Photo via Aloe Blacc Myspace

Our shtick is straight-up Brooklyn here, but we took a field trip to Manhattan on Friday to watch Aloe Blacc‘s sold-out show at the Highline Ballroom. Why? Aside from the expected soul revival groupies and suited high rollers, we knew there’d be a fair share of like-minded, free-loving down-but-not-out folks like us there to hear Blacc’s lyrics of working class woes and beats catchy enough to make you forget about them. So in keeping with the theme of Blacc’s signature hit (and unofficial Brokelyn anthem) “I Need A Dollar” we found our Brooklyn brothers and sisters and asked them how they would spend their last precious George Washington. (more…)

Crazy Feelies! Crazy free! July 23 at Prospect Park.

Our summer Google Calendar is getting slathered in digital ink real quick like: those nice folks at Celebrate Brooklyn! have just released their lineup of free shows at the Prospect Park bandshell that start June 10 with Andrew Bird and end Aug. 6 with Ailey II. The big shows get a little crowded, but the secret is to make a day at the park of it: you can show up early, set up your picnic, and spend a few lovely hours in the park waiting in line for the show. So who will you be lining up to see this summer? Full lineup below, via the Village Voice:  (more…)

C'mon, look how happy they are!

The music business is in the metaphorical toilet. And you, a super talented musician, can’t get a gig, while Gwyneth Paltrow just signed a $900,000 music contract. Like I said: toilet. What’s a talented, caring person like you to do with your skills? Put down your warm can of PBR and read this ad in search of a part-time musician with a “diverse musical repertoire, including: Caribbean, reggae, gospel and standards” to play at a Brooklyn nursing home to “help enhance the quality of life and therapeutic environment“ for residents.” So while Gwyneth is being paid money she doesn’t need to make music that no one likes, you can brighten up a large group of people by playing music you all enjoy.

The London Souls, Monday at Brooklyn Bowl

It’s that time of the week again. That’s right, you guessed it: cheap music in Brooklyn time. Power up your Monday with a set by The London Souls at the Brooklyn Bowl. Ease your way through the week with Ayumi Ishito at Coco 66 and Druthers at Bruar Falls. Conclude the almost end of your work week with some feral DJ action at Zebulon. You know the deal, nothing more than $5. (more…)

The Kickdrums, free at BK Bowl tonight

This week’s mantra is, “as always, all shows are $5 or less.”  From The Kickdrums tonight to Hallelujah on Thursday, you can say it again as you welcome in the first days of March: “as always, all shows are $5 or less.” And just in case you didn’t hear me over the prattling post-Oscar, Omigod-did-you-see-her-dress commentary likely taking place right beside your desk, “as always, all shows are $5 or less.” (more…)

Viuex Farka Toure, Monday at Zebulon

This week’s diverse line up spans the luscious musical landscape, from the mountains of blues to the valleys of punk. So whip out your Metrocard or rev up your bicicletta and find the Brooklyn venue nearest you. Just remember: where love fails, cheap music forever triumphs. As always, all shows are $5 or less. (more…)

Super Bowl food coma got you down? Hit up some of this week’s free shows to snap you out of your high-caloric stupor. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, acid funk or music by an electro-string quartet, your winter-worn body will thank you for pro-actively getting off your ass. As always, all shows are $5 or less. (more…)

Zongo Junction, Wednesday at BK Bowl

Another week, another impending weatherpocalypse to make the winter seem like a cruel and impenetrable fortress of boringness. This week’s listing of free and cheap live music should be enough to motivate you to don those secondhand wellies and get your blood flowing with the likes of Zongo Junction, Baptist Church, Trio Geo and more. As always, all shows are $5 or less. (more…)

A rock camper on stage at MHOW in 2008

It’s sad that I’m too old to have ever gone to Willie Mae Rock Camp, a weeklong program where girls kickstart a rad band and perform at a BK venue other bands toil for years to play, and too young to have an 8-year-old kid that might attend the camp in my stead. For your kids, however, there’s no reason to be stuck between a rock (and roll) and a financial hard place: this Clinton Hill-based non-profit is expanding — and offering instrument loans and a need-based sliding-scale tuition. (more…)

Dreamers of the Ghetto, free at Coco66 on Thursday

As of this writing, it’s a balmy six degrees outside, and the rest of the week’s temperatures don’t look too welcoming either. Use this week’s roundup of free and cheap music in Brooklyn to help keep your ears warm. You can start by heating them frigid hands by the funky fires of The Jam Stampede at the Brooklyn Bowl on Tuesday, and follow up with free shows by the buzzy bands Ava Luna and ARMS later in the week. As always, all the shows below are just $5 or less. (more…)