The best NYC concerts in July 2019

The alfresco music series hits MoMA PS1’s courtyard starting July 6 and brings new sounds and DJs from all around the world. Aside from the outstanding talent, a new (and often trippy) art installation takes over the outdoor space, making this weekly bash one of the most indispensible summer experiences for culture vultures.

Two up-and-coming MCs—Chicago's Mick Jenkins and Brooklyn-raised Leikeli47—touch down for a free Prospect Park gig with a cache of worthy releases under their belt. Anyone on the fence should give a few spins to the two's new release Pieces of a Man and Acrylic (respectively).

It's easy to see why Chvrches have sustained heavy media hype over the past several years. The coed Scottish trio's swooning, Prince-meets–Kate Bush synth pop, captured on exquisite breakout singles like "The Mother We Share" and expanded upon on last year's Love is Dead, is an irresistible sonic confection.

Perma-stoned "Black and Yellow" MC Wiz Khalifa brings his Decent Exposure to the city behind his sixth studio album, 2018's Rolling Papers 2, alongside Playboi Carti and Moroccan-born rap phenom French Montana.

The quirky yet poignant punk of NYC antifolk songsmith Blum explores world-weariness with humor and an attention to the minutiae of the everyday. They play alongside warbly, revelatory indie singer-songsmith Steph Knipe (better known as Adult Mom).

Nathan Williams, the leader of Los Angeles surf-punk trio Wavves, has never strayed far from the Internet’s caustic gaze, though his powerfully punchy, melodic yet grungy surf rock is seldom the cause of controversy. Most recently, he left his punk apostles bristling with the shockingly un-punk revelation that he's now a landlord. Expect tunes from the band's 2017 LP, You're Welcome, and last year's two song emo Christmas-themed album titled Emo Christmas.

Taj Mahal's not what you'd call a blues original—how could he be, having come up during the '60s blues revival? But he was among the first to make sure folks noticed that rock, R&B, soul, what have you, came from you-know-where, and he's still experimenting with those phantom connections. Should go down great tonight at this City Winery gig.

In any discussion of rock acts that have improved with age, English heavy-metal institution Iron Maiden has to come in somewhere near the top: Even if Bruce Dickinson can't hit every screeching high note of his prime (cut him some slack, the guy just overcame tongue cancer), he deploys his resources for maximum impact, something that could be said equally for his restless bandmates.