Sizzling Summer Sounds: The Return of Celebrate Brooklyn!

May 23, 2022 by David K. Moseder

Kamasi Washiington / photo courtesy of Strategic Heights Media

The 44^th annual Celebrate Brooklyn! summer concert series is set to kick off in Prospect Park on June 8. More than three dozen artists representing a variety of musical genres will take the stage of the Lena Horne Bandshell during the eight-week-plus season.

Maxi Priest Pensive_photo by Rob Blackham courtesy of Ndless Entertainment

A Pensive Maxi Priest /photo by Rob Blackham /courtesy of Ndless Entertainment

Opening night is a coast-to-coast affair, with Los Angeles-born multi-instrumentalist Kamasi Washington headlining, supported by Chicago R&B singer Ravyn Lenae and Brooklyn’s own DJ Reborn. August 6th closing night’s headliner is Nigerian singer/songwriter Yemi Alade, emblematic of the strong international flavor of this year’s Celebrate Brooklyn! festival.

Performers representing other nations include British reggae fusion sensation Maxi Priest (with Brooklyn’s Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra opening), New Zealand pop band The Beths, supported by Canada’s Charlotte Cornfield; Colombian singer/songwriter Fonseca, winner of five Latin Grammy Awards; and – how’s this for international – Berlin-based Norwegian-Brazilian singer Charlotte Dos Santos, opening for L.A.’s Chicano Batman.

Crumb / Photo by Third Pupil / courtesy of Orienteer PR

Back on the local front, Brooklyn’s own Crumb, a psych-rock/dream-pop quartet with two full-length albums under their belts, headlines a concert, while up-and-coming local poet Aja Monet shares a bill with acclaimed Chicago rapper Vic Mensa.

Launching Celebrate Brooklyn’s 2022 benefit concert series is iconic L.A.-based singer/songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, a multiple Grammy nominee and winner of several independent music awards. Among her Brooklyn connections are collaborations she has done with Matt Berenger/The National, Kid Cudi and 2017 CB! benefit headliner Conor Oberst. Bridgers headlines June 14 and 15, followed on the 16^th by Afrobeats icon Davido, who blends traditional African elements with his own brand of mainstream pop.

Khruangbin / photo by Pooneh Ghana / courtesy of Shore Fire Media

The final two benefits are headlined by Khruangbin, August 4, and Erykah Badu, August 5. Khruangbin is a three-piece band from Houston, Texas, with Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald Johnson on drums. They blend elements of funk, psychedelia, and surf rock, among other influences. Arguably the biggest name in this year’s CB! Lineup, Badu has recorded a number of gold and platinum albums and multiple top-10 R&B singles over the last 25 years, earning her the well-deserved sobriquet “Queen of Neo Soul.”

Rounding out the season is NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest; Juneteenth Unityfest; Cirque Kalabenté family show; Kronos Quartet‘s A Thousand Thoughts and Ragmala Dance Company‘s Sacred Earth.

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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