Loudon Wainwright III

The de facto “awkward dad” since birthing Rufus and Martha, New York folk singer Loudon Wainwright III was scouted by Judd Apatow to play a father who attends his son’s university in the cult TV show Undeclared. Tonight’s opening of the Madison Square Park music series is also a family affair, with a triple bill of Loudon, Sloan, and Lucy Wainwright, each boasting a bittersweet songwriting style perfect for the leafy tarp of Madison Square Park. Though Wainwright’s “new Dylan” hype was never cemented like the critical acclaim of his progeny, an affable attitude and perpetual self-deprecation make Loudon an unforgettable act to see live. Just ask Martha—her song “Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole&” is indebted to dear old dad.

Wed., June 17, 6 p.m., 2009