Marching into a Musical Month

May 16, 2015 by B.L. Howard

Bjork Photo courtesy of Aartnet.com

Cold weather got you down? Can’t feel your nose, toes, and everything in between? Well grab your fish oils and a glass of milk to stop that Vitamin D deficiency and remind yourself of why you stick it out through these cold New York months: the music, of course! While the reliability of the snow-filled and freezing forecasts has proven shaky, we can certainly guarantee a (early) spring in your step with the upcoming musical events throughout our favorite borough.

In an update to our recent report of the new Kings Theater restoration and opening, a proper baptism by fire was performed at the venue on February 3rd by the legendary Diana Ross in the most supreme fashion. Hoping to become a premiere arts center for both popular artists and the community of Brooklyn, the theater boasts an impressive set list for the upcoming months, including performances by the talented Sarah McLachlan, the ever- eclectic Björk and the Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, all in the month of March. As we get closer to summer, the theater will host a diverse group of acts, such as electronic favorites, Passion Pit, and Kensington resident Sufjan Stevens in May, sure to impress music aficionados both young and old.

Passion Pit Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

For the insatiable ear, embrace your inner-feminist, when the Brooklyn Museum hosts “Women Changemakers,” for their Target First Saturday series. Included in this diverse night of hands-on art, multiple workshops, and film are the sounds of Alissia and the Funketeers, Princess Nokia, the singer and voice behind the Smart Girl Club radio show and the DJ duo JSMN and MeLo-X, spinning reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, house, and electronic music. Of course, there is crowd favorite BAM, which features a special Taiko drum ensemble, Kodo, alongside a dance and instrumental performance from March 19th-21st, as well as the Music Hall of Williamsburg, who hosts artists Brandi Carlile, Milky Chance, and Brooklyn natives The Lone Bellow, all during March.

And, just as the memories of summer nights become but waning dreams, the announcement of BRIC’s annual Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Prospect Park Bandshell has finally restored our faith in temperatures above freezing. The premature set-list includes a wide variety of artists, from the fabulous funk of Chaka Khan to folk artist Damien Rice, New York indie natives Interpol, and the always soothing Willie Nelson. We can feel the cool breeze on our sun-kissed skin already…

So don’t fret fellow Brooklynites. With so much to look forward to, let’s make good of Punxsutawney Phil’s endless wintery forecast and start planning our upcoming musical months today. Just make sure to avoid the ice when you dance along in preemptive excitement to your buzzing headphones.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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