Exploring Brooklyn-From NOLA!

October 13, 2021 by Ray Fontaine

Editor’s Note-

Even though contributor “Creator” Ray Fontaine relocated to New Orleans, she fondly recalls some of her Brooklyn music captures:

From basement parties in the dead of winter to warm summer nights spent at Prospect Park for the Celebrate Brooklyn! concert series, my time with Brooklyn Roads Magazine took me on a musical journey to explore artists of all genres and levels of fame. I hold dearly my memories dancing sweatily in the packed venues like the Bushwick Public House, Brooklyn Bowl and Baby’s All Right, in between fiercely snapping photos and typing notes on my phone!

The greatest delight of working the photopit derives from the number of epic music festivals Brooklyn hosts each year. Afropunk brought incredible food, poetry, art, shopping, music and activist initiatives together in one thriving space. The entire festival vibrated every year with culture and celebration. Alternatively, the Northside Festival blended science, innovation, and music seamlessly into a wide array of venues across the Northside of Brooklyn, creating a scavenger hunt of performances and events for Brooklyn locals to engage with.

Today I live in New Orleans, a city filled with music and art, but I still long for Brooklyn nights, where the streets reverberated with throttling force of the subway underneath you on your way to take in a show.

: Summer Mix With Aimee Mann/ photo by Ray Fontaine

: Call Me Latasha / photo by Ray Fontaine

: Iris Lune/ photo by Ray Fontaine

: Miguel /photo by Ray Fontaine

: Lucite Tokki / photo by Ray Fontaine

: Superchunk / photo by Ray Fontaine

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.

... read article