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  1. Photograph: Foto Luciano Rossetti © Phocus Agency
    Photograph: Foto Luciano Rossetti © Phocus AgencyVision Festival
  2. Photograph: Stephanie Berger
    Photograph: Stephanie BergerBang on a Can Marathon
  3. Photograph: Becca Meek
    Photograph: Becca MeekDavid Murray and Macy Gray
  4. Photograph: Herve Martin
    Photograph: Herve MartinFemi Kuti
  5. Photograph: Marylene Mey
    Photograph: Marylene MeyJG Thirlwell
  6. Photograph: Cheryl Richards
    Photograph: Cheryl RichardsAngélique Kidjo
  7. Photograph: Robert Ascroft
    Photograph: Robert AscroftWayne Shorter
  8. La Excelencia
  9. Photograph: Coburn Dukehart
    Photograph: Coburn DukehartTego Calderon
  10. Los Lobos
  11. Photograph: Meerkat Media Collective
    Photograph: Meerkat Media CollectiveSlavic Soul Party
  12. Shirley Caesar

Jazz concerts this summer: jazz, world-music and blues shows in 2013

See some of the world’s best performers at these jazz concerts, world-music events and blues shows in NYC this summer.

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While you can see great jazz icons and world-music performances in New York year-round, summertime is when many artists make their way to the city for seasonal festivals like River to River or the Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival. Get the details on these events, and many more world-music, blues and jazz concerts this summer.

RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of concerts in NYC

Vision Festival
Photograph: Foto Luciano Rossetti © Phocus Agency

Vision Festival

Nearly 50 years after he helped launch the free-jazz revolution, Milford Graves stars in the 18th edition of this summer staple. On June 12, the Jamaica, Queens, drum powerhouse appears alongside contemporaries such as poet Amiri Baraka and trombonist Roswell Rudd, as well as up-and-comers like David Virelles and Dezron Douglas. Subsequent nights feature Sonny Simmons, Roscoe Mitchell, Andrew Cyrille and other titans of full-spectrum improv expression. artsforart.org. $20–$35, pass $170.

Bang on a Can Marathon
Photograph: Stephanie Berger

Bang on a Can Marathon

From its scrappy origins as a rebellious contemporary-classical upstart in a Soho art gallery, the Bang on a Can Marathon has evolved into a groundbreaking, world-beating celebration featuring progressive music of all stylistic persuasions. This year’s lineup includes artful singer-songwriter Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond), Tibetan vocalist Yungchen Lhamo, the Asphalt Orchestra and, of course, the Bang on a Can All-Stars…and it’s all completely free. 212-346-1715, rivertorivernyc.com. Free.

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David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray
Photograph: Becca Meek

David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray

From solo recitals and big-band blasts to free jazz and deep funk, saxophonist, composer and bandleader David Murray has done it all at one time or another. How does an artist so well documented turn over a new leaf? By collaborating with idiosyncratic soul singer Macy Gray, whose sultry rasp is as distinctive as Murray’s big tenor sound. subculturenewyork.com. $48, advance $45.

The Jazz Saxophone
Andrew Federman

The Jazz Saxophone

In conjunction with Make Music New York, which brings artists to unexpected spots all over NYC, this event will follow saxophonists to three locations in lower Manhattan, where they’ll perform 15-minute solo sets over the course of an afternoon. Pack light and follow the sounds of these one-man jazz bands during your lunch break. 212-219-9401, rivertorivernyc.com. Free.

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Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
Photograph: Herve Martin

Femi Kuti and the Positive Force

The son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti has been ably carrying on his father’s legacy since he first picked up a saxophone, meshing its sounds with hip-hop, funk and other genres. His half brother Seun, another fiery bandleader, ignited Celebrate Brooklyn! in 2011—concertgoers this year should expect a similarly joyous, sweaty party. summerstage.org. Free.

JG Thirlwell + Pauline Oliveros + Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez
Photograph: Marylene Mey

JG Thirlwell + Pauline Oliveros + Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez

This smashing triple bill assembled by the New York Electronic Art Festival, River to River, Pace University and Harvestworks brings together digitally adept innovators: industrial veteran JG Thirlwell, who leads his Manorexia ensemble; space-age accordionist and Deep Listening doyenne Pauline Oliveros; and the pan-stylistic groove duo of percussionists Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez. 212-346-1715, rivertorivernyc.com. Free.

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Angélique Kidjo
Photograph: Cheryl Richards

Angélique Kidjo

This scintillating African diva, born in Benin and based in the Big Apple, has a voice as big as the sky and a heart twice that large, to judge by her good works on behalf of various charitable causes. Anticipate hearing songs from her most recent studio set, Oyo, and don’t expect to sit still for long. 212-219-9401, rivertorivernyc.com. Free.

Wayne Shorter 80th Birthday Celebration
Photograph: Robert Ascroft

Wayne Shorter 80th Birthday Celebration

Mysterious jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter kicks off his birthday party with his usual crew: Danilo Pérez on piano, John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drums. The 12-year-old quartet released a solid album, Without a Net, earlier this year. Also at the Town Hall on this night will be a trio headed by singer-bassist Esperanza Spalding and a quintet co-led by trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano. 212-840-2824, the-townhall-nyc.org. $47–$152.

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La Excelencia

La Excelencia

Formed in 2005 by conga player Jose Vazquez-Cofresi, this Bronx-based band is known for playing salsa dura, a tougher form of the genre. The politically charged orchestra’s alfresco show falls between a European tour and a gig in Yonkers. 212-219-9401, rivertorivernyc.com. Free.

Tego Calderon
Photograph: Coburn Dukehart

Tego Calderon

In addition to his own albums, Puerto Rico–born MC and reggaetón representative Tego Calderón can been heard on remixes of songs from Usher and Fat Joe. But his talents aren’t limited to music: Calderón has acted in films like Fast Five and Illegal Tender. Crotona Park, enter at Crotona Park East and Claremont Pkwy, Bronx. July 9 at 7pm • SummerStage Main Stage. July 10 at 7pm • summerstage.org; Free

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