The Afro-Punk Festival on August 27 and 28 is NYC's last free hurrah this summer. For two days, head to Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park to take in some free music and/or skateboarding and BMX competition. Saturday's headliners include Gym Class Heroes and Santigold. I'll be there Sunday for R&B singers Janelle Monae and Cee Lo Green. Make sure you've got bottled water, cash, and comfy shoes. To get to the park, take the B, Q, or R trains to DeKalb Avenue.

www.afropunk.com/page/afropunk-festival-11
Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn
Google map: bit.ly/rrFxUC

* Amanda is our Been there local for New York. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/new-york-local-amanda-green.jsp and her own NYC blog here: www.noisiestpassenger.com/

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If you're an early bird, flock to Central Park's Rumsey Playfield Summerstage for Friday morning concerts from 7-9 a.m. The series kicked off on May 27 with Lady Gaga -- ziplining to the stage and looking fabulously weird, of course -- and ends with Mary J. Blige on September 2. I'm dying to see Jennifer Hudson (6/10), Florence + the Machine (6/24), and Beyoncé (7/1). Enter the park at the 72nd Street entrance at 5th Avenue. It opens at 6 a.m., so come early and caffeinated. If you want to be on national TV, bring a handmade sign and get excited. (Hey, it'll help you wake up!)

abcnews.go.com/GMA/SummerConcert/
Google map: bit.ly/lGtm0N

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Birdland Jazz Club in Midtown New York has been described as 'close to perfection' by the NY Times, and is a hallowed venue for all serious fans of jazz. Named in honour of Charlie ‘Yardbird’ Parker himself, Birdland has showcased all the greats since the original club opened in 1949. The intimate, timeless ambience oozes New York cool, and you don't need to be a jazz aficionado to enjoy the experience. You can book online before you go - and I would recommend the centre seating. There are small lamplit tables close to the stage and tiered tables further back, or you can choose to sit at the bar. If you want dinner, there is an extensive American menu with a Cajun twist.

www.birdlandjazz.com
315 West 44th Street
+1 (212) 581-3080
Google map: bit.ly/jUzXW2

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