Summer Music Preview: Festivals and Fanfare

May 12, 2023 by David K. Moseder

As summer approaches, Brooklyn’s music scene is heating up with an array of festivals bringing some of the best local, national and international performers to a number of outdoor stages. Those who prefer indoor seating will have a variety of big-name acts to choose from at the borough’s two major music venues. Here is a sampling of what’s on tap this summer.

The 45^th edition of Brooklyn’s premier summer music event, Celebrate Brooklyn!, kicks off on June 7. While the full schedule hasn’t been announced yet, the festival promises to be an outstanding one if the bookend shows are any indication. Blues Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner Taj Mahal headlines the opener with supporting acts Corrine Bailey Rae (also a Grammy winner) and The Harlem Gospel Travelers, whose new album, Look Up!, was produced by Brooklyn’s own Eli Paperboy Reed. The closing show on Aug. 24 marks the return to Celebrate Brooklyn! of The Head and the Heart, owners of multiple Gold and Platinum records.

The early summer edition of the 9th Brooklyn Americana Music Festival is set for June 23-25. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo Archway, Jalopy Theatre and Superfine are among the performance sites. Participating artists include festival founder Jan Bell, Crown Heights-born KJ Denhert and Jalopy regular Feral Foster, along with Crys Matthews, Justin Golden, Tiger Alley, Saudia Young, Albanie Falletta, the UK’s Dannia Nicholls, and acapella trio Mikey and The Rib Eyes.

: Taj Mahal / courtesy of Celebrate Brooklyn!

: Crys Matthews /photo by Quincie Hydock / courtesy of BKAMF

: The Harlem Gospel Travelers/ courtesy of Celebrate Brooklyn!

: The Head and The Heart /© by B.L.Howard Productions

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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