Brooklyn Music Is Alive and Well!

April 1, 2020 by David K. Moseder

When it comes delivering music to their fans, Brooklyn artists and venues don’t fool around.

One after another they’re taking to social media to stage live performances and present archived shows. April showers? No problem — shows are brought right into people’s living rooms via the internet. Here’s a sampling of what’s available, with more to come in the days ahead..

Jalopy Theatre’s Window / courtesy of Jalopy Theatre

Jalopy Theatre has launched its Facebook LIVE “Stay the Folk Home!” concert series. Among the first performers were Mamie Minch, who had been doing monthly live shows at Barbès, and Ali Dineen, a familiar face to Jalopy and Brooklyn Americana Music Festival goers.

Charming Disaster /photo by Mark Shelby Perry

National Sawdust has launched Live@NationalSawdust, a digital home for performances the Williamsburg venue has hosted during its five seasons. The service will feature free weekly releases drawn from more than 1,200 live shows.

Brooklyn goth-noir duo Charming Disaster will continue their Friday night (8 p.m.) Shelter in Place Livestream shows all through April and singer-songwriter Lara Ewen is hosting 5 p.m. Friday Happy Hour Livestream on April 3 and 10, taking viewer’s song requests. Lisa and Lori Brigantino are planning an April 11 gig for their musical comedy “Vickie & Nickie” alter egos and a regular show later in the month.

Mariela Flor Olivo /courtesy of the artist

Mariela Flor Olivo /photo by Michael Phillip Geffner, InspiredWordNYC

Brooklyn Roads recently caught #QuaranTunes Time w/ Mariela: A Facebook LIVE Event. It was the first online concert by Sunset Park’s Mariela Flor Olivo, who just released her first EP, Decide. Another local newcomer, emo-positive songstress Meghan Pulles, will webcast live from her living room on April 13th at 9 p.m. ET. Pulles also recently released her first EP, Keep the Light On.

These and other such events have optional donate links through which viewers can support the artists or venues. Many shows are also archived, so if you miss the live event you can catch a “rerun.”

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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