A Brooklyn Sizzling Musical Summer

July 6, 2014 by B.L. Howard

lake street dive It’s that time of the year again for the Borough of Churches to preach the holy gospel of summer in the only manner fit: the reveling of concerts throughout Brooklyn. Grab some Smorgasburg, claim your spot in one of the many venues (early!) and get ready to awe at the dynamic sets of artists across all genres.

Celebrating its 20th year of classic Rhythm and Blues performances, BAM plays host to the BAM R&B Festival, its free daytime concert series centered in downtown Brooklyn on the lawn of MetroTech Commons. Despite a disappointing cancellation of captivating soul singer Darlene Love, the festival promises an overwhelming spectacle of legendary R&B musicians, such as “Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man” singer Bobby Rush, along with refreshing takes from talented and creative newer artists like Fredericks Brown, whose energetic, rock n’ roll infused performances make them impossible to miss. Also featuring Grammy Award winning performers Snarky Puppy and Lisa Fischer, this free festival will leave every R&B lover pining for just a lil’ more funk and taking the afternoon to let their earbuds delight.

Brooklyn won’t let the rhythm end there; after an exciting start to the summer season with Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Celebrate Brooklyn! returned for its 36th season at Prospect Park Bandshell with an eclectic lineup that dives into the soul of music at its core. Breaking in the new season with huge performances from one of the most irresistibly entertaining and lively women of the new R&B/pop class (not to mention the best dressed woman in a tuxedo), Janelle Monáe, as well as the soothing melodies and acoustic hypnosis of Hawaiian native Jack Johnson, Celebrate Brooklyn! touts a lineup that has something for everyone. The diversity ranges from the intricate sounds and impassioned lyrics of indie rock band The National (who were on display thrice for the festival’s benefit concert portion) to the jazz-infused hip-hop and soul styles of the Robert Glasper Experiment, which featured, among others, Brooklyn native lyrical master Talib Kweli. The festival also includes performances from Lake Street Dive, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Nicole Atkins, Nickel Creek, St. Vincent, San Fermin, Neutral Milk Hotel, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Kes the Band, Luciano and even a dancing spectacle from choreographer Shen Wei, the man behind the 2008 Beijing Opening Ceremony.

Rounding out the summer concert series is the city-wide Summer Stage festival, whose Brooklyn portion tours multiple parks in the borough. In an elaborate fashion, the festival showcased a “salute to hip-hop” with DJ Bent Roc, Chubb Rock and Dana Dane. In August, Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts Shine & The Moonbeams, part of the Pier Kids Concert Series.

With the diverse set of performances across Brooklyn this summer, not even the weather can compete with the heat these artists will bring. Be sure to get out and explore these acts, new and old, and celebrate Brooklyn culture the right way- in perfect harmony.

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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