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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BAM R&B Festival

The Suffers. Photo courtesy of the artists
On June 8, the BAM R&B Festival at MetroTech Commons in Downtown Brooklyn begins its 23rd season with a dynamic slate of live R&B, soul, and jazz. It includes familiar names—Ramsey Lewis, or the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band—plus new finds, chosen by longtime producer Danny Kapilian. Here’s a brief overview of the series lineup, which takes place on Thursdays from noon to 2pm, free of charge.

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.

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