Afropunk Brooklyn-Same Vibe New Location!

September 7, 2023 by Kyra Kverno

The Afropunk Brooklyn Festival was held on August 26 and 27, 2023 with a new name and location. Originally held at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, the festival relocated to Skyline Drive in Greenpoint and transformed into the “Afropunk Circus of Soul” .

Slimming down to only two stages , the festival offered concert goers the opportunity to catch most of the acts while enjoying breathtaking views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. This year’s line up did not disappoint, with spectacular sets from the likes of Bembona , Durand Bernarr , Iniko , Tobe Nwigne , Vince Staples and Cleo Reed.

: Bembona /photo by Kyra Kverno

: Durand Bernarr / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Iniko / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Tobe Nwigwe /photo by Kyra Kverno

: Vince Staples / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Cleo Reed/ photo by Kyra Kverno

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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