Are You Listening? Brooklyn Is a Winter Wonderland!

Kings Theatre Before Restoration Photo by Matt Lambros

The temperatures have plummeted, the carolers are practicing their tunes, and the scarves on every Brooklyn hipster actually serve a purpose. While the cry of “not another vortex!” can be heard across every New Yorker’s lips, there’s no denying that it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. Even if the honking cars and perpetual puddles of cold, grimy snow make for a winter not-so-wonderland, the music of Brooklyn continues to ring merrily along the way throughout the winter season.

Playing host to a multitude of various versatile artists is the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which will exhibit the classical grace and style of Philip Glass through his piano etudes, as well as the contemporary nuances of Kensington resident Sufjan Stevens, in a unique orchestration that accompanies a portrait of the 2013 Pendleton Round-up in Oregon. For the insatiable ear, BAM provides an exciting calendar of free music, ranging from Grammy-award winner Shannon Sanders to the African- and reggae-inspired R&B of Wayna in early December, as well as the offbeat comedic songs of Rockapella co-founder Sean Altman and a holiday dance party featuring Afro-Caribbean group Charanga Soleil to finish the month.

Happy New Year from Sufjan Stevens Photo courtesy of theverge.com

While BAM’s list of fresh, stimulating music is endless, be sure to check out the offerings from Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn Night Bazaar, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg, which will feature the sounds of Brooklyn native rockers The Hold Steady to ring in the New Year on the 30th and 31st. And, if that preemptive list of New Year’s resolutions happens to include embracing your inner gypsy, the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, which is celebrating 29 years of live Balkan, Roma music and more, is just around the corner on January 16th and 17th at Grand Prospect Hall.

Unfortunately, as the year comes to a close, we must bid adieu to a few staple venues for Brooklyn music. Announcing their close in November and the end of the year, respectively, are Death by Audio and Glasslands, a piercing blow to anyone who appreciates the truly organic sounds of the borough. In addition, the closing of the Two Moon Café in Park Slope put an end to the monthly “2nd Fridays” folk fest. But as we remember the memories shared, discovering some of the most successful bands at these venues, we look forward to an imminent rediscovery as the historic Kings Theatre prepares to return in 2015. Originally designed by Rapp & Rapp in 1929, this venue quickly became the heart and soul for the performing arts in the Flatbush community. With more than 3,000 seats, the renovated theatre will become the largest performance venue in Brooklyn. Retaining its French Renaissance inspired design, the theatre hopes to serve as a definitive destination for widely popular artists, as well as local groups and communities.

So bundle up, throw one back, and warm your hearts this season with both the timeless and fresh sounds Brooklyn has to offer.