As the Weather Cools, Brooklyn’s Music Scene Stays Hot

September 6, 2023 by

The days may be getting shorter in the months ahead, but there’s no shortage of great music to be found in Brooklyn. From top visiting artists to outstanding local talent to fabulous festivals, the sounds to choose from in September and October are as varied as the changing colors of the autumn leaves. For example…

Janelle Monae at Afropunk Brooklyn

Janelle Monae / photo by Kyra Kverno

Billy Idol / courtesy of the artist

Billy Idol / courtesy of the artist

Several “name” acts are coming to Brooklyn’s larger venues. Kings Theatre present Billy Idol, Sept. 12; Ray La Montagne, Sept. 21; The Breeders, Sept. 23; Janelle Monae, Sept. 28; Nick Cave, Oct. 6; and The Walkmen, Oct. 17.

At Barclays Center, Brooklyn-born rapper Nas shares a bill with Staten Island’s Wu Tang Clan, Sept. 27, followed by Grammy-winning R&B singer SZA, Oct. 6 & 7. Later in the month the venue welcomes Britain’s Depeche Mode, Oct. 21, and The Trio Tour, featuring Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin — Oct. 28.

One of Britain’s best singer-songwriters, Beth Orton, is coming to Brooklyn Made on Sept. 8. Local acts taking the venue’s stage include The Thing and Tilden, Oct. 5, and Evolfo, Oct. 27. California indie rockers Pavement begin a four-night run at Brooklyn Steel on Sept. 11.

Sam Robbins / photo by Audrey Cannon

Sam Robbins/photo by Audrey Cannon

Folkus-NYC launches its new every-third-Thursday music series at Williamsburg’s new Brooklyn Art Haus with Nashville’s Sam Robbins, Sept. 17, followed by a pair of Long Islanders, Nico Padden & Rorie Kelly, Oct. 19.

The Music Hall of Williamsburg welcomes The Beths, Oct. 17-19, and M. Ward, Oct. 23. At Barbès, a trio of musicians, including Brooklyn drummer Konrad Meissner of The Mammals, will lead a sing-along tribute to Brooklyn music legend Harry Nilsson on Sept. 30.

Antabalas 032315-Al Pereira (10)

Antibalas / photo by Al Pereira

Local artists coming up at Brooklyn Bowl include indie soul singer Sean Carroll, opening for Proxima Parada, Oct. 19; Talib Kweli with full band, Oct. 27; and Antibalas, Nov. 3 & 4. Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Adam Lytle plays Owl Music Parlor, Sept. 17, in support of his new album, “This Is the Fire,” set for an Oct. 20, 2023, release.

Looking further ahead, the ninth annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival is set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 ,at several venues in Dumbo and Red Hook and  the Jalopy Theatre will present the Brooklyn Folk Festival at St. Ann’s Church, Nov. 10-12.