Sorry Yankee fans, but the biggest hitters inside Yankee Stadium this summer aren’t going to be the guys in pinstripes brandishing bats. When Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake arrive for their “Legends of the Summer” co-headline tour, baseball will be the furthest thing from everyone’s minds. For the Jigga, the two shows, on July 19 and 20, will essentially be a homecoming. In “Empire State of Mind,” he boasts: “I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can” — and sang that to the Yankees at City Hall after their 2009 championship ticker-tape parade. He also performed on the hallowed diamond in 2011 alongside Eminem.
For Timberlake however, it’s a definite step up, but the neo-soul boy clearly feels comfortable going toeto- toe onstage with his old buddy. “I remembered artists like Billy [Joel] and Elton [John] went on tour together, and you just see them mash up their songs together,” explained Timberlake during a MySpace interview earlier this year. “I said [to Jay-Z], ‘That’s what it has to be.’ We have to just go out onstage for two hours, and just nonstop kill it, and then go have a beer or whatever.” If the afterparty sounds pretty underwhelming, the concert itself is sure to be a grand slam! If you can’t make it to that show, there are enough outdoor concerts around town — in stadiums, parks and other spots — to suit the taste of any New Yorker. Here’s a sample of the summer shows:
Governors Ball Music Festival: June 7 to 9; Randalls Island
After a couple of indifferent lineups, the third installment of New York’s only large-scale festival is overflowing with A-list names. June 7 sees Kings of Leon headlining the main stage while Guns N’ Roses round off Saturday. But the real draw is Kanye West, who is likely to use his Sunday-night slot to showcase material from his new album, which is strongly rumored to be released June 18. Remember to keep your eyes open for Kim sightings. Tickets start at $95; governorsballmusicfestival.com
Taylor Swift: July 13, MetLife Stadium
The memory of Taylor Swift as a country starlet is fading fast because the 23-year-old is now an all-conquering crossover pop star. Her dominance is likely to continue during the summer as she hits the stadiums on her extravagant and impressively theatrical “Red” tour. Tickets start at $58; metlifestadium.com
Bob Dylan: Americanarama Festival, July 26; Pier A, Hoboken, NJ
Even at the ripe old age of 71, Uncle Bob is keeping up a pretty brisk touring schedule, and this summer he’s headlining his own traveling mini-festival, that also features Wilco and My Morning Jacket. Warning: Very long guitar solos are likely. Tickets start at $75; bobdylan.com
Kenny Chesney: Aug. 10, MetLife Stadium
Don’t look so surprised. The Tennessean star has had no fewer than seven No. 1 albums, so it shouldn’t be a shock to see him playing the MetLife stadium. The “No Shoes Nation” tour also features Eric Church, Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves, so country fans are guaranteed to leave this gig sated. Tickets start at $50; metlifestadium.com
The Zombies: June 15, Central Park SummerStage
Some 50 years ago, the Zombies (‘‘She’s Not There’’) were an integral part of the British invasion, and their psychedelic pop retains a huge cult audience. Free; cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage
4 Knots Festival: June 29, South Street Seaport
The event formerly known as the Siren Festival has Kurt Vile and the Violators headlining, while a solid cast of local acts such as the Men, Parquet Courts and Marnie Stern are highlights on the supporting bill. Free; facebook.com/4knots
She & Him: July 6 and 8, Central Park SummerStage
Despite a booming acting career, Zooey Deschanel’s also found time for four albums with M.Ward in She & Him. Expect classic pop melodies and cute dresses aplenty. $40; cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage
The Specials: July 17, Pier 26 at Hudson River Park
The English 2-tone/ska legends inspired American acts such as No Doubt, so there is no doubt they’ll show everyone how it’s really done when they come to town. $35; hudsonriverpark.org
New Order: July 24,Williamsburg Park
The Manchester band, sans bassist Peter Hook, marches on with a hits-heavy tour that also includes a selection of Joy Division songs. A hero’s welcome from the hipsters of Williamsburg is guaranteed. $62; ticketmaster.com
Robert Plant Presents The Sensational Space Shifters: July 27, Prospect Park Bandshell
With its diverse cast of musicians, Plant’s latest project finds him seeking out new territory, but don’t be surprised to hear him drop the odd Led Zeppelin classic. $50; bricartsmedia.org
DJ Kool Herc: Aug. 10, Central Park SummerStage
Music historians often cite DJ Kool Herc’s first block parties in The Bronx, in 1973, as being the genesis of hip-hop culture. To mark the 40th anniversary, the man-mountain himself will appear with other special guests fromback in the day. Free; cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage