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

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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