You’ve probably heard this by now, but boo anyway! The Brooklyn Paper says:

Aretha Franklin’s two free shows here [this] week  — first on Aug. 9 at Wingate Field in Crown Heights, and then again on Aug. 12 at Asser Levy Seaside Park in Coney Island — have been canceled due to an unspecified injury that the singer claims to have suffered on Sunday [later revealed to be fractured ribs].

I’m personally a little indifferent – Aretha’s heyday is a little before my time and I had no plans to go to the show this week – but she was the biggest star on either slate, so I imagine this news was met with a great deal of disappointment.

I’d be sorely disappointed if anything happened to the B-52s/Belinda Carlisle concert on August 19. I’ve had my heart set on it for weeks. I’ll be there, even if it rains. Especially if it rains. Noah could be on the other side of the Boardwalk, packing them in two-by-two, and I’ll still be dancing to Love Shack in the mud (which I hear is pretty much how the B-52s last appearance at Asser-Levy went down). Sounds like Heaven On Earth to me.

So here’s hoping for no unfortunate incidents to beehive haircuts.

If you’re still looking for something to do tomorrow night, check out the outdoor movie at the Narrows Botanical Garden in Bay Ridge. This week’s movie – the last of the season – is The Blind Side, an obscure indie flick with an up-and-coming cast that’s become something of a cult classic an Academy Award-nominated film starring Sandra Bullock that everyone who sees it raves about. As usual, you’ll need to bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Popcorn and other refreshments will be sold, and you can bring your own snacks! (Sorry, no boozeamohol.)

Note: in the event of rain, the movie will be played on Friday. Current forecast calls for a chance of rain on Thursday, but a dry Friday evening. Check the Botanical Gardens web site for up-to-date information.