The critics' underdogs

Sir Richard Bishop

Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett and Ruben Studdard
June 13
FREE Central Park SummerStage. 3pm.
The most hardened agnostics will feel the spirit move them when Smokie Norful uncorks his soulful wail—part Donny Hathaway, part Stevie Wonder—in a mounting call-and-response with his chorus, over his band’s deep grooves. And if you can cope with fundamentalism, sanctified singer-MC Tye Tribbett’s hip-hop gospel troupe, G.A., is a gas. What American Idol teddy bear Ruben Studdard will bring is anyone’s guess, but come here and ye shall surely be healed.—Steve Smith

Sir Richard Bishop
June 13, 14
June 13: The Studio at Webster Hall. 7pm; advance $10, day of show $12. June 14: Music Hall of Williamsburg. 8pm, $15.
Though he’s barely known outside his small realm, Sir Richard Bishop is so highly regarded in certain rock-underground circles that one feels compelled to use the guitarist’s reverent title when speaking of him. The former Sun City Girl comes to town on the shoulders of an unusual new album, The Freak of Araby (Drag City), on which the West Coast musician explores his Lebanese roots. Mostly, it provides yet another excuse to admire his casually dazzling instrumental work.—Jay Ruttenberg

Jonathan Richman + Vic Chesnutt
June 16, 17
Bowery Ballroom. 8pm, $15.
Sure, there’s a bunch of sexy young upstarts to see this summer—but let’s not overlook Modern Lovers hero Jonathan Richman. While his wobbly pop songs (from a career that spans three decades) are always charming—“I’m a Little Dinosaur” being a case in point—Richman really comes into his own in summertime. Grab a tall drink of something cool, and laugh and sigh along to “That Summer Feeling” and “Ice Cream Man.” Lauded alt-folkie Chesnutt provides fittingly quirky support.—Sophie Harris

Bone Awl
June 19
Fontana’s. Time TBA, price TBA.
Hailing from Novato, California, this duo has been setting the metal blogs ablaze with its ultraprimitive take on hardcore-infused black metal. Thus far, the band hasn’t put its grim, cryptic mystique on the line by touring, but now it hits NYC for the first time since becoming a cult sensation. Will members He Who Gnashes Teeth and He Who Crushes Teeth be able to live up to the hype?—Hank Shteamer

The Very Best
July 18
(Le) Poisson Rouge. 11pm, $15. These guys might be only slightly overstating things with their name. Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya moved to London in 1999, where he met DJ-producer Radioclit. The two joined forces for one of 2008’s most memorable mixtapes, Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit Are the Very Best, which sampled from an expansive palette that includes both M.I.A. and Michael Jackson. A full-length album of original material is due soon; expect a wild mishmash at the LPR show.—Colin St. John

INDEX NYC summer concert guide
Your next three months—planned.

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