Summer 2025: The Gigs We Gotta See

Okay, it's still officially spring, but the long May weekend ushers in all that has to do with summer. There's over three months ahead of New York festivals, outdoor gigs in parks (with fireworks), and some much-anticipated North American tours in cool, dark venues.

FUV's hosts have been filling out their gig wish lists and have picked some of the shows they're most eager to catch, now through September — a good, quick guide of some of summer's best moments ahead.

Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! (June 9): I want to party with whoever came up with this double bill. Expect both artists to dress to impress — and the audience too. Hoping for "I've Seen That Face Before" and "Tightrope."
- Corny O'Connell, morning host

Soccer Mommy, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Dummy at Central Park SummerStage (September 16): This show will be triple the pleasure for me:  I'm DJing in between sets,  I adore both of these bands, and I am an actual "soccer mommy" now (Jasper plays every Sunday). I am especially proud to represent at one of the best parks in the world.
- Alisa Ali, midday host

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (August 24): Neil has always marched to the beat of his own drum (actually his guitar). He's back with a new album, Talkin to the Trees, and a new band and no doubt something to say and play about the state of our union along with his amazing catalog of classic favorites.
- Dennis Elsas, afternoon host

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beacon Theatre (July 28-30): Yeah Yeah Yeahs' show in the rain at Forest Hills Stadium in the fall of '22 is tattooed into my mind as a highlight of the decade, but if Karen O and the fellas can top it, a three night stand at the Beacon Theatre sounds like the right place and time!
- Eric Holland, evening host

Paul Simon's "A Quiet Celebration" at the Beacon Theatre (June 16, 18, 20, 21, 23): On September 22, 2018, I experienced a bit of music history when I attended what was to be the final live performance by Paul Simon. After that memorable evening in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, I never thought I'd get another opportunity to see Simon live again. But, I've learned to never say never. This quiet celebration promises to be another iconic music moment thanks to a complete performance of Simon's recent masterwork, Seven Psalms, plus songs from the Simon and Garfunkel songbook and solo classics like "Mother And Child Reunion," "The Late Great Johnny Ace," "Graceland" and "Rewrite."
- Darren DeVivo, late night/Saturday host

Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! (June 9): I'm spectacularly looking forward to the ultimate spectacle of Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe for the kickoff of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn's concert series. This show promises to be sensory overload on so many levels. For starters how do you say outfits, costume changes, not to mention the hula hoop? The visuals will be wow factor to the nth degree. And hearing "La Vie En Rose" on a late spring evening, al fresco — I hope I survive the ecstasy of it.
- Delphine Blue, "The Whole Wide World"

The New York Philharmonic, free concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park (June 4): Led by rock star conductor Gustavo Dudamel, it's my pick to to kick off the summer season. Hands down, the best outdoor music performance under the stars and a spectacular fireworks show to send it off.
- Janet Bardini, Saturday morning host

T4T LUV NRG, The Ruins at the Knockdown Center (June 29th): Very few things rival Eris Drew and Octo Octa's annual Pride Weekend b2b in terms of pure joy and that's a fact. The T4T LUV NRG label heads somehow balance unbridled sonic ecstasy with stunning technical mastery, reminding everyone that all you need to rock a party are two turntables, a crossfader, and a crate of records that you love.
- Benham Jones, Saturday/Sunday evening host

The Who, Northwell at Jones Beach (August 28): I’m looking forward to reliving my “teenage wasteland” years with The Who. It’s their “Song is Over” tour, but I’ve seen every one of their farewell tours since 1982, so I guess we’ll see if this one sticks. Long live rock, and long live Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey!
- Kathleen Biggins, "A Thousand Welcomes"

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Goshen, Connecticut (July 25-27): The 37th annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, for the last five years at the Goshen fairgrounds, will bring together celebrities like Loudon Wainwright III, Lucy Kaplasky, The Kennedys, Joe Jencks, and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, plus the 2024 Most Wanted trio of Alex Radus, Tina Ross, and Louie Lou Louis. Beyond the daytime and evening sessions, there are late-night sessions that let everyone know it's also about community at a time when the country needs it.
- John Platt, "Sunday Supper"

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard with The Orchestra Of St. Luke's, Forest Hills Stadium (August 1): As someone with a foot each in a few different genres of music (I have three feet apparently), I am fascinated to hear what a trippy jam band and this classical ensemble cook up. Lately, Bob Weir has dabbled in composition and working with orchestration on reimagining Grateful Dead music in a symphonic setting. If you've got the time, patience and interest, it seems like many rewards will be delivered for the effort.
- Paul Cavalconte, "Cavalcade"

Obongjayar at Music Hall of Williamsburg (July 24): I've been patiently waiting for this electrifying Nigerian-born, London-based, multifaceted singer and rapper, with a lion's roar (or purr) of a voice, to make his way Stateside since first hearing "10K" from his arresting 2020 EP, Which Way is Forward, as well as his collaboration that same year with Moses Boyd on "Dancing in the Dark" from Dark Matter. Obongjayar, real name Stephen Umoh, releases a second solo album, Paradise Now, in late May. Not only is he making his first New York appearance, but his debut at the Newport Folk Festival on July 26.
- Kara Manning, "UKNY"

Telehealth with Beeyotch, Firstsex, Pippy at Our Wicked Lady (June 17): Seattle’s Telehealth was my favorite find of SXSW 2024, and I’m super stoked to have booked them a Brooklyn show alongside three local bands I love. But this isn’t just a great bill; it’s also a goodbye. Ten years after opening their doors, Our Wicked Lady — a beloved indie venue and Bushwick artists' home base — is closing July 21. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience live music on the best rooftop, run by the best people, while you still can.
- Sam Sumpter, fill-in host

Dr. Dog, Crumb, Wild Pink at Forest Hills Stadium (June 21): What a jam-packed night in Queens! NYC bands Wild Pink and Crumb take the stage before Philly’s Dr. Dog performs their first show in New York since 2021. I’m hoping we hear the fan favorite, “Where’d All The Time Go,” as the sun sets on the first day of summer.
- Emma Philippas, fill-in host