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Showing posts with label BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Twenty-Five Years of Legendary Performances at MetroTech
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
“We have to keep on fighting”—Music and Activism at the R&B Festival at MetroTech
The lineup for this year’s outdoor R&B Festival at MetroTech includes new voices and established masters alike, from the worlds of R&B, funk, gospel, soul, jazz, and world music. Performances take place every Thursday at noon through Aug 9, and each concert is FREE and open to the public. Here, Marketing Intern Nadege Nau explores sociopolitical commentary in the work of a few of this summer's featured artists.
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| Delgres. |
By Nadege Nau
If the work of J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino is any indication, recording artists are seizing the moment to grapple with injustice and musically highlight the downtrodden realities of America. It follows that multiple artists at this year’s R&B Festival at MetroTech are channeling social dissonance in their music, too. Marcus Miller composed the score for the film Marshall (featuring this track performed by Andra Day and Common), while others are leveraging soothing harmonies and live instrumentation to express their grievances.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
2018 BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech
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| Ranky Tank. Photo courtesy the artists. |
Way back on June 15, 1995, the BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech opened with the great Percy Sledge:
“When a man loves a woman
Can’t keep his mind on nothing else
He’ll trade the world
For the good thing he’s found”
Those universal words of love are where our journey began—and now, 240 live performances later, the BAM R&B Festival has sustained that musical message of love with the same deep soul throughout.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
BAM R&B Festival
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| The Suffers. Photo courtesy of the artists |
Jun 8—Ramsey Lewis was named a Jazz Master by the NEA. He has 80 albums, seven gold, and three Grammys. He became a fixture on the 1950s Chicago jazz scene, and worked with Earth, Wind & Fire, who appeared on his 1974 album Sun Goddess.
Jun 15—Raul Midón sang backup for Shakira and worked with Stevie Wonder. This emotionally powerful singer is known for his improvisational mouth-horn technique, performing a “trumpet” solo with his mouth.
Jun 22—The Suffers of Houston, TX comprises 10 members. Its “Gulf Coast Soul” braids in threads of rock, Latin, country, and southern hip-hop. Its big horn section and vocals by Kam Franklin have earned accolades and TV appearances.
Jun 29—John Hammond, acoustic guitar legend, had Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in his band—at once. This Blues Hall of Famer and Grammy winner has 33 albums to his name.
July 6—Sinkane, a four-piece led by Ahmed Gallab, offers Afrobeat cadences, funky guitar, and slinky grooves, celebrating life with a generosity of spirit.
Jul 13—Tank and The Bangas blend rhythmic soul and spoken word. This New Orleans outfit, with intriguing lyrics, funky synth, sax, and flute won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest.
Jul 20—Preservation Hall Jazz Band is the house band of New Orleans’ Preservation Hall. Now in its 50th year, the group combines a reverence for deep tradition with fresh explorations.
Jul 27—El Septeto Santiaguero of Cuba explores and updates traditional son music. Its seven players won the 2015 Latin Grammy (Best Traditional Tropical Album), honing their chops at the famed Casa de la Trova nightclub.
Aug 3—Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles are a six-piece led by Henry, who debuted at the Apollo. Henry has won two Grammys with Snarky Puppy and has a huge fanbase.
Aug 10—Liv Warfield, Judith Hill, and Shelby J: Love 4 One Another are proteges of Prince, and continue his incomparable legacy under his charity’s namesake.
Need more? Check out a playlist of this year's artists over on Spotify.
Forest City Ratner Companies is Presenting Sponsor of BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Preview:
Shuggie Otis
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Shuggie Otis
Thu, Aug 8 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
In a nutshell:
Son of R&B legend Johnny Otis and guitar prodigy who recently returned to the limelight after almost four decades of silence.
Genres:
Psychedelic soul, analog drum machine funk
Free
In a nutshell:
Son of R&B legend Johnny Otis and guitar prodigy who recently returned to the limelight after almost four decades of silence.
Genres:
Psychedelic soul, analog drum machine funk
Thursday, July 18, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Preview:
Fatoumata Diawara
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
 |
| Photo: Fatoumata Diawara |
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Fatoumata Diawara
Thu, Jul 18 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
In a nutshell:
Malian singer and guitarist described by The Telegraph as “the most beguiling talent to hit the world music scene in some time.”
Genres:
Jazz, pop, and funk filtered through the Malian sound
Free
In a nutshell:
Malian singer and guitarist described by The Telegraph as “the most beguiling talent to hit the world music scene in some time.”
