SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn!

At SummerStage, a number of high-profile benefit shows funded a slate of more than 100 free performances, including readings by famous authors, kid-friendly events, parties with bands from around the world, and theatre and dance productions. The festival has expanded from its original digs—Rumsey Playfield in Central Park—to locations in all five boroughs. This season's benefit performers included Conor Oberst, Neon Trees and Beck, and among the free shows are Cibo Matto, Andrew Bird and Anti-Flag (paying acoustic tribute to Pete Seeger).

A favourite among Brooklyn's summertime concert series, Celebrate Brooklyn! is set at the beautiful Prospect Park Bandshell, where plenty of seating and tree-shaded areas make a lovely spot for a picnic, a plastic cup of wine and a free show. This year's opening gala (June 4) featured a free show by Janelle Monáe; other complimentary concerts included St. Vincent, the Soul Rebels and Dum Dum Girls. The ticketed benefit gigs included Jack Johnson, the National, Neutral Milk Hotel and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.