Pablo Raul says when his band, Mister Pablo, takes the stage at Culture Lab LIC, they will play a song Argentinian soccer fans sang over and over when their national team won the World Cup last year.

It's one of the original and cover tunes the Argentinian-born singer and songwriter performs with his five-piece band, which he says is a blend of all of his influences.

"It's the Latin fusion. We mix Latin styles with rock 'n' roll, reggae, funk. It's very danceable, it's fun," Raul said.

Mister Pablo is just one of the many local bands and artists performing this summer at Culture Lab LIC, the nonprofit arts and culture center in Long Island City, Queens.

There are free concerts for the community every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October, in a parking lot on 46th Avenue, near the waterfront. The space was donated by a local company called Plaxall.

Culture Lab LIC executive director Edjo Wheeler says the concerts began during the pandemic, taking advantage of the large outdoor space.

"Every year it just keeps on getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Wheeler said.

It's a unique space that also includes three art galleries and two other stages for indoor shows. Culture Lab LIC curates a diverse lineup of local acts at a venue that has become a favorite for bands and music fans.  

"We're always looking for ways to improve it and make it more comfortable, but ultimately, it's a parking lot, with shipping containers for a stage, but it works," Wheeler said.  

It certainly works for Raul and his group, playing there this summer for the third time. Raul says it's a pleasure to play the venue, which features a view of the Manhattan skyline beyond the stage.

"There's a big crowd out here, it's free, and they have music all summer, so it's really kind of invaluable, an irreplaceable place," Raul said.

For a full schedule of shows and events, head to Culture Lab LIC's website.