Long Play Festival Brings the World to Brooklyn

April 25, 2024 by David K. Moseder

Brooklyn’s annual Long Play Festival, organized by Bang on a Can , is set for May 3-5 . The festival will feature more than five dozen concerts covering a great variety of music genres. Performers from all over the world will share stages with local talent at several venues, including Brooklyn Academy of Music (Opera House, BAMcafé and Stoop), BRIC Ballroom, Murmrr Theatre, Public Records, Roulette Intermedium and The Space at Irondale.

Musicians will perform pop, jazz, Afrobeat, soul, R&B, hip hop, techno, classical and opera, or, in the words of the festival’s curators, “music that is loud and soft, music that is driving and meditative, music that is for winding up and for winding down.”

Alex Paxton/ photo by Elischa Kaminer/ courtesy of the artist

Among the highly anticipated highlights are the U.S. debut of U.K. trombonist-composer Alex Paxton; “Correspondences,” a joint project between Soundwalk Collective and iconic New York singer-songwriter-poet Patti Smith; American Opera Projects’ “The Great Dictionary of the Yiddish Language”; the Bang on a Can All-Stars’ tribute to world-renowned Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and the return to Brooklyn of Deerhoof, one of the most highly revered experimental bands of the last 30 years.

Marc Ribot /photo by Ebru Yildiz/courtesy of the artist

Brooklyn’s own talent is well represented as well and includes multi-genre guitarist-composer Marc Ribot, whose 40-year-plus career includes collaboration with the likes of Elvis Costello and Tom Waits, will accompany Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” with his new score.

DoYeon Kim and her quartet bring traditional Korean music into the 21^st century. Pop diva, pianist, and music storyteller Du Yun fronts OK Miss, an all-star avant-garde band. Violinist and composer Jessica Pavone, an alumnus of Brooklyn College, explores alternative avenues for musical expression with the J. Pavone String ensemble. Lima, Peru-born Brooklynite Maria Chavez will play her distinctive brand of experimental and electronic music.

The Mivos Quartet / photo by Andrej Grilc /courtesy of the artists

The Mivos Quartet, which includes a pair of which includes a pair of Brooklyn-connected violinists, Maya Bennardo and Victor Lowrie Tafoya, will perform works of Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Steve Reich. Local sisters Shayna and Nava Dunkelman front NOMON, featuring a blend of percussion, drum machine and synthesizers. Brooklyn College alumnus Jessica Pavone fronts the J. Pavone String ensemble.

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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