Summer is here, and that means free music in New York City!

Many organizations and sponsors come together annually every summer to bring music fans face-to-face with some of their favorite artists, at no cost whatsoever.

Below, I’ve listed five free concerts worth checking out in the month of July.

A little information about some of the sponsors:

*The 2010 Today Show Summer Concert series is a bunch of free concerts held virtually every Friday morning (with the occasional Tuesday and Thursday,) in effort to bring media attention to the Today Show. It is recommended that audience members arrive no later than 6 AM if they want a good view of the stage, while viewing is first-come, first-served.

*Celebrate Brooklyn is a performing arts festival program at the Prospect Park Bandshell, sponsored by BRIC Performing Arts.

*River to River Festival is a performing arts festival housing events from June-September in Lower Manhattan. It is sponsored by Battery Park City Authority.

1. Lady Gaga

When: Friday July 9 – 7 AM

Where: Rockefeller Center (between 49th and 50th St. near 5th Ave.)

As Part of: 2010 Today Show Summer Concert Series

2. Rosanne Cash

When: Sunday July 4 – 2 PM (Free Ferry Service Starting at 10 AM)

Where: Governors Island

As Part of: Trinity Wall Street

3. Sonic Youth, Grass Widow & Talk Normal

When: Saturday July 31 – 7 PM

Where: Prospect Park Bandshell

As Part of: Celebrate Brooklyn!

4. Burning Spear

When: Wednesday July 21 – 7 PM

Where: Rockefeller Park

As Part of: River to River Festival

5. Free Energy and Best Coast w/ Loose Limbs

When: Friday July 23 – 6 PM

Where: The Seaport

As Part of: River to River Festival