Those long summer days mean lots to do, see, and hear in Amsterdam. Here's a few for the weekend:

Saturday:

Finale of the Next Stage band contest, featuring great new bands from the BENELUX region; Melkweg, 6:30pm, €15 plus membership.

The Mike Del Ferro Trio is doing an excellent Brazilian music set at Bimhuis; 8:30, €15.

Sunday:

Nexus Instituut - Great! is the performance at the MuziekGebouw aan't Ij; 2pm, €26.

Monday:

LEWIS BLACK! The legendary American comedian is doing at show at Carré. I will be there: 8pm, only ticket range left is €29 and up.

Scandinavian singing sensation Lisa Ekdahl plays a rare sit down concert at Paradiso; 8:30pm, €18.50 plus membership.