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 August.

A little information about some of the sponsors:

*City Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing free arts and entertainment city-wide, in over 750 parks. Locations/stages include: Central Park/Mainstage (Rumsey Playfield)

*The 2010 Good Morning America Summer Concert series holds a free concert every Friday morning at 7-9 AM. It is recommended that audience members arrive no later than 6 AM if they want a good view of the stage, and viewing is first-come, first-served. This music series serves to promote Good Morning America.

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

1. St. Vincent, tUnE-yArDs, Basia Bulat

When: Sunday August 1 – 3 PM

Where: Central Park/Mainstage

As Part of: City Parks Foundation

2. The XX, Chairlift, Jack Penate

When: Sunday August 8 – 7 PM

Where: Central Park/Mainstage

As Part of: City Parks Foundation

3. Metric, Joan as Police Woman, Holly Miranda

When: Thursday August 5 – 7 PM

Where: Prospect Park Bandshell

As Part of: Celebrate Brooklyn!

4. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Budos Band, Charles Bradley

When: Saturday August 7 – 7 PM

Where: Prospect Park Bandshell

As Part of: Celebrate Brooklyn!

5. Rihanna

When: Friday August 20 – 7 AM

Where: Rumsey Playfield (near the park entrance at Fifth Avenue and East 69th Street)

As Part of: 2010 Good Morning America Summer Concert Series