A Brooklyn Milestone: 10th Go-Round for Americana Festival

August 30, 2024 by David K. Moseder

The mostly free 10^th annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (BAMF) is set for Sept. 12 through 15 at multiple venues in Dumbo and Red Hook, including the Jalopy Theatre, Sunny’s Bar, Dumbo Archway, 68 Jay St. Bar and Superfine. This year’s edition features many newcomers to the festival, including a number of artists from beyond Brooklyn, along with several local performers.

The fest officially kicks off with a benefit show at Jalopy Theatre ($22 advance / $25 day of show) on Thursday night, Sept. 12. The lineup includes Brooklyn’s own Annie Keating (a BAMF mainstay), New Yorker Eliane Amherd, Fern Maddie from Vermont, Jesse Lenat and Kentucky’s Tyrone Cotton. Early birds can check out Matt Whiffen, from across the East River, who will play a pre-show set at Jalopy Tavern.

In addition to Keating, Brooklyn is well represented by the likes of Wilson & Walsh, Louis Lou Louis, Allie Chip, and Virginia ex-pat Evrette. Also on hand will be Pi Power Trio from just across the border in Queens, Brooklynite Saudia Young, and the indigenous Native American band Cactus Rose NYC. Adding some southern twang to the festival will be FERD and Hunter Burgamy, both hailing from New Orleans, and a pair of Texas acts: Georgia Parker and The Lonesome Heroes. The latter features Brooklyn-born Rich Russell on vocals and guitar. The Brooklyn based Binoculars round out the proceedings.

Bookending the festival will be Smokey’s Round Up Dance Party on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and BAMF’s first-ever show outside our borough: Jolie Holland (formerly of The Be Good Tanyas) with festival founder Jan Bell at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village on Monday, Sept. 16th.

: Jolie Holland

: Evrette

: Annie Keating

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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