Musical Treats for Halloween — and Beyond

October 12, 2017 by David K. Moseder

In the heart of autumn, with Halloween approaching and Thanksgiving not far off, Brooklyn’s musical cornucopia is overflowing. The following sampling of what’s coming up abounds with frighteningly good treats – and there’s not a turkey in the bunch.

Big Daddy Kane /photo by Al Pereira

On October 31st, The Bell House hosts the presented by Brooklyn’s own The Occasion alists with special guest singers. The show benefits the Ali Forney Center, advocating for homeless LGBTQ youth, and The Center for Anti-Violence Education. For those seeking to escape the traditional Halloween madness, Barbès has two shows that night: jazz saxophonist Michael Attias and band at 7 p.m., followed by local Balkan-soul/gypsy-funk sensations Slavic Soul Party at 9. New Orleans rapper Pell performs at Rough Trade, while San Francisco’s Griffage (Charlie Yin) does his electro-pop thing at Music Hall of Williamsburg. At National Sawdust, Heartbeat Opera combines music, Shakespeare and cross-dressing with its “All the World’s a Drag” extravaganza on both October 30 and 31.

Nicole Atkins/ Photo by Anna Webber / courtesy of Girlie Action Media

Longtime local favorites Grizzly Bear are doing three shows, November 2-4, at Brooklyn Steel. They’re touring in support of their brand new album, Painted Ruins. Opening for them is Baltimore-born, Brooklyn-based Serpent With Feet, a classically trained R&B singer.

On November 7th, Nicole Atkins makes her third return appearance in her former home town, opening for JD McPherson at Music Hall of Williamsburg. You can catch Flatbush folk singer Carolann Solebello performing solo at Pete’s Candy Store on the 14th and as part of No Fuss and Feathers on the 19th at First Acoustics (First Unitarian Church) in Brooklyn Heights.

November highlights at Kings Theater include The Art of Rap on the 4th, featuring Brooklyn’s own Big Daddy Kane and Raekwon, among others; the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on the 7th; Tegan and Sara on the 8th and Evanescence on the 10th. Barclays Center presents Masters of Ceremony with local rappers Busta Rhymes and Fabolous joining 50 Cent and other hip-hop luminaries, on the 3rd, while Janet Jackson brings her State of the World Tour there on the 15th.

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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