The Photo Pit Finds a Familiar Home at Celebrate Brooklyn!

May 21, 2020 by Al Pereira

: David Byrne

: Janelle Monae

: Ornette Coleman

: St.Vincent

: Trombone Shorty

: Valerie June

Brooklyn Roads’ Contributing Photographer Al Pereira shares some thoughts and masterful images from Celebrate Brooklyn!

With summer fast approaching and the stay-indoors order continuing to give us all the nudge inside, I started thinking about Brooklyn Roads Magazine and, specifically, what this fine space might actually call its “home.” It kept bringing me back to the one place synonymous with our summer coverage and that would be the storied Prospect Park Bandshell and the fabulous Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival.

Much like the lyrics in the Madness song, “Our House,” Celebrate adheres to the concept of “There’s always something happening, and it’s usually quite loud!” This approach, of course, delights the throngs of music, dance and movie fans from our borough, myself included, as well as from those other four (whatever their names are) and even Jersey and the Island who travel in for the events. Painting in broad strokes with a wildly colorful array of genres and styles every season, the annual Festival’s penchant for mixing the hip with the important, the timely with the timeless, and the local with the intergalactic seldom disappoints.

And while the lights might be off on Celebrate Brooklyn! for this summer, it’s sure to return with the usual flair when we all get to kick the pause button off for good. And I, for one, can’t wait. In the meantime, I’d like to share a few of my favorite moments taken at some recent summer jams, in their own curved photo pit. Whenever Celebrate opens for business again, be assured that Brooklyn Roads Magazine will be there to help bring it to you.

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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