The Photo Pit : Celebrating “Made In Brooklyn” Music Through The Lens

May 5, 2021 by B.L. Howard

Publisher’s Note:

2012 was a hallmark of a year for live music events in Brooklyn , with an awe inspiring lineup of world class musicians at The Bandshell in Prospect Park at the Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, the short lived Great Googa Mooga Festival in Prospect Park and venues like The Bell House and Southpaw bringing iconic musical talents to our hometown. I thought I’d share some images of musical moments in time from the archives and hope they evoke positive emotions and bring back some good memories in a time when positivity is sometimes hard to find.

-B. L. Howard

: Angelique Kidjo At Celebrate Brooklyn ! on June 30, 2012

: Hall & Oates At the Great Googa Mooga Festival in Prospect Park on May 20, 2012

: Laurie Anderson At Celebrate Brooklyn!

: The Del McCoury Band At Celebrate Brooklyn! on August 4, 2012

: Norah Jones At The Bell House on May 11, 2012

: The Spirit Family Reunion At Celebrate Brooklyn! on August 4, 2012

: Trombone Shorty At Celebrate Brooklyn! on June 29, 2012

: Squeeze At the Seaside Summer Concert in Coney Island on July 20 , 2012

: Eula Cooper Digging Deeper at Southpaw on January 28, 2012

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.

... read article