While other multi-venue ‘industry fests’ have fallen by the wayside, or were cancelled before they even started, Brooklyn’s Northside has only grown, including a full-fledged ‘Innovation’ portion that probably brings in far more money than Music. But music did come, Thursday-to-Sunday, June 9th-12th, to Williamsburg & Greenpoint:
McCarren Park
The Felice Brothers
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Northside went country for Saturday at McCarren Park, starting with the roots-revival of The Felice Brothers. The group is years removed (and one Felice down) from their early rockin’ days, presenting a sadder face, even slightly listless (save for singer/accordion player James Felice – QRO interview), but still had a few tub-thumping numbers (though no “Whiskey In My Whiskey”…). Their new album Life In the Dark comes out June 24th.
Conor Oberst
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Maybe The Felice Brothers had to conserve some energy, because they were doing double-duty on the day & this tour, also serving as backing band for Mr. Bright Eyes himself, Conor Oberst.
Remember when Conor Oberst was insufferable and annoying? When he did heavy-handed anti-war songs & lame country-rock in between his usual job being too precious?
Well, Oberst has gotten older & gotten better. While the millennials can weep & can’t even, he’s grown into his status and skill, balancing emotion & beauty with country-roots. Having The Felice Brothers as his backing band hasn’t hurt, either. Indeed, they all did a Felice Brothers song, “Rockefeller Druglaw Blues” – and closed with return of the “lost Felice Brother,” former member Simone!
Oberst also welcomed co-headliner Kacey Musgraves on stage for one of her songs – and yes, he still did “First Day of My Life”…
Kacey Musgraves
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Sweet (and pretty) songstresses are oh so hot right now, and Kacey Musgraves certainly fits that bill. She definitely does have a great Texas twang, right down to the neon cacti behind her & her band. Fans sang along to her songs like “Follow Your Arrow”, plus covers such as Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, TLC’s “No Scrubs”, Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin’” (with guest Oberst), and, hardly a surprise-but still welcome, close with “These Boots Are Made For Walking”.
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Other notes:
-At McCarren Park there was some sort of obstacle course sponsored by Jack Link’s Jerky, to win a year’s supply of jerky. Not exactly the food of Williamsburg (Kashi Vegan’s free truck was more appropriate), and possibly the only person who’d want a year’s supply of jerky would be an end-of-the-world prepper (and he’d want it all at once, as soon as possible…).
Unfortunately missed:
– King Khan & The Shrines (QRO live review) @ Brooklyn Bowl (QRO venue review). Tried to enter after Kacey Musgraves, but the place had hit its badge limit – not the first time this has happened at Brooklyn Bowl during Northside ’16.
