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

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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