Here are the top pop music recommendations, listed chronologically, for summer as chosen by Gazette pop music writer Michael Hochanadel:

Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Arrested Development at At the Plaza, Empire State Plaza — Soaring steel guitar slashing the boundaries between blues and gospel, and politically engaged hip-hop. July 16.

The Police, and Elvis Costello & the Imposters at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs — Summer’s loudest buzz and priciest ticket, and probably last chance here to hear one of the great 70’s-80s’ bands. Costello: a big bonus. Aug. 1.

Zappa Plays Zappa at The Egg, Albany — Guitarist and heir Dweezil Zappa has outgrown being merely precocious and now rocks with skill and imagination comparable to his late father’s. Aug. 5.

Wilco, and Andrew Bird at Tanglewood, Lenox, Mass. — A recently aired Austin City Limits suggests Wilco has become one of our greatest performing bands. Aug. 12.

Marcia Ball, and Sarah Pedinotti in Monday Nights in the Park at Washington Park, Albany — The towering Texas-Louisiana piano pounder and the Saratoga prodigy with international-level talent, respectively. Aug. 18.