Falu will be performing at Vishnu at the Brooklyn Museum

This weekend is chock-full of 4th of July celebrations but don’t forget to check out some of the music shows this weekend too. In particular, the Rite of Summer Music Festival at Governor’s Island where you can bike, picnic and plop down to feast your ears to he music of Terry Riley.  One event I wouldn’t miss is the Target First Saturday that celebrates Indian music, Hindu dance and storytelling. If you can find a sitter for the night, stay for the dance party with The Freedom Party NYC.  Charles, our Music Listings Editor, has pulled together all the great music offerings for you to enjoy!

Friday July 1st

10:00 am: International African Arts Festival
What better way to celebrate our country’s melting-pot heritage than to swing by the annual International African Arts Festival? The four-day fest consists of an eclectic lineup of performances, including jazz, gospel and reggae concerts, dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, face painting, rides and a massive African marketplace. Through July 4^th!
For more info, go here.

11:00 am: Weekly Sing-along with Lloyd Miller
Lloyd’s energy, humor, and wonderful music always entertains and educates children and adults at his weekly sing-along.
For more info, go here.

7:00 pm: The Alex Levin Trio’s Friday Night Jazz Shows
At this weekly jazz jam, children under 16 can bring their own instruments and let loose alongside the band for a few tunes.
For more info, go here.

Saturday July 2nd

1:00 pm: Terry Riley In C
Opening concert of the first annual Rite of Summer Music Festival on Governors Island: a blowout performance of Terry Riley’s infamous minimalist manifesto “In C,” will be led by keyboardist/ conductor/musical impresario Jed Distler, and will feature over 40 of New York’s top freelance musicians. Also at 3pm.
For more info, go here.

2:00 pm: TriBattery Pops: Independence Day Weekend Celebration
The downtown volunteer community band celebrates the Fourth of July with an eclectic set, including tunes that range from the obvious (Sousa) to the quirky (Gaga). All ages.
For more info, go here.

5:00 pm: Target First Saturday: Vishnu
This month’s free shindig honors the red, white and blue—but mostly the blue. In conjunction with the new exhibit “Vishnu: Hinduism’s Blue-Skinned Savior,” the lineup features Indian musician Falu, traditional Hindu dance and storytelling with the Kathak Ensemble, and an avatar-sculpting workshop. The night wraps up with an all-American dance party, just in time for Independence Day.
For more info, go here.

1 pm and 2 pm: Brooklyn Children’s Museum
“The Thinkers”  play music for kids that adults can actually enjoy too! The singer is a special ed teacher so he’s great with children. “The Thinkers are a friendship band. Their songs is intended to make all people, small and tall, feel giggly and warm.  Song, art, laughs, dance and zoot..Zoot, zoot.  It’s The Thinkers!” Listen to the whole album for free at http://thinkersmusic.com/ and get ready to dance!
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn NY 11213 / Ph: 718.735.4400
free with admission

Sunday July 3rd

3:00 pm: SummerStage Kids’ Bronx Family Day
This blow-out festival features top-name performers including Grammy Award-winning storyteller Bill Harley, kid-friendly rapper Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, local latin-infused band Moona Luna and Illstyle & Peace Productions, a multicultural dance company this melds tap, beatboxing and more. Kids can also check out art workshops and puppet shows.
For more info, go here.

(Many thanks to TONY Kids, NY Metro Parents, and Mommy Poppins for listing info!)

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