Jaunted's Nationwide Guide To Free Music Events

August 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM | by Heidi Atwal | Comments (0)

'Tis the season for stadium shows, reunion tours, and outdoor festivals, but with ticket prices sometimes looming in the hundred-dollar range, even the prospect our seeing some of our all-time favorite acts isn't enough to coax out our credit cards. In these lean times, we're in search of the best deals, not the best laser light extravaganzas, so it's that splendid word�"free"�that chimes like music to our ears.

Zero-dollar entertainment can be found from coast-to-coast, from classy classical to celebrated jazz and blues artists. Below, we take you from West to East in search of worthwhile free music experiences. We can't promise synchronized dancing, but you will get a heavy dose of culture.

Jaunted's Nationwide Guide to Free Music Events:

· Seattle: Sounds Outside at Cal Anderson Park

This Sunday, August 15th, enjoy day-long festivities as you take in the musical stylings of creative local acts outdoors. Artists like multi-genre versed Greg Sinibaldi and the dreamlike, improvisational Figeater are set to perform while you stretch out on a picnic blanket enraptured by every note.
Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11h Avenue (between E. Denny and E. Pine)

· Los Angeles: Sundays Live at the LACMA

This increasingly popular Sunday evening event features classical chamber music and is broadcast live. Translation: Once you enter LACMA's Bing Theater, where the concerts are held, no talking, please. Shows start promptly at 6:00pm and require no reservations, but we suggest getting there early to secure a seat and make sure you get in before the first movement begins.
LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, 323.857.6000

· Baton Rouge: Sunday in the Park

Louisiana's musical history is rich, and Baton Rouge is one of its cities that enjoys a well-regarded artistic reputation. The Sunday in the Park showcase doesn't start until October 4th, but mark it on your calendars now. (Concerts are held every Sunday from noon to 3:00 PM through November 8th.) We're happy to see names like The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and series closer Trombone Shorty on the bill, both of whom have a way of turning live shows into energy-riling experiences.
Lafayette Park, across from Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette Street

· New York: Harlem Meer Performance Festival, Central Park

There's no more defining outdoor New York landmark than the gorgeous sprawl that is Central Park. While lounging on a bench with a bagel, watching people bike, run, and stroll by suits us just fine, the chance to dance or clap along to a live show is even more appealing. On Sundays through September 6th at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, a range of music from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to energetic Gospel performances, will take center stage.
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, Central Park, 212.860.1370.

Related Stories
· Sundays Live at LACMA [Official Site]
· Harlem Meer Performance Festival [Official Site]
· Live Music coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: LACMA]

Jaunted

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