Selected Sounds: 7 Summer Shows to Check Out

Summer has officially arrived in the city of Boston, which means tons of free outdoor performances from the harbor to the Common. In this edition of Selected Sounds, check out some of our favorite local acts taking the stage like Night Lights, The Chicken Slacks and Ripe.

Friday, July 10th, 2015

SOAK at The Middle East Upstairs -Selected by Knar

The music video for her track, “Sea Creatures” captures the spirit of SOAK: a dark ending for a slow, late-night skateboard ride through town. The relaxed folk-rock songs on her debut EP prompted The Guardian to name her “One to Watch” when she was just 16. Two years later, she’s now has released her full album and touring the world.

Added bonus: local act Covey is on the bill. ‘Nuff said.

Tuesday, July 14th, 2015

Riff Raff at Brighton Music Hall– Selected by Billy

Houston-based rapper turned hulking rave with a face Riff Raff is gracing Brighton Music Hall and probably stealing your girlfriend next Tuesday alongside no one because apparently when you have a shark tooth grill you don’t need opening acts. Come get whisked away by a grown man with what appears to be crop circles braided on top of his head, but make sure not to make direct eye contact or else you’ll turn into a pool of glowing party foam.

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

Ilan Bluestone at Naga Cambridge -Selected by TK

Why you should see him? A producer from London who has releases on Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats and Armin Van Buuren’s ARMADA records, he knows how to explode dancefloors with his deep, progressive sound.

Thursday, July 16th, 2015

Ripe (Free) at ICA Boston -Selected by Jonah

Every show at the ICA Harborwalk is awesome. Every show Ripe plays is awesome. Spend your Thursday with free art, and soulful funk under the summer sun. Meanwhile, I’ll be coming up with a word that means double-awesome.

Friday, July 17th, 2015

Night Lights at The Red Room @Cafe 939 -Selected by Beth

Catch local indie-pop/rock band Night Lights at their LAST Boston show before they head off to the west coast to do what they do best: make amazing summer jams. If bidding farewell to Night Lights is too much to bear, fellow local band Jet Black Sunrise will be there to cheer you up as well. Bring a wad of tissues to dry your tears and your dancing shoes.

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015

Son Lux at Brighton Music Hall -Selected by Joseph

Ryan Lott’s eclectic project Son Lux will have you dancing and flailing around the venue without ever knowing what genre of music you’re hearing. Constantly making fresh and invigorating music of blended styles, Son Lux is guaranteed to keep the audience guessing and grooving.

Thursdays, July, 2015

The Chicken Slacks (weekly residency) at The Cantab Lounge -Selected by Zoë

All you need is $6 for your cover charge and you can dance the night away (well, at least until 1:30 am) to your favorite soul and funk hits at Central Square’s Cantab Lounge. The Chicken Slacks’ boundless energy draw a consistently large and happy crowd.