JULY 16 & 17-LOWDOWN HUDSON BLUES FESTIVAL.

75 is the new 25. That’s what guitar guru Buddy Guy proved at this festival in 2012, playing with more passion and aggression then he did even 50 years before. This year’s edition, at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza, looks to be memorable as well. Last night, the No BS! Brass Band, Lake Street Dive and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings kicked things off. The No BS! Brass Band actually lives up to their name, putting on funky, high energy shows that could turn the biggest wallflower into James Brown circa ‘71. They cover a wide range of songs, from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean.” Tonight features the killer triple bill of the James Carter Organ Trio, John Hiatt & The Combo and The Robert Cray Band. Like Buddy, Cray keeps getting better as he gets older. I’m sensing a major guitar jam at the end. Looks like there will be fireworks over the Hudson this year, after all.

6:00 PM-Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza. http://www.brookfieldplaceny.com/blues