Jazz, pop, and funk filtered through the Malian sound
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Preview:
Sly & Robbie
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
 |
| Photo: Sly & Robbie |
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Sly & Robbie
Thu, Jul 11 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
In a nutshell:
A crack Jamaican rhythm section and production duo.
Genres:
Reggae, dancehall, dub
What to Know:
Sly & Robbie are estimated to have played on over 200,000 tracks, which essentially means that when you think of reggae, you think of them. Jimmy Cliff, the Mighty Diamonds, Toots and the Maytals, and Black Uhuru are on their infinite list of collaborators, but so are Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Herbie Hancock, which should give some indication of their remarkable versatility. At MetroTech, they’re joined by William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke from the popular Jamaican reggae band Third World.
You might like them if you like:
Mighty Diamonds, Toots and the Maytals, or any other music that has ever come from the island of Jamaica.
Appropriateness for getting down / getting it on:
50% / 50%
What to do about lunch:
Stop by Fisherman’s Dawta at 407 Atlantic Avenue near Bond. The jerk chicken is only $10 and comes with rice and steamed cabbage galore.
Free
In a nutshell:
A crack Jamaican rhythm section and production duo.
Reggae, dancehall, dub
What to Know:
Sly & Robbie are estimated to have played on over 200,000 tracks, which essentially means that when you think of reggae, you think of them. Jimmy Cliff, the Mighty Diamonds, Toots and the Maytals, and Black Uhuru are on their infinite list of collaborators, but so are Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Herbie Hancock, which should give some indication of their remarkable versatility. At MetroTech, they’re joined by William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke from the popular Jamaican reggae band Third World.
Mighty Diamonds, Toots and the Maytals, or any other music that has ever come from the island of Jamaica.
50% / 50%
Stop by Fisherman’s Dawta at 407 Atlantic Avenue near Bond. The jerk chicken is only $10 and comes with rice and steamed cabbage galore.
Monday, July 1, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech:
Avery*Sunshine
By Robert Wood
Avery*Sunshine
Wed, Jul 3 at 12pm
In a nutshell:
A powerful soul singer and keyboardist with deep roots in the music of the church.
Genres:
Soul with a soft spot for the 1960s.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Avery*Sunshine
Wed, Jul 3 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
Free
In a nutshell:
A powerful soul singer and keyboardist with deep roots in the music of the church.
Genres:
Soul with a soft spot for the 1960s.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech:
Stooges Brass Band
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year through August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Stooges Brass Band
Thu, Jun 27 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
In a nutshell:
A tuba-driven brass outfit that nudges the exuberant New Orleans parade sound squarely into R&B and hip-hop territory.
Genres:
Straight-up Mardi Gras parade music, hip-hop over tuba bass, R&B
What to Know:
They recently won the Best Brass Band title at New Orleans’ Red Bull Street Kings Contest. But what’s really impressive about this group is how nimbly they go from more traditional second-line sounds (like this) to songs that could easily top the R&B and hip-hop charts (like this). Hardly a French Quarter tourist attraction, this band is a living, breathing embodiment of a new New Orleans.
Free
In a nutshell:
A tuba-driven brass outfit that nudges the exuberant New Orleans parade sound squarely into R&B and hip-hop territory.
Genres:
Straight-up Mardi Gras parade music, hip-hop over tuba bass, R&B
What to Know:
They recently won the Best Brass Band title at New Orleans’ Red Bull Street Kings Contest. But what’s really impressive about this group is how nimbly they go from more traditional second-line sounds (like this) to songs that could easily top the R&B and hip-hop charts (like this). Hardly a French Quarter tourist attraction, this band is a living, breathing embodiment of a new New Orleans.
Monday, June 17, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Preview:
Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year until August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year until August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat
Thu, Jun 20 at 12pm
MetroTech Commons | map
Free
In a nutshell:
A 13-member Afrobeat ensemble in the tradition of the great, politically outspoken Nigerian bands from the 70s and 80s.
Genres:
Afrobeat, Nigerian juju, highlife, funk
What to Know:
The group’s leader, the Benin-born singer and guitarist Kaleta, grew up playing guitar in Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé’s bands. In other words, Zozo's music has been washed in the blood of the Nigerian groove gods themselves.The group also carries on the Afrobeat tradition of pull-no-punches political commentary, speaking out against the injustices of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, the proliferation of guns, and other relevant topics. “Politics is essential to Afrobeat music,” says Kaleta. “We speak truth to power.”
