Summertime Spin-Out

LET'S START Memorial Day a day early, on Sun., May 30. Slip into super-expensive thrift-wear duds, rock an eight ball and party with the Motherfucker crew on their fourth anniversary. Normally, these downtown kids and their upbeat music are for the hipster elite and trust-funding slouches. But you don't want to miss the live performance by ESG. Their retrospective on Soul Jazz a few years back made this obscure Bronx band of brothers and sisters from the late 70s and early 80s an immediate namecheck for the current wave of punky disco rockers. With their slinky guitar lines, kiss-off vocals and clipped disco drumming, ESG combined elements of punk, early hiphop and house. The track "UFO" is a b-boy staple. As usual, Michael T. and Justine D. will be playing their cocaine sex jams in the main room. Spirit, 530 W. 27th St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 212-268-9477, 10, $20.

There is no other time like the summer to lounge to great Latin grooves. For those who can't get to Brazil or Miami, DJ True brings the carnivale to the NYC on Sat., June 12. True, a radio jock at WHCR (90.3 fm), has been keeping the underground beat going on his Deeper Than Disco program on Tuesday nights from 8 to midnight. With his partner Miller Cruz, the two will be spinning an eclectic set of aye caramba broken beat, house and drum 'n' bass. Their monthly party, ALMA-All for the Love of Music and Art-features live artists and musicians working their magic to the boogaloo. They'll up their vibe in an outdoor setting, where this music is perfect for sunbathing your tush at an afternoon picnic. You're asked to bring blankets, food and beverages. The Great Hill, Central Park West (106th St.), 212-310-6600, 12 p.m., free.

The Central Park Summer Stage is offering a great line-up on Sat., June 19 with neo-soul crooner Amp Fiddler, the thinking-man's hiphop fave Common, with beats provided by Rich Medina. Former P-Funker Fiddler is a virtuoso bassist and songwriter from the Motor City who released his first solo album this year, Waltz of a Getto Fly. The smooth grooves and hushed vocals on the album reflect the influence of George Benson and Roy Ayers, but Fiddler's production is rawer. Coming out of Parliament, he's worth the price of admission to see live and plugged in. Common's last album confused the mainstream but packed a soulful punch as he combined the elements of live musicianship and hiphop's electric esthetic. It's almost guaranteed he'll sling his head-nod raps over Amp's bass. Although your girlfriend just wants to hear him perform "The Light," which reminds her that all her friends back home are getting married. You better go to the beer stand for that one. Central Park Summerstage, 850 5th Ave. (E. 66th St.), 212-360-2777, 3, free.

If it's roots and dub you're seeking, one of Bob Marley's proteges, Winston Rodney, still holds the torch and, at age 56, can still rock a crowd. Besides appearing at Central Park in September, the Grammy-winning Studio One Kingstonian will also represent BK to the fullest at Prospect Park on Thurs., June 24. Prospect Park, Prospect Park West (9th St.), Brooklyn, 718-965-8999, 7:30, free.

Sat., July 3: The day before you blow your fingers off with M-80s and cherry bombs to celebrate this country's independence, Jeannie Hopper, the longtime jock of the Liquid Sound Lounge on WBAI, is throwing her annual boat cruise. Cast off the Hudson River as Hopper spins the deep house platters next to a live sax and flute by Jay Rodrigues. Opening the evening for J. Hop is the sexy and always charming Lola, of Bang the Party and Deep See fame. Capping off the night is a live set by vocalist Colonel Abrams, who will belt out new and classic material. Marco Polo Cruises, World Yacht Pier 81, W. 41st St. (Westside Hwy.), 800-965-4827, 10:30, $30, $25 adv.

What if heading out on a boat full of house- heads makes you green? What if you like your feet planted firmly on the ground? What if...you live in Brooklyn? Also Sat., July 3, it's still the best party in Brooklyn: the monthly jam at Park Slope's The Rub at Southpaw with DJs Cosmo Baker, Ayres and Eleven. These DJs keep their floor moving and packed with deep crates filled with soul, funk, hiphop, dub, dance hall, house, guilty-pleasure pop and bumping disco. Last month, they featured an entire evening of 45 platters. Tonight, the Rub celebrates its second anniversary of no pretentiousness and great tunes. Southpaw, 125 5th Ave. (betw. Sterling & St. John's Pls.), Park Slope, 718-230-0236, 9, $10.

Summer wouldn't be complete without the Turntables on the Hudson crew throwing some memorable nights. DJs Nickodemus and Mariano are still banging away with their weekly world grooviness at the Frying Pan, but will also take to the high seas. The first of their two Sunday sunset cruises goes down on June 24, the second on August 1. Boarding begins at 6:30, and the boat leaves at 7. The Half Moon Boat, 23rd St. (the East River), 212-560-5593, $20.

On Sat., July 17, the TOTH camp is having a midnight cruise that goes until four in the morning. If you still haven't heard these kids, here's your chance to take in all the warmth. They play everything from Afro-centric and dubby rhythms to hiphop beats layered with jazzy instrumentation. With Nappy G. on percussion, you really can't lose. The Empress Boat, Pier 63, E. 23rd St. (the Hudson River), 12, $20.

Stay tuned every week as we get deeper into the sticky icky of summer madness.