BAM’s Next Wave Festival Moves Forward

November 11, 2024 by B.L. Howard

American Railroad: Silk Road Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens/ photo courtesy of BAM

The Hard Nut- Mark Morris Dance Group / photo by Julieta Cervantes

Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Next Wave Festival gives both well-known visionaries and trailblazing rebels an opportunity to unleash their groundbreaking creativity to the world. In 2024 and 2025, the Festival explores a spectrum of past, present and in-progress works that perfectly capture the here-and-now. BAM invites you to explore dynamic, cutting-edge visions and untapped artistic frontiers as they help to reconstruct, revitalize and revolutionize creativity.

November and December’s lineups include American Railroad, a Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens and The Hard Nut, the Mark Morris Dance Group’s boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved “The Nutcracker”.

Prepare to be captivated and transformed as Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions sets the stage for an unforgettable journey, altering perceptions of what art can achieve in the evolving world.

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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