July 29: Oumou Sangare Helps Celebrate Brooklyn

Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, in the words of the organizers of Celebrate Brooklyn, "has brought the enchanting tribal rhythms of her Wassoulou homeland to the global stage with a captivating presence and an unmistakable voice."

Rain or shine, come see Sangaré with Arabaic music savant Bassam Saba at Prospect Park Bandshell .

Here are your 5 Things for today:

1. After cancelling last year, Aretha Franklin makes another try at the Seaside Concert Series in Coney Island Aug. 4.

2. Yes, it's time for that "karaoke dance party for people who don't like karaoke" at Union Hall's . Tonight.

3. In case you missed it: Burnt-out Cochinita owner Adam Frank  after a blaze shuttered his Clinton Hill eatery on Tuesday.

4. Alternate side parking rules are in effect. 

5. And to wrap things up, here's a little advice courtesy of Green in Brooklyn for the politicians in Washington, D.C., still trying to hammer out a deal to avoid a default on the U.S. debt.