Autumn in Brooklyn: A Musical Cornucopia

November 3, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Erykah Badu /photo courtesy of Wikipedia

After a great summer concert season filled with incredible outdoor music events, we need to remind ourselves that the party here in Brooklyn is just getting started. As autumn’s chill permeates the air, it’s good to know there are so many places where you can come in from the cold, order your favorite libation (may we suggest a seasonal hard cider?) and have a hot time listening to exciting live performances.

It almost seems as if there’s a top music event this season for every leaf that turns red, yellow or orange — so don’t wait for the Great Pumpkin, get pumped with great rock, soul, R&B, folk, jazz and country sounds at your favorite venue. And you won’t have to make a pilgrimage over the bridge to do so.

For starters, local acts such as Antibalas, Brown Rice Family and The Brooklyn Attractors helped usher in the fall season at Brooklyn Bowl — a season that includes They Might Be Giants and Matt & Kim at Music Hall of Williamsburg; Hamilton Leithauser (ex-Walkmen) is at Baby’s All Right); Three Pints Shy and Kenny Young & the Eggplants at The Way Station, and Slavic Soul Party at Barbès.

Of course, you can also find your favorite artists from beyond Brooklyn who come here to grace our borough’s many stages, such as Jethro Tull, Glen Hansard, Erykah Badu and Manheim Steamroller (all at the Kings Theatre this season), Jimmy Buffet and Huey Lewis (Barclays Center) and Texas legend Joe Ely (Hill Country), to name just a few.

220px-Jimmy_Buffett_1- courtesy Wikipedia

Jimmy Buffet / photo courtesy of Wikipedia

All of the above is just a small sampling – like the hors d’oeuvres or cheese-and-crackers before the turkey, stuffing and candied yams – of what’s waiting to be heard in Brooklyn this season. And we at Brooklyn Roads are thankful for such a musical bounty and grateful for the support of our readers.

Now, will someone please pass the pumpkin pie?

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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