So is there really no cure for the summertime blues? Eddie Cochran may have thought so back in 1958, but the Black Keys are singing a different tune. Starting with the 2003 hit “Set You Free,” the Akron-bred, now Nashville-based duo have been bashing out raw, muscular riffs and radio-ready hooks that seem tailor-made for tossing a Frisbee in the park, lying out on the beach or just driving with the top down.
The Keys return to New York on July 28 to kick off the inaugural Catalpa Festival — one of three major music events on Randalls Island this summer.
“It’s been a while since we’ve played outdoors in New York,” says lead singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach. “The last time was All Points West [in 2009], and that was a muddy mess. So we’re hoping the weather will cooperate this time.”
Other acts at Catalpa NYC include Snoop Dogg (performing his classic “Doggystyle” album in full), TV on the Radio, Girl Talk and everyone’s favorite Hasidic rapper, Matisyahu. Weekend passes are $140; see catalpanyc.com.
For more Randalls Island action, Governors Ball (June 23 & 24; $95 for one day/$180 for both) promises to be an indie backpacker’s delight, with Beck, Fiona Apple, Kid Cudi and Modest Mouse (governorsballmusicfestival.com). Then Electric Zoo (Aug. 31-Sep. 2; $109/$299) will bring out dance music heavies David Guetta, Tiësto and Skrillex (madeevent.com/ElectricZoo).
Other hightlights from the summer concert lineup include:
NICKI MINAJ: June 3; MetLife Stadium. Hip-hop’s wackiest diva will be joined by Rick Ross, Trey Songz and Young Jeezy. Tickets start at $55; hot97.com/summerjam.
THE BEACH BOYS: June 24; Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. The ageless surfer dudes ring in their 50th anniversary with a new album produced by tortured genius Brian Wilson, who joins them on tour for the first time since 1965. Tickets start at $43; jonesbeach.com.
PHISH: July 3, 4; Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Phish heads will journey from far and wide to celebrate Independence Day with the kings of jam-rock. Tickets start at $69; jonesbeach.com.
COLDPLAY: Aug. 3, 4; Izod Center. Britpop’s moodiest foursome ride the grandiose wave of last year’s “Mylo Xyloto” on their first North American tour since 2009. Also making a stop at Izod will be Aerosmith (July 24). Tickets for Coldplay start at $46; meadowlands.com.
KENNY CHESNEY and TIM MCGRAW: Aug. 11; MetLife Stadium. Country music hits the big city when the “Brothers of the Sun” tour rolls through town. Tickets start at $54; metlifestadium.com/events.php. — B.M.