10 Wanderlust-Inducing Summer Concerts

Lists: Call it world music or global pop or the sound of the world hum. Ben Keene reveals 10 acts on tour that are sure to transport you. Plus videos.

06.16.08 | 2:56 PM ET

Each summer, nearly every band with the buzz, the means and new music to peddle hits the road. This year, many of those bands are playing songs that incorporate African, Asian, Polynesian or Latin rhythms, melodies and instrumentation. Call it world music or global pop, or just call it good stuff. If you’re looking for travel inspiration or want to take a musical journey, consider seeing any one of these artists.

1) Gogol Bordello

The lowdown: Self-described gypsy punks, these Lower East Siders by way of Eastern Europe stir fiddle, guitar, horns and accordion into a potent musical bigos that’s best appreciated live.
Where (website plays music automatically): U.S., Europe, Japan

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Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


3 Comments for 10 Wanderlust-Inducing Summer Concerts

Terry Ward 06.17.08 | 8:13 AM ET

This is cool, Ben! I was bummed to miss Vampire Weekend when I was in Europe last month - they were sold out when I was in Hamburg.

Ben 06.17.08 | 11:02 AM ET

I couldn’t convince my friend to endure a torrential downpour in Central Park with me this past weekend so I missed them here too… but I will be in the crowd when a few of these other bands pass through New York.

World travel 06.30.08 | 1:46 AM ET

The SummerStage in Central Park hosts numerous dance, spoken word and music events throughout the summer. Many of the events are free, while others require advance tickets and serve as benefits for the summer series.
Summer Concerts in New York City.
Central Park SummerStage is an outdoor venue, located at Rumsey Playfield. Rumsey Playfield is located on East 72nd Street off Fifth Avenue. The closest subway is the 6 train to 68th Street. You can easily enter the park on 69th Street and 5th Avenue.

Entrance to the SummerStage area begins 90 minutes before the shows start on weekends, and 60 minutes before for weeknight performances.
More information,please go on:
http://www.worldtravelling.cn

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