A Grammy Winner Salutes a Jazz Legend at the Brooklyn Center

May 4, 2017 by Dominique M. Carson

Patti Austin / photo courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

The Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ 2016-2017 season has been a memorable one, filled with everything from international dance troupes to jazz greats to acrobats and children’s theater. One of the true highlights took place April 22 as Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Patti Austin paid homage to the late Ella Fitzgerald. Austin’s “Ella Now and Then: A Centennial Celebration of the First Lady of Song” celebrated Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday (she was born April 25, 1917). Austin also performed songs from her own forthcoming album, Ella: Now & Then – the follow-up to her 2002 Grammy-nominated album, For Ella.

Audience members were enthralled by Austin as she sang several Ella Fitzgerald standards, including “Mack the Knife” “April in Paris,” “Sing Me a Swing Song,” and “Lullaby of Birdland.” This show was also a history lesson for those not quite familiar with either jazz or the legendary singer. Austin kept the crowd entertained as she talked about intricate moments of Fitzgerald’s life as a vocalist. From her presence on stage, audience members could sense the respect and admiration that Austin has for Fitzgerald’s phenomenal voice and her contributions to music.

The following Saturday the Center presented the Dallas Children’s Theater production of Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. Parents were able to take their kids or loved ones to this family-friendly production, which is a musical adaptation of Brooklyn native John Steptoe’s award-winning children’s book of the same name.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters / photo courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

The Center, which in November hosted a cabaret show by East New York’s own Tony Danza, will present Chaka Khan on May 13 – her first appearance in our borough since she opened the 2015 Celebrate Brooklyn! season.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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