Trivia:
Kaleta performs songs in no fewer than seven languages: English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Goun, Fon, Ewe, and French.
You might like them if you like:
Fela Kuti, Antibalas, Tony Allen, King Sunny Ade
Appropriateness for getting down / getting it on:
90% / 10%
What to do about lunch:
Without any Nigerian food in the neighborhood, you’ll have to get creative. How about this: “Zozo” comes from the Goun and Fon word meaning “something hot,” so we suggest Mexican. Fast & Fresh Burrito Deli (84 Hoyt, between Atlantic and State) is cheap and good, serving chorizo tortas, adobo and jalapeno-smothered pork tacos, and plenty more that fits the spicy bill.
Free
In a nutshell:
A 13-member Afrobeat ensemble in the tradition of the great, politically outspoken Nigerian bands from the 70s and 80s.
Genres:
Afrobeat, Nigerian juju, highlife, funk
What to Know:
The group’s leader, the Benin-born singer and guitarist Kaleta, grew up playing guitar in Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé’s bands. In other words, Zozo's music has been washed in the blood of the Nigerian groove gods themselves.The group also carries on the Afrobeat tradition of pull-no-punches political commentary, speaking out against the injustices of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, the proliferation of guns, and other relevant topics. “Politics is essential to Afrobeat music,” says Kaleta. “We speak truth to power.”
Trivia:
Kaleta performs songs in no fewer than seven languages: English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Goun, Fon, Ewe, and French.
You might like them if you like:
Fela Kuti, Antibalas, Tony Allen, King Sunny Ade
Appropriateness for getting down / getting it on:
90% / 10%
What to do about lunch:
Without any Nigerian food in the neighborhood, you’ll have to get creative. How about this: “Zozo” comes from the Goun and Fon word meaning “something hot,” so we suggest Mexican. Fast & Fresh Burrito Deli (84 Hoyt, between Atlantic and State) is cheap and good, serving chorizo tortas, adobo and jalapeno-smothered pork tacos, and plenty more that fits the spicy bill.
Monday, June 10, 2013
BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Preview: Bobby Rush
By Robert Wood
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year from June 6 until August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year from June 6 until August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing takeout from a nearby restaurant and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Bobby Rush
Tell-it-like-it-is former Chitlin’ Circuit star and Chicago bluesman who tends towards the bawdy.
Genres:
Dirty funk and backroom electric blues
What to Know:
During live performances of his single “I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya” (see below), it isn't uncommon for Rush to address large portions of the song to his backup singers’ backsides, which have been known to respond in turn. Also telling: Rush’s single “Chicken Heads” was a perfect fit when used in the Samuel L. Jackson/Christina Ricci film Black Snake Moan, a racy piece of pulp cinema in which Ricci spends a significant amount of time chained to a radiator. But bawdiness aside, Rush absolutely owns the stage, and his consummate showmanship and bluesy funk are not to be missed.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
MetroTech Preview: Mint Condtiion
by Robert Wood
Mint Condition
Ridiculously suave Twin Cities contemporary R&B band celebrating their 20th anniversary.
What to know:
Kings of the come-hither slow-jam and deeply influenced by fellow Minneapolis native Prince, Mint Condition truly arrived when it was hand-picked by the latter to be a part of his Welcome 2 America tour, which also featured acts like Maceo Parker, Chaka Khan, and the indomitable Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. Its single “Not My Daddy” (featuring Kelly Price) was nominated for two Grammys, and it remains one of the few high-profile self-contained black R&B bands around.
The BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech—BAM's free summertime showcase of heavy hitters from R&B, reggae, funk, and other genres—runs this year from June 6 until August 8, with concerts happening (almost) every Thursday at noon. That means lunchtime for most folks, so for the full MetroTech experience, we suggest bringing a meal and making an afternoon (or a long lunch break) out of it if you can. Check back every week for these previews, which will also suggest appropriate eats to enjoy along with the music, and pigeons, in Downtown Brooklyn.
Mint Condition
Ridiculously suave Twin Cities contemporary R&B band celebrating their 20th anniversary.
What to know:
Kings of the come-hither slow-jam and deeply influenced by fellow Minneapolis native Prince, Mint Condition truly arrived when it was hand-picked by the latter to be a part of his Welcome 2 America tour, which also featured acts like Maceo Parker, Chaka Khan, and the indomitable Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. Its single “Not My Daddy” (featuring Kelly Price) was nominated for two Grammys, and it remains one of the few high-profile self-contained black R&B bands around.
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