Pete Yorn and Band Rock Out in Greenpoint

November 26, 2019 by B.L. Howard

Dave and Willie-Yearn for Yorn / photo by B.L.Howard

Yearning for Yorn / photo by B.L.Howard

The Pete Yorn faithful packed Greenpoint Brooklyn’s Warsaw concert venue on November 9, 2019, eager to hear this New Jersey native’s fiery brand of melodic rock. There were even sign-bearing followers from his home state, creating a unique live musical experience.

Pete Yorn on stage at Warsaw / photo by Will Oliver

This was a rare Brooklyn stop on Pete Yorn’s multi-city, full-band tour, just after his solo “You and Me” acoustic tour earlier in 2019. Yorn, who released Caretakers (his eighth studio album and first since 2016’s Arranging Time) this past August, began by thanking the Brooklyn duo, Surf Rock Is Dead, for their high-energy opening set and telling concert goers that although he enjoyed the acoustic dates, it was time for some electric music. Aptly supported by bassist John Spiker, drummer Scott Siever and keyboardist Joe Kennedy, Yorn opened with “Idols (We Don’t Ever Have to Say Goodbye)” and had the crowd swaying and rocking to each song.

Pete Yorn and Bandmates at Warsaw /photo by Will Oliver

His 21-song, 90-minute set included “On Your Side,” an anthem-like rendition of “Strange Condition,” from Musicforthemorningafter, his 2001 debut album, along with “Halifax” from Arranging Time, “Turn of the Century” from his Day I Forgot album and a healthy selection of songs from Caretakers, that included “Calm Down,” “POV,” “Can’t Stop You” and “Try,” which he ended with a bit of “Heroes,” a fitting tribute to David Bowie. Yorn concluded the musical night with a searing acoustic rendition of “Closet” from Musicforthemorningafter, much to the delight of the exuberant crowd in attendance.

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.

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