Rob Thomas and Counting Crows Wow Coney Island Crowd

September 13, 2016 by B.L. Howard

Charlie Gillingham and Adam Duritz / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz/ courtsy of B.L.Howard Productions

The capacity crowd at the Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island witnessed a rousing performance by Rob Thomas and Counting Crows, as their North American tour made a stop in Brooklyn.

Rob Thomas at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

To the delight of the scores of his fans, Thomas’ set featured a helping of Matchbox 20 songs, including “3 A.M” and “Bent,” as well as “This Is How A Heart Breaks” from his solo debut album and an emotional “Baby I’m A Star,” Thomas’ tribute to Prince.

Counting Crows’ 17-song set had a number of Crows signature tunes such as “Omaha,” “Recovering the Satellites” and “Mr. Jones.” Adam Duritz encouraged concert goers to sing along and told of his New York City inspirations for “Sullivan Street” and “Washington Square.” They included a cover of Joni Mitchell’s classic “Big Yellow Taxi,” along with a heartfelt version of Coby Brown’s “Hospital.” They began their three song encore with “Palisades Park,” from their Somewhere Under Wonderland album, a perfect addition and especially fitting, as the official video was filmed in Coney Island.

This wondrous American tour continues until the end of the month , with stops in Las Vegas, Denver, Albuquerque, Houston and Kansas City and fittingly winds up in Nashville. “Twenty years ago Rob and I were like kids running around Italy in the middle of the night getting drunk and playing gigs. I still love nothing more than touring with my friends….” said Adam Duritz. “Music is about good friends getting together and celebrating life. Our fans are going to be doing that in the audience and we will be doing that on stage as well…..” said Rob Thomas.

Charlie Gillingham and David Bryson /photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Adam Duritz / photo by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

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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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