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Union Pool's 'Summer Thunder' free concert series returns to Brooklyn with L’Rain, Ted Leo

By

Ryan Kailath

Published Jun 9, 2025

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The band Messthetics performs in a venue while people stand near them and watch.

 

Joshua Wildman / Courtesy of Union Pool

By

Ryan Kailath

Published Jun 9, 2025

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Union Pool is bringing its popular “Summer Thunder” concert series for another season of free, outdoor Sunday shows, and the 2025 lineup is one of the strongest in years.

The Brooklyn venue's summer’s slate kicks off June 29 and is headlined by indie songwriter Frankie Cosmos with an opening set from Juan Wauters. A mix of genre-spanning artists follow in July and August, with boogaloo powerhouse Joe Bataan returning on July 6.

New to the lineup this year is L’Rain, the experimental composer and performer (and native Brooklynite) whose last two albums received raves, including “Best New Album” nods from Pitchfork.

Longtime power pop icon Ted Leo performs on Aug. 3, and Gunn Truscinski Duo — the long-running improvisational collaboration between guitarist Steve Gunn and drummer John Truscinski — will play a week later.

The not-so-secret closing show artist on Aug. 24 will be announced later, but there’s a hint in the lineup announcement for eagle-eyed fans.

Summer Thunder, which is now in its 13th season, has become a fixture of New York’s DIY-leaning music calendar. Shows take place in the backyard of Union Pool, the former pool supply store turned bar and music venue off the Lorimer stop.

The venue, with its rotating cast of DJs, late-night dance parties, and the enduring appeal of its backyard taco truck, remains a magnet for both locals and music fans from across the city.

All shows are free, 21 and over, and first-come, first-serve until they hit capacity, rain or shine.

Here’s the full 2025 lineup:

You can find more information here.

Tagged

Music

brooklyn

nyc events

Ryan Kailath

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