This Week’s Must-See Shows in NYC

With the un-aptly placed mid-week holiday, it’s a bit of slim pickins for folk shows in the five boroughs this week — but there are still a couple to write home about. Tonight, Norah Jones plays Central Park’s SummerStage. And, she’s super-independent to boot. Also, post-holiday on Friday, Canadian Patrick Watson and the group Lonely, Dear will play the free River to River fest at South Street Seaport. They’re not our typical regularly promoted Americana acts, but their music is a blend of many things good and right and lovely and folky and you should take a listen.

Happy 4th to all, and God bless the red, white and bluegrass (sorry, couldn’t stop myself on that one).

Tuesday, July 3
Norah Jones — 7 p.m. at Central Park SummerStage

Thursday, July 5
Phoebe Hunt — 7 p.m. at Rockwood Music Hall

Friday, July 6
Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds — 8 p.m. at The Knitting Factory
Swear and Shake / These Animals / Tall Tall Trees — 7 p.m. at Mercury Lounge
Patrick Watson / Loney, Dear — 7 p.m. at River to River Festival at South Street Seaport (FREE)