Festival Review: Bryant Park Presents Emerging Music Festival With A Breeze Of Fresh Talent

And so BRIC has left my life with its concert series, but I was lucky enough to catch Bryant Park’s second annual Emerging Music Festival. Here, not only did I see a cool, new batch of artists to favor, but I also saw a potential haven for future festivals: Bryant Park. This area may be known for fashion and shopping, but Bryant Park Presents, run by the Bryant Park Foundation, also saw it as a perfect setting for settling in and listening to rising artists.

Bryant Park has always been a nice spot to sit and eat lunch with friends. Set in the heart of Manhattan, just a few avenues from Times Square, this park is like a not so hidden gem to relax. Hence, the music of artists like Acid Dad and Gemma felt like a simple welcome. It was the first festival I have ever been that causally blended into its setting, and did not feel like a sensational event. Instead, the Emerging Music Festival felt like something that has and should be done all the time.

The vast music of the night, from the Afrobeat inspired funk band EMEFE to the stunning harpist Mikaela Davis, mixed in with the warmed breeze beautifully. Nina Coveney, co-producer of the event described the festival’s goals as, “about more than just the music: our annual festival creates a beautiful summer night on the Bryant Park lawn with beer and wine for sale, delicious food from local vendors, and a whole bunch of lawn games to complete the experience.” What a perfect summation for a perfect achievement! The festival felt special in itself, without a any spectacle, just good music and good people. Moreover, there was some really good food and free blankets for those that decided the green grass was a better view than the abundant benches and tables.

Here Are The Musical Acts Chosen To Prove NYC  The Home For All Music:

Odetta Hartman

Hartman feels like the Janis Joplin of folk music. She has a rasp that can summon vulnerability and a sweet desire. The dichotomy of her voice and demeanor, definitely explain why she is an emerging artist. 

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=614738325/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=7137dc/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

Mikaela Davis

There is nothing like an illustrious harp fine-tuning pop songs in a summer’s night. How do I know this? Because Mikaela Davis played angelic harp and sang with a soft, lush voice that made it seem as if the stars over Bryant Park were readying to sit with us on the green grass.

https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2716799744/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=7137dc/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

Acid Dad

If psychedelia and punk rock had a baby, they would call it Acid Dad. Probably the most vivacious act of the night, this band was the perfect sonic chaos to contrast the calm of Bryant Park. 

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Emefe

This band was the perfect capper for the night. The Afro-beat/ 80’s pop mix left everyone ending their night feeling good and with a chance to say they dance it away. 

For More Information on Bryant Park Presents.