Free Concerts Coming to Lower East Side for SummerStage

It wouldn't be New York City in the summer without a crazy amount of free concerts. SummerStage, put on by City Parks nonprofit and Capital One bank, will offer several free concerts throughout August in the Lower East Side. This year's SummerStage theme is jazz.

SummerStage spans across all five boroughs — consistently in Central Park and then moving from borough to borough. Concerts on the LES this season beginning Aug. 9 and ending Aug. 28 will bring an eclectic mix of electronica, salsa percussion, high-energy choreography, and, of course, all kinds of jazz.

"SummerStage brings together New York's diverse communities in authentic and meaningful ways, making high quality performing arts — from music to spoken word, circus and contemporary dance — truly accessible," said Heather Lubov, executive director of City Parks. "We are thrilled to bring another season, filled with exceptional artistry, to communities across the City."

Here are some pictures from last year's SummerStage celebrations on the LES:

Here's the schedule for the concerts in downtown Manhattan:

Schedule

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. in East River Park: Neon Indian

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m. in East River Park: "We Play For You, Butch Morris" featuring Nublu Orchestra / DarkMatterHalo with Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith / Screening: "Black February"

Thursday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. in East River Park: Tony Vega

Friday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. in East River Park: Roger Guenveur Smith "RODNEY KING"

Saturday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. in East River Park: Carolyn Dorfman / Master Class: Theresa Lavington

Sunday, Aug. 14, 4 p.m. in East River Park: DJ Spinna celebrates Earth Wind & Fire / Shine & the Moonbeams

Sunday, Aug. 28, 3 p.m. in Tompkins Square Park: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: DeJohnette - Moran - Holland / Allan Harris / Donnie McCaslin Group / Grace Kelly

Images courtesy of SummerStage