Central Park Music: SHABAKA free at SummerStage Wed, Odd Mob Fri

Hey music fans,

The headline this week is a free SummerStage bill that punches way above its price: Shabaka, Kokoroko, Omar and Lovie at Rumsey Playfield, Wednesday from 5 PM. Two more live dates fill out the week, all under a heat wave — so hydrate and watch the storm windows.

Weather this week

A heat wave runs the show — 96° Wed, 100° Thu, 101° Fri — with thunderstorm risk Tuesday night and again Friday into the Fourth. The outdoor evening shows (Wed and Fri at Rumsey) land after the worst daytime heat, but bring water and keep an eye on Friday’s storm chance.

Wed Jul 1, 5 PM — SummerStage: Shabaka / Kokoroko / Omar / Lovie (FREE, Rumsey Playfield)

This is the show of the week. Shabaka Hutchings — the British saxophonist/flutist behind Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming — headlining a free bill with London Afrobeat collective Kokoroko, neo-soul pioneer Omar, and Lovie. Spiritual jazz, Afrobeat, and soul on one free stage. Gates fill fast for a lineup like this; get to Rumsey early.

Thu Jul 2, 2 PM — Acoustic Songwriters Day (Bandshell Plaza)

A free afternoon of songwriters in the round at the Naumburg Bandshell. It’s a 100° day, so go for the music but plant yourself in the shade with water. A quieter, intimate counterpoint to the big Rumsey nights.

Fri Jul 3, 5:30 PM — SummerStage: Odd Mob (Rumsey Playfield)

Australian house/electronic producer Odd Mob brings the dance energy to Rumsey to kick off the holiday weekend. Watch Friday’s thunderstorm chance — outdoor electronic shows and lightning don’t mix, so check before you head over.

Sun Jul 5, 11 AM — Central Park International Folkdancers (King Jagiello Plaza)

The weekly folk dance gathering by Turtle Pond — live-led traditional dancing, open to all, free. A charming, low-key way to close the week if the big shows aren’t your speed.

Looking ahead

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts return Tuesday Jul 7 with Delirium Musicum — just past this week’s window, but worth penciling in now for the oldest free outdoor classical series in the country.

Quick recap

Wed 5 PM — Shabaka / Kokoroko / Omar / Lovie (FREE, Rumsey): the must-see; arrive early.

Thu 2 PM — Acoustic Songwriters Day (Bandshell): free, intimate, shade up — it’s 100°.

Fri 5:30 PM — Odd Mob (Rumsey): holiday-weekend dance set; mind the storm risk.

Sun 11 AM — Folkdancers (King Jagiello Plaza): free weekly folk dancing.

Next week: Naumburg returns Tue 7/7 with Delirium Musicum.

See you down front, The Central Park Guide