Celebrate Brooklyn! Is Set for Its 40th Year

May 8, 2018 by David K. Moseder

An opening night concert by the uncommonly talented Common will launch the 40^th anniversary edition of Celebrate Brooklyn! The lineup of singers and musicians that will take the stage at the Prospect Park Bandshell this season is, as always, anything but common.

Antibalas / photo by Al Pereira

Brooklyn performers are once again well represented this season. These include Afrobeat artists Antibalas; Mamie Munch opening for Ricky Skaggs; Tony Award nominee Jonathan Coulter, sharing a bill with Superchunk and headliner Aimee Mann; My Brightest Diamond, opening for Anoushka Shankar; Taylor McFerrin, part of Robert Glasper’s R+R=NOW ensemble; and Kaki King. King, who demonstrated her extraordinary and innovative guitar-playing skills during a special “Sneak Peek” presentation Brooklyn Roads attended at BRIC House on May 1, will play a set prior to the screening of the classic anime film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Valley of the Wind.

Decemberists _Celebrate Brooklyn-061411-The Decemberists-Al Pereira (59)

The Decemberists at Celebrate Brooklyn! /photo by Al Pereira

Brooklyn’s own Grizzly Bear shares the bill with Spoon for one of CB’s six benefit concerts, while local rock band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead takes the stage for another. The other four feature The Decemberists; Vance Joy and Alice Merton; Courtney Barnett with Julien Baker and Vagabon; and Jason Mraz and Brett Dennen.

Gary Clark Jr. / photo by Al Pereira

Other noteworthy scheduled performers include The Jayhawks, The Breeders, Toshi Reagon, Gary Clark Jr., Branford Marsalis, Brandi Carlile, Ruthie Foster, Kronos Quartet, Latin rapper Mala Rodriguez and reggae star Tarrus Riley, as well as an evening of rap, hip-hop and soul with Noname, Topaz Jones and Jazze Belle, and a Leonard Cohen tribute by Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal.

More information, including show dates and times, can be found on the BRIC Arts website. Look for reviews and other Celebrate Brooklyn! coverage in upcoming editions of Brooklyn Roads.

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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