Shilpa Ray fronts a band called Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers and does a hell of a job. The group, which played a month-long residency at Piano’s in May, hopes to release its first album, A Fish Hook An Open Eye, in the next few months, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s going to be the record of the summer. Adam Wisnieski caught up with Ray before a recent gig. Read more

Sean Bones, formerly of the weatherman-named band Sam Champion, has more than music happening this summer. While the guitar player is releasing his debut album, Rings, in July and has shows on May 28 at the Mercury Lounge and June 12 at Bruar Falls, he’s also nursing sartorial ambitions. Bones and his fiancée run and design a line of swim trunks under the moniker S/S FRIENDS, making him one of the few New Yorkers who’ll we’ll be listening to and wearing this summer. Henry Melcher talks with the musician and designer. Read more

Bronx Underground Festival Hip-hop, indie rock, skateboarding, dancing and more will happen this summer as part of the Bronx Underground Festival, a series of events taking place in the fest’s namesake borough and beyond. Check out the June 21 outdoor concert at Orchard Beach or the May 29 dance parties where an ’80s outfit will get you reduced admission. May 27 through Aug. 1, various locations, www.bronxunderground; times vary, $TBA Bang on a Can Marathon Tired of the same old same old? Check out 12 hours of non-stop mind bending music from some of the weirdest international musicians including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bill Frisell, Paul Hillier, Andrew Cyrille and Henry Grimes all behind the Bang on a Can All Stars. May 31, World Financial Center Winter Garden, 200 Vesey St., 718-852-7755; noon to midnight, FREE Read more