BONUS TRACKS: Brooklyn Folk Festival and Other Moments of Musical Joy

Last Friday evening in Saint Anne’s Church on opening night of the Brooklyn Folk Festival, Latin American ensemble Guachinangos played their energetic blend of Mexican son jarocho and Colombian cumbia music to an audience seemingly unable to sit down or stay still. Packed into pew rows and spilling into the aisles, listeners swayed and clapped along as couples twirled together in front of the stage. The room felt warm with joy. Such a pure outpouring of uncomplicated happiness is what makes the Brooklyn Folk Fest, now in its 16^th year, a treasure.

Organized by the Jalopy Theater and School of Music, an precious hub of community gathering and connection in its own right, the festival is music gathering at its best: heartfelt, rag-tag, and incredibly uplifting. It brings people together to enjoy and experience music with little pretense and no pomp, letting the music and feeling of communal gathering instead speak for themselves. “I hope people remember this,” someone said in passing. Me too; I think they will.

Music of course elicits many emotions, but one of its steadiest and best qualities is the way it can spark uncomplicated joy, even in very complicated times. That’s a feeling everyone needs, and it’s hard to find a better example than the Brooklyn Folk Fest. But since that beautiful gathering is a week gone by, for Bonus Tracks this week, here are a few other musical offerings that spark joy.

Tommy Emmanuel — “The Jolly Swagman”

Emmanuel’s music is new to me, but it’s just plain fun to watch him play. See what I mean in this new video from his forthcoming live album, Live At The Sydney Opera House:

Ringo Star and Alison Krauss — “Thankful”

The consistently underrated former Beatles drummer has flirted with country music since his goofy, rambunctious “No-No Song.” In this latest single from his upcoming country album, Look Up, with help from Alison Krauss, he sticks the country landing.

Pug Johnson — “El Cabron”

In the title track from his upcoming album, Pug Johnson debuts the album’s charming, roguish main character.

Steve Martin and Alison Brown feat. Vince Gill— “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye)”

Steve Martin and Alison Brown are at it again with this classic campfire pickin’ circle jam, featuring Vince Gill, which debuted on the Kelly Clarkson show this week.

Oisín Mac Diarmada, Daithí Gormley, and Samantha Harvey— Lane to the Glen

I find it tough not to smile listening to good, upbeat fiddle music. This album is traditional Irish music from Sligo county.

WHAT ELSE WE’RE LISTENING TO

Charlotte Morris — “Raised by a Woman”

Focus Your Audio — “The Long Goodbye”

Tyler-James Kelly —Dream River

Amber Mountain —Unbreakable Heart

Brother Elsey — “Silver Tongue”

Max Wareham — “Hard Times Are Far Behind”

Crowe Boys – “Let Me Feel Alone”

Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country – “Flow State”

Maggie Rose – No One Gets Out Alive

Andrew Wasylyk & Tommy Perman – Ash Grey And The Gull Glides On

Iron & Wine – “All In Good Time” feat. Fiona Apple

Amyl & The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness

Amythyst Kiah – Still + Bright

St. Lenox – Ten American Work Songs

Agalisiga – Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi (It Started in the Woods)