Brooklyn’s Music Venue Scene is Ever Vibrant and Thriving

October 9, 2023 by Michela Arlia

Live music is one of the iconic symbols that makes New York City one that never sleeps. Brooklyn is home to many music gems that have been cultivating audiences and musicians alike for years. Whether enriched in history or the site of 21st century beginnings, Brooklyn music venues have conquered the myriad of music genres. Brooklyn Roads takes a dive into some of the those venues.

Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie / Kings Theatre /October 12.,2018 /photo by Mark Doyle

First is the Kings Theater in Flatbush.

Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires at the Kings Theatre / February 3, 2018 / photo by Kyra Kverno

Jason Isbell at the Kings Theatre /February 3, 2018/ photo by Kyra Kverno

Formerly Lowe’s Kings Theater, this venue first opened as a movie palace in 1929. It closed in 1977, sitting idle for decades before private developers restored and reopened the theater as a performing arts venue in 2015.

Today, everything old is new again as the theater is a hub for live entertainment of all music genres. Legends like Patti La Belle have graced its stage, along with Grammy winners Ed Sheeran and Bob Dylan, set to perform there later this fall.

We now travel to Williamsburg for National Sawdust.

Iris Lune at National Sawdust / September 24, 2016/ photo by Ray Fontaine

Opening in 2015, the non-profit venue supports the creation of innovative new work. Contrasting the grandness of Kings Theater, National Sawdust is an intimate space that seats 350 in a century-old sawdust factory.

Specializing in avant-garde performance, the venue has featured Phillip Glass, Yo-Yo Ma and many others. The venue is also home to one of the very few cultural institutions in New York operated by women. Co-founders Ana De Archuleta and composer Paola Prestini serve as Managing Director and Artistic Director.

Jan Bell & The Maybelles at Barbès / February 28, 2019 / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Now, we focus on Barbès in the South Slope.

Opening in 2002, Barbès has been home to thousands of performers. The venue’s original goal was to provide a space and community for Brooklyn based artists and musicians who were independent and needed an alternative to Manhattan clubs. At a time when Brooklyn was not well known for its various cultures as it is now, the venue has been home to many across all genres, including some who take up monthly residency such the Andy Statman Trio , Slavic Soul Party , Stephane Wrembel and Jenny Scheinman .

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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