Summer in New York: Live music shows

After flitting among several successful side ventures—the Raconteurs, the Dead Weather, recording with Wanda Jackson—Jack White III goes it alone, paying behind a phenomenal solo debut album, Blunderbuss. In the process, he encourages music critics to use words like coruscating, which we haven’t since the days of the White Stripes.

Hip-hop’s Prince Charming hits town for two arena-sized screamfests. Last time we talked to the star, he told us that he has a special box where he keeps the bras thrown at him onstage; toss him your own, if you must. Heat-seeking rappers J. Cole, Waka Flocka Flame, Meek Mill and 2 Chainz lend support.

Having recently returned to action with a pair of instantly sold-out club dates, Fiona Apple commandeers the second day (June 24) of this outdoor fest (June 24) to properly celebrate the release of her new album, which, naturally has a 23-word title. Beck, Modest Mouse and Explosions in the Sky share that bill; the day before, you can catch Passion Pit, Duck Sauce, Chromeo and Special Disco Version. VIP tickets $165, two-day pass $180, VIP $300.

It once seemed unthinkable that we’d ever hear from these arty Swedish hardcore types again, but what’s this? Yes, folks, it’s the third local show in three months by Refused, a band that (like so many others) accrued a serious cult following after breaking up in the late ’90s. What makes this gig extra enticing is that it’s among the first performances at a snazzy new outdoor venue at the former Williamsburg Waterfront locale. ticketmaster.com. $35.

It’s easy to see why L.A. indie-rockers Foster the People are making major inroads in the Top 40—with their dashing good looks, danceable hooks and cute, clipped beats, these three boys are naturals for a pop takeover. “Pumped Up Kicks,” a radio-friendly hit delivered partly from the perspective of a disgruntled teen wannabe-shooter, emerged as last summer’s indisputable anthem—and based on this sold-out Central Park run, it’s still got legs.