Photo: Via Afropunk Fest, Nonesuch, and Last.fm.
Julianna Barwick: Judson Memorial Church, August 21, $15
Brooklyn singer/songwriter Julianna Barwick loops and overlays her voice to create a tapestry of overworldly melodies. Her new album Nepenthe, which Tuesday's show celebrates, is her most beautifully realized effort yet. Recorded in Iceland with live musicians, it's crystalline hymns are often breathtaking.
Tuesday, August 21, 7 p.m., Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square S (between Sullivan and Thompson streets); 212-477-0351.
Paul Banks, Albert Hammond Jr., Danny Masterson (DJ Mom Jeans set), Alexa Chung (DJ set), Fabrizio Moretti (DJ set), Devendra Banhart (DJ set), Special Guests: The Bowery Hotel, August 22, $40
It was a sad day in the music community when it was announced that School of Seven Bells' Benjamin Curtis had been diagnosed with cancer. Now, however, friends of the band have come together for a benefit show at Bowery Ballroom. With an amazing roster and star-studded guests and performers, it'll be a great show for a good cause.
Thursday, August 22, 8 p.m., The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery (between 3rd and 2nd streets); 212-360-2777.
Chuck D & DJ Lord, Questlove, Death, Trash Talk, Danny Brown, Theophilus London, Saul Williams, Mykki Blanco, Rye Rye, Jean Grae, and more: 1820 Flushing Avenue, FREE with RSVP
Year after year Afropunk just keeps getting better. This time they've put together what might be the festival's best lineup yet with a host of rappers, rockers, and punks including including Danny Brown, Mykki Blanco, Jean Grae, and Trash Talk. As always, the fest will also feature a host of vendors, food trucks, films, and skateboarding. Oh yeah, and did we mention that it's free?
Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 12 p.m., Commodore Barry Park, Flushing Ave (between Nassau and Navy streets ); Fort Greene, Brooklyn; No phone.