In preparation for this year's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, I wrote two posts for BAM's blog about some of the local bands scheduled to perform. The first post focused on Phosphorescent and Parquet Courts, two bands featured on my Spring 2013 New Music Playlist. I heard Phosphorescent's "Song for Zula" many times on The Alternate Side, KCRW and KEXP during this past week, as the heartache in the tune seemed to match the anguish over the Boston Marathon bombings and the ensuing manhunt that followed. (For another amazing example of the healing power of music, check out the full video feed of Neil Diamond's appearance at Fenway Park to sing his "Sweet Caroline" with the Boston Red Sox fans last Saturday.) Parquet Courts make a nice counterpoint, with an in-your-face life force that only young punk rock bands can deliver. The second post featured Here We Go Magic and People Get Ready. In a sign that I really like a band, I chose two songs by Here We Go Magic for my Summer 2012 New Music Playlist, "Make Up Your Mind" and "How Do I Know." Both songs offer a playful attitude over an infectious beat, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them live. People Get Ready is making a return appearance -- I caught this energetic group last year in the BAM Café. Their quirky indie pop crosses over into performance art during live gigs, as a piece at New York Live Arts was recently highlighted by NPR music.
For full schedule and ticket info visit CrossingBrooklynFerry.com.