New York City Summer Dinner and Free Concert in Central Park: Imelda May and Wanda Jackson and Luke’s Lobster Review!

Hello Upper-East Siders, Smartypanties here giving you a fabulous and somewhat free summer activity in New York City. Last night my husband and I decided that we were going to try out Luke’s Lobster on 81^st and cart it to the park and have a little picnic. Great date night, right? Then my work husband suggested that we hit up Central Park’s Summer Stage, which was featuring the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson and opening act, Imelda May. Don’t be fooled, I am not the most cultured person in the world. Until yesterday I had no idea who these people were, but I figured I’m going to the park and it’s free so why not check it out!? So glad we did. Imelda May was phenomenal, I’m definitely going to pick up her album (produced by Jack White actually!). Wanda Jackson was a living legend. She used to date Elvis, y’all! But aside from my gossip she still looked and sounded great. She even did a tribute to Amy Winehouse, who I’m sure she never expected to outlive considering she’s in her 70s! Anyway, I highly recommend hitting up Summer Stage’s free events! We brought in our dinner (the only thing you can’t bring in are glass bottles) and grabbed a couple of glasses of wine and some organic ice cream! Bring a towel (or snag a bleacher seat in the back) and come ready to have a good time!

Luke’s Lobster Review! Delicious! If you want a non-mayonaisey lobster roll with huge chunks of lobster, this is the roll for you! Howevs, as per the norm, the lobster rolls are by no means big. They are about the size of a small hot dog, but totally delectable. For $18 you get a lobster roll, bag of chips, Maine soda and a pickle. Not a bad deal! Also, I highly rec the clam chowder! Yum! Just got back from the gym to work these babies off but they’re totes worth the splurge!

Check out Lukes Lobster and Summer Stage’s Schedule!

Also listen up on Imelda May and Wanda Jackson! You won’t be disappointed!

This concert was epic! Totally worth whatever you would spend on tickets. She goes on about 9:30 PM and goes straight until 11:40. It was truly an experience. And want to know what else? She releases extra tickets next to the stage (including tix pretty close) the day before once the stage is set up if they realize that they can accomodate more fans. I snagged tickets the day of her appearance at Madison Square Garden for only $65. But you gotta be the early bird who catches the worm. Later in the day all the seats were sold out. Go figure. Although technically, I wasn't really an "early bird" considering I was buying tickets day of. But you know what I mean.

So the cover is ehhh. Personally we LOVEEEEEEE Mandy Moore and think she’s way prettier and younger looking than these photographs lead on. As for Amanda Leigh (the singer’s birth name), her new album, I think it’s okay. I’m not so certain you need to purchase the entire album. I’d go for “I could break your heart any day of the week song.” It’s so poppy and reminiscent of Candy it’s, well, like music to our ears! I love working out to it. The video kind of killed it, I didn’t think it captured how adorable the song is but whatta ya gonna do!?! There are def a few other good songs on the album if you are a big fan you’ll prob still enjoy but I don’t think it’s as good as Wild Hope (her last critically acclaimed album featuring the best song Extraordinary which has an awesome video)

Click here to see the video

She is so cute! Can’t wait for the video! This song just cracks me up. And shall be my new theme song for my morning commute.