Overwhelmed & Overjoyed

There is simply too much to do - and not nearly enough money, but just like SF if you work at it hard enough you can find plenty of free opportunities, and knowing this Jew I've found many already.

Thursday, August 25th: Joan Armatrading continues her international tour at the historical Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Friday, August 26th: Benin-born Angelique Kidjo performs a free concert of her new music at the Lincoln Center Outdoor Festival, which serves $7 dixie cups of chardonnay and has a main hall that boasts two enormous Chagall paintings, just kickin' it there, shoutin' what's up, I'm a Chagall, I'm huge and cost millions of $$$ and I'm just gonna hang here.

Saturday, August 27th: Not only is Lou Reed appearing in the E.Village to read Allen Ginsburg as part of the annual Howl! Festival there, but he will be accompanied by the questionable New Yorker darling of contemporary wimpy French pop, Keren Ann.

After which, one short train ride back across the East River, mere blocks from me home in Williamsburg, Of Montreal will play some obscure venue that most likely sits above a falafel shop.

Sunday, August 28th: Back at the Lincoln Center Outdoor Festival jazz singer Dee Dee Williams will perform for free. What a perfect way to complete a Sunday afternoon but some live mellow jazz. For free. Did I mention that?

While some have probably never heard of a single one of these people except for Lou Reed who was probably mistaken for one of their meth dealers, this lineup of acts over one weekend is undeniably overwhelming.