February: A Short Month That’s Long on the Music We Love

January 24, 2018 by David K. Moseder

Jason Isbell at Celebrate Brooklyn! /photo by Al Pereira

For lovers of great music, every day in February is Valentine’s Day in Brooklyn. The year’s shortest month is long on great sounds from local artists and visiting performers alike. Here is a sampling:

Grammy-winning roots singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, who wowed the crowd at Celebrate Brooklyn! in 2015, returns to our borough on February 3. This time he’s performing at Kings Theatre with his band, The 400 Unit, and opening act James McMurtry.

Williamsburg-based Latin rockers Cartagena the Band play at Pete’s Candy Store on February 9. Two popular local bands – Sleigh Bells and Sunflower Bean – take the stage at Brooklyn Steel on February 13. Four nights later there, another home-grown act, Rubblebucket, opens for New Orleans quintet Galactic.

Antibalas / photo by Al Pereira

February highlights at Brooklyn Bowl include the legendary reggae band The Wailers on the 14^th and 15^th, followed by Brooklyn’s own Antibalas on the 17^th and, for country music fans, Corey Smith on the 28^th. On the 17^th, Barclays Center presents “Ladies Night R&B Super Jam,” with Xscaoe, Bobby Brown, Bell Biv Devoe, K-CI & JoJo, Faith Evans, Tank, Stokley (of Mint Condition) and Blackstreet. The Bell House closes out February with two nights of Modern Lovers founder Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkins on drums.

New Music Update

Andrew VanWyngarden / photo by Al Pereira

MGMT’s long-awaited fourth album, Little Dark Age, debuts February 9. The duo’s current tour includes shows at Kings Theatre and Brooklyn Steel on March 24 and 25, respectively. On February 15, First Acoustics present Carolann Solebello’s Hometown CD Release show. The new album, the follow-up to 2014’s Steel and Salt, is called Shiver. The following evening, Brooklyn Raga Massive presents a CD release party for Sameer Gupta’s A Circle Has No Beginning at Littlefield. The Brandee Younger Trio will open the show. Lucius’ new acoustic album, Nudes, is slated for a March 2 debut. Williamsburg duo Matt and Kim have a brand new single and video called “Forever.” You can catch it online now and hear them sing it live when the play Brooklyn Steel n April 28. India-born Marine Park singer-songwriter Nishi Rajan is currently finishing production on her new album Master of My Fate; stay tuned. Belated congrats to Fabolous and Jadakiss, whose Friday on Elm Street debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 in December. For Brooklyn rapper Fabolous, this is his sixth top 10 album.

Beyond Brooklyn

Local artists playing just across the East River in February include Joan Osborne at Highline Ballroom on the 10^th, American Nomads the following evening at Mercury Lounge, and Garland Jeffreys at City Winery on the 24^th.

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.

... read article