Brooklyn’s July Music Scene Is Hot, Hot, Hot!

June 29, 2019 by David K. Moseder

From Williamsburg to Prospect Park to Coney Island, and points in between, July is filled with musical fireworks covering a wealth of genres, with Brooklyn-based artists well represented.

Courtney Barnett Wails On The Bandshell Stage at Celebrate Brooklyn! / photo by Kyra Kverno

The 41^st edition of Celebrate Brooklyn! is well underway with a variety of great June shows at the Prospect Park Bandshell setting the stage for more diverse musical treats ahead. Brooklyn Roads was on hand for opening night with Patti LaBelle, as well as concerts by The National and Courtney Barnett, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Father John Misty with Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, and Tank and the Bangas with local artists Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles opening for them.

Rap is on tap at CB! with Brooklynite LeiKeli47 teaming up with Chicago MC Mick Jenkins to headline a quadruple bill of hip-hop and soul, July 5, and Burna Boy and Jidenna headlining shows on July 19 and 26. On July 6, Sudanese American MC Oddisee and Palestinian-Jordanian band 47SOUL join with NARCY for a show that taps into their Arabic roots. World music legend Salif Keita returns to the Bandshell July 13 after a decade’s absence, this time with 2017 Afropunk Battle of the Bands semi-finalist Courtnee Roze opening for him. Another returnee to CB!, one with Brooklyn roots, is I’m With Her (Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins), July 18.

July highlights at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk include Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, July 19, and, the following night, “Saturday Night Summer Fever,” featuring, among others, Thelma Houston, Tavares, the Trammps, Peaches and Herb, The Delfonics, Carol Douglas and The New York Bee Gees Live Band. Fela Kuti, known as the founding father of Afrobeat, hits the Amphitheater stage on July 26.

Our borough’s own Citizen Cope takes the stage at Brooklyn Steel July 9 in support of his new album, Heroin & Helicopters. Music Hall of Williamsburg presents CHAI, July 15, and Aimee Mann, July 17, with Brooklyn artists Bodega and Jonathan Coulton as the respective opening acts.

For fans of acoustic music, DeGraw Sound has curated “Unplugged,” a live music series, on Friday evenings in July at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 3 Greenway Terrace. On July 11, Live From the Vault: Songwriter Sessions at Putnam’s Pub & Cooker in Fort Greene features host Devlin Miles performing with special guests Trina Hamlin and Orly Bendavid.

Variety is the spice of Brooklyn Bowl’s lineup, with upcoming shows by Jamaican reggae sensations Raging Fyah, July 21; country blues man Charley Crockett, July 24, and the soulful McCrary Sisters, July 28.

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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