Emerging Music Festival

Bryant Park lays host to ten of the city's brightest rising bands at this special two-day event. Some of these groups have carved a singular niche with outré styles and sounds—on the first evening (Friday, Aug 17), you'll find Underground System, a Brooklyn-bred group that makes a truly unique, undeniably dancey mélange of Afrobeat, punk and new wave. Follow that up with the majestic horns and tambourine beats of Palmas' evocative baroque pop. Other bands have garnered buzz on the strength of their sheer energy (garage rockers Native Sun, who play Saturday, Aug 18) or by reinventing classic terrain (Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton & Terry Waldo Rum House Jass Band, also on Aug 18). And don't miss standout songwriter Katie Von Schleicher, who closes out Saturday night's lineup. If you find yourself with some down time between sets, the mini-fest also features giant lawn games, juggling lessons, and a host of local local vendors.