Brooklyn’s Live Music Scene Is Blossoming

April 2, 2023 by The Brooklyn Roads Team

Now that spring is upon us and the pandemic is behind us, Brooklyn’s music venues are rushing to make up for lost time. The most recognizable venue brands, Barclays Center and the Kings Theatre, have been hosting events during the lockdown, and have now upped the concert ante. Barclays has done so with the likes of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Ana Gabriel, Legendz of the Streetz, Jackson Wang and Blink-182 all performing , not only for their legions of followers, but also to those who are new to the concert scene in Brooklyn.

Kings, which has ended its agreement with Ticketmaster and will now sell tickets directly via its website, goes international this spring with concerts by British superstar Ed Sheeran, celebrated German pianist Nils Frahm, Israel pop sensation Omer Adam, and South Korean “girl group” NMIXX.

And another top brand, The Bowery Presents, is bringing multiple-Grammy nominee Feist (of “1234” fame) to Brooklyn Steel.

The rebound of Brooklyn’s smaller venues is good news for local artists, who are often well represented among those featured. Upcoming examples of this include OK Cowgirls at The Sultan Room; Mamie Minch, now one-third of VickiKristinaBarcelona, with a solo show at Barbès; popular indie quartet Tetchy at Brooklyn Made (one of the borough’s newer venues); and a couple of Brooklyn Roads’ “Artists on Our Radar”: Eleanor Buckland at Owl Music Parlor and Annie Keating at Jalopy.

Looking further ahead, the brand new Brooklyn Art Haus performing arts venue in Williamsburg is currently accepting submissions from musicians and other artists.

: Eleanor Buckland /photo: Ernesto Gonzalez

: Jalopy Theatre’s Window

: Bruce Springsteen at Barclays Center /photo by Debra L. Rothenberg

: Annie Keating /photo courtesy of the artist

: Bruce Springsteen -Jake Clemons -Steven Van Zandt /photo by Frank Stefanko

: Mamie Minch /photo courtesy of BKAMF

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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