Afropunk Brooklyn -Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu Shine

September 10, 2018 by Kyra Kverno

Photo Pit Entrance at Afropunk / photo by Kyra Kverno

Fashion Vibe / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Afropunk‘s 2018 Brooklyn edition was another milestone in what has become a global celebration of music, art and culture. Afropunk Festivals now take place not only in its Brooklyn birthplace, but also in Atlanta, London, Paris and Johannesburg. This year’s was once again at Commodore Barry Park under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and was sold out. The stages and crowds have gotten bigger and the festival is no longer free, but it’s filled with the most amazing combination of high energy and a positive, laid-back vibe.

Afropunk is a festival that has a social conscience, which they demonstrate by giving out scores of free tickets to people who volunteer for community service, which is one of the ways they give back and support local communities. The security crew is often found handing out bottles of water to hard-core fans waiting for their favorite bands at the five stages (Green, Red, Black, Gold, Pink) in the hot August sun. The Art and Times area at the Festival had displays of original murals and cutting-edge works of art, while Activism Row

Janelle Monae / photo by Kyra Kverno

and The Spinthrift Market provided opportunities for individuals and not-for-profit organizations to share their world and local views.

The Festival’s most anticipated acts were Miguel, Erykah Badu, H.E.R, Pusha T, Tyler The Creator and Janelle Monae. Troi Irons and Duckwrth, among others, proved to

be crowd pleasers as well. The “big” acts performed on the Green stage, where people waited most of the day for their favorites, with some with extra delays, but the fans did not seem to mind. They were overjoye

Fantastic Negrito / photo by Kyra Kverno

d when Janelle Monae hit the stage, playing songs from her new album, Dirty Computer. The two-day festival closed with Erykah Badu, and, joining her, both on stage and in the crowd, was Monae, who sang “Bag Lady” from Erykah Badu’s 2000 album, Mama’s Gun. The crowd went wild!

If you have any preconceived notions about anyone or any style of music, you should leave that nonsense at home and get educated- Afropunk is a festival not to be missed.

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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