking for a way to keep the holiday weekend going today you don't have to look very far at all. Day three of the Afro-Punk Festival will be going strong all day in Brooklyn and is headed up by the best musician of the whole fest, the incomparable Janelle Monae! Seriously folks, she may not be my normal cup of tea but she positively blew my mind when I saw her in Austin! Check it out!
Janelle Monae - "Many Moons"

Tuesday: The Secret Life of Sofia @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
It's always fun to get a chance to see The Secret Life of Sofia, but when they play smaller venues like the Cake Shop it makes it all the more fun. Considering last time they played they were at the way more spacious Bell House it may be time to check this band out in a small venue if I were you.
The Secret Life of Sofia - "Moon on the Sea's Gate"

Wednesday: The Sundelles, Little Girls, + Browns @ Cake Shop 8pm $7
Before the weekend takes over with a slew of free shows cough up less then a Hamilton to get in and see this three-headed bill! All of these bands will rock you out! Seriously.
The Sundelles - "So Long"
Little Girls - "Tambourine"
Browns - "Forgotten Son"

Thursday: Matt & Kim @ Pier 54 6pm FREE
Today Hudson River Rocks kicks off with a wonderful free show featuring Flosstradamus and Matt & Kim! Since Matt & Kim went and got themselves huge it's no longer possible to see them in cramped, super small venues with everyone going crazy, so the next best thing would be seeing them under a setting sun with everyone going crazy!
Matt & Kim - "Daylight"

Friday: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ South Street Seaport 6pm FREE
Week 2 of the Seaport Friday's brings us one of the best young bands in New York City these days, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. With their heartfelt, lovely pop tunes this is the type of show that will be perfect for the early evening backdrop of Pier 17. Zaza and Ribbons open the show.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything With You"

Saturday: They Might Be Giants @ Prospect Park 3pm FREE
Are you worn out from all these free shows yet? Hopefully not, there's still a couple more to go! Today They Might Be Giants head to Prospect Park to help Celebrate Brooklyn with a free show for the kids. I don't think you need a kid to show up though and that's good because even if they're playing their kiddie anthems They Might Be Giants are still a band worth seeing.
They Might Be Giants - "Lucky Ball and Chain"

...then Japandroids @ Pianos 8pm $8
A few months ago Japandroids were supposed to be hitting New York for the first time as the buzz band du jour. That tour got canceled due to surgery though and now they'll be playing a bunch of shows at venues way to small for them! Good luck getting in and surviving the pressing crowds of people.
Japandroids - "Young Hearts Spark Fire"

Sunday: Mission of Burma, Fucked Up, Ponytail, + Jemina Pearl @ Williamsburg Waterfront 2pm FREE
The pool may be busy turning back into a pool, but the Pool Parties will live on for another summer at a different venue! The folks that got us to show up at McCarren Park Pool week after week have shifted to the Williamsburg Waterfront and if you haven't already seen the lineup it may just be the best overall lineup they've ever given us. This week we get Matador staples Mission of Burma and Fucked Up, Baltimore upstarts Ponytail, and the former Be Your Own Pet front woman Jemina Pearl! Get there early to ensure entry!
Mission of Burma - "Fever Moon"
Fucked Up - "Son the Father"
Ponytail - "Celebrate the Body Electric"
Jemina Pearl - "Nashville Shores"