Brooklyn Folk Festival:15 & Counting!

October 20, 2023 by David K. Moseder

The 15^th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival is being held at St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn Heights on Friday evening, November 10th through Sunday, November 12, 2023. Celebrating 75 years of Folkways Records, in conjunction with the Jalopy Theatre , this year’s gathering boasts one of the strongest and most intriguing lineups in the event’s 15-year history with more than three dozen artists performing.

Ramblin’ Jack Elliot / photo by Chris Felver /courtesy of the artist

A true folk icon, Brooklyn-born Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is the winner of both a Grammy Award and the National Medal of Arts. The 92-year-old alumnus of Midwood High School, who had a profound influence on the likes of Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie and Phil Ochs, to name a few, is set to hit the Main Stage at 6:10 Sunday evening. Also on hand is David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter), who will play music from and inspired by Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music on Saturday afternoon.

Beareather Reddy & The Brown Liquor Sounds at the Jalopy Theatre / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Friday evening highlights include an exclusive video performance by Peggy Seeger (Pete’s half-sister) from her home in England, followed by ’60s counter-culture darlings The Fugs, featuring original founding member Ed Sanders. Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Dom Flemons closes out the evening.

The weekend also features several local artists familiar to Brooklyn folk aficionados, including Nora Brown (who kicks off Saturday evening’s Main Stage performances), Ali Dineen, Feral Foster, Mamie Minch, the Jackson Lynch Band and Beareather Reddy. There will also be a number of talented new-to-Brooklyn performers, perhaps most notably Katie Martucci, who has performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and scored a film for National Geographic and Peter Stampfel, formerly of the Holy Modal Rounders.

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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