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BAMcafé Live reflects ‘dynamism of Brooklyn music scene’

Celebrating 15th Year, Program Returns Sept. 12

September 11, 2014 By Samantha Samel Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Darrell M. McNeill, associate producer of music programming at BAM, has curated BAMcafé live for the past several years.
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Celebrating its 15th year, BAMcafé Live returns this season with a vast array of performances, including everything from jazz and Celtic to hip-hop and rock, and featuring artists from Brooklyn and around the world.

Beginning Sept. 12 and 13 with Don Byron Quartet, the program takes place on select Friday and Saturday nights through May 2015. Darrell M. McNeill, associate producer of music programming at BAM, who has curated BAMcafé live for the past several years, has designed a particularly diverse season.                                                              

Each year, McNeill makes an effort to produce a lineup that is innovative and relevant to Brooklyn. “Most of the changes in BAMcafé Live are a direct result of the changes in Brooklyn over the last 15 years, with a major transition from Manhattan to Brooklyn as a cultural nexus,” he tells the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.  

“A much larger music and arts community has emerged in Brooklyn, and residents no longer need to travel across the river for a rich, entertaining experience. We have worked hard to stay attuned to the new dynamism of the Brooklyn music scene while staying committed to the diversity in cultures, genres and talent available,” McNeill explains. “Of course, we are committed to maintaining the same standard of quality performances for which BAM is world renowned.”

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McNeill has noticed that while there is a group that regularly attends BAMcafé Live events, the audience varies each week as the performances are so diverse. His hope is that the audience at any given event will walk away with a “rich musical experience and, hopefully, a willingness to engage in new discoveries.”

When curating each season, McNeill makes sure to note certain months, such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month, so that he can emphasize “a significant number of culturally relevant performers.”

BAMcafé Live also represents an eclectic mix of local artists and national/international performers. “That’s what Brooklyn is – this crossroads of locals and national/international transplants,” McNeill tells the Eagle. Anyone who truly loves music, I believe, seeks out great music, irrespective of genre. That’s what I want BAMcafé Live to represent.”

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The Fall schedule is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:30 p.m. — Don Byron Quartet

Friday, Sept. 19, 10 p.m. — SOURCE360 and BAMcafé Live: Pass the Mic: Ladies First—A Night of Women Emcees

Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 p.m.  — SOURCE360 and BAMcafé Live: International Hip-Hop Night

Friday, Sept.  26, 10 p.m. — Sonnymoon

Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 p.m.   — Morley

Friday, Oct. 3, 9 p.m. — Ashley Davis

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 p.m. — Fred Ho Memorial: A Scientific Soul Green Monster Big Band Tribute

Friday, Oct. 17, 9:30 p.m. — Digital Diaspora

Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:30 p.m. — Kinobe & The Wamu Spirit

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For further details regarding performers, see bam.org.

 


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