The 4th Annual Festival took place September 20 -23, 2018. Opening Night Gala at The Fabulous Jalopy Theatre, five brilliant sets of musicians, including just back from European tour, founders of The Be Good Tanyas: Jolie Holland and Samantha Parton. Plus Brooklyn’s own Duke of Folk Dan Zanes, Claudia Eliaza; Wild Ponies; & Giri and Uma Peters.

Dan Zanes and Claudia Eliaza. The ‘crown prince of kids music’ Grammy Winner Dan and his wife, Haitian-American jazz vocalist Music Therapist Claudia Eliaza, pictured at the premier of Night Train 57: A Sensory Friendly Comic Folk Opera at The Kennedy Center.

Although based in Nashville, Wild Ponies have always looked to Southwest Virginia — where bandmates Doug and Telisha Williams were both born and raised — for inspiration. There, in mountain towns like Galax, old-time American music continues to thrive, supported by a community of fiddlers, flat-pickers, and fans.

Giri and Uma Peters (Nashville, TN) Although young in age, the musicianship and vocal harmonies showcase a level of creativity and originality well beyond their years. They have attracted the attention of MacArthur Genius Grant awardee Rhiannon Giddens, dobro master Jerry Douglas, and guitar virtuoso Molly Tuttle.

Opening Night Gala is just the beginning of a four day extravaganza! Brooklyn Americana Music Festival comprises fifty free shows at nine locations along the spectacular New York City waterfront. FREE day time shows for all ages in Dumbo Archway & Brooklyn Bridge Park (The All-new skyline sweeping Pier 3!). Evening shows every night at beloved pioneer establishments in Red Hook and Dumbo:  Jalopy Theatre and Jalopy Tavern, Sunny’s Bar, 68 Jay Street Bar, Superfine Restaurant Bar.  New this year Singer songwriter sessions at POWERHOUSE Arena – just across from the Archway – which was voted one of the 10 best things to do in Dumbo, Brooklyn by Conde Nast Traveler. Check it out! Sunday night Songwriters In the Round at Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop – across the street from Superfine, where the closing night party features friends from New Orleans and surprise guests at 10pm.

“If you hear twangs of mandolin or fiddle wafting across the East River, it’s not carrying up the coast from Nashville — it’s the Brooklyn Americana Music Festival, taking place on several stages in Dumbo.”   – 

“Spiritual Successor: Americana jamboree revives old music and old festival. Just like American tunes grew out of an older tradition, the Brooklyn Americana festival is rooted in a previous one — it is a spiritual successor to the now-defunct Dumbo Arts Festival,” – 

10 Amazing Summer things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park – 

Kings of Americana! Bands to watch in DUMBO and Red Hook – 

The Best Live Music Brunch Spots in Brooklyn – Brooklyn Magazine

“Folk music is alive and well in Brooklyn. A number of venues and musicians are committed to keeping traditional music—including folk, Americana, bluegrass, old time, and country music—on stage.” – Explore Brooklyn, and

2017 Brooklyn Americana Music Festival biggest and best yet! Leaves Waterfront Wanting More – ‘Brooklyn Life’ DumboNYC

Significant music festival grows in Dumbo and Red Hook – Red Hook Star Revue

Variety and authenticity highlight Americana Festival-Brooklyn Roads

The 2nd Americana music festival (which was free) was something we lucked upon… most Brooklynesque – NY Times

Top Ten things to do this week – Brokelyn

Best things to do in NYC this week – METRO US  NY News

Jazzing it Up at Brooklyn Americana Festival 2018 – The Brooklyn Paper

As Seen on Channel 13, NYC ARTS in Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Summer 2018.

A few video Highlights from 2017!

Jan Bell received the ‘Dumbo Dozen’ Award in recognition of the Festival and for her innovative and impactful work in the community as the Festival Founder.

Please note that all festival entertainment is by invitation only.
We do not reply to unsolicited booking inquiries.