The Brooklyners Authentic NYC reggae & Caribbean band — from 4-piece to full 7-piece

Our technical requirements depend on the size of the band and the venue. We need a suitable performance area, access to power and enough space for drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and additional musicians depending on the lineup. We can provide our own professional sound system for many local and regional events. For larger venues, festivals and destination events, we are happy to work with the venue or production company and provide a detailed technical rider and backline requirements in advance.

We like to know the size and type of venue, expected number of guests, whether the event is indoors or outdoors, the dimensions of the performance area, load-in and parking arrangements, available PA and backline, and whether there is an in-house sound engineer. For outdoor events, the stage or performance area must be adequately protected from rain, strong wind, direct sun and extreme temperatures.

Yes. We can provide our own professional sound system for many local and regional events, including the microphones and amplification required for the band. For larger productions, festivals and destination events, we can also work with the venue or a local production company and provide our technical and backline requirements in advance. Lighting can be coordinated separately according to the venue and event.

Yes. We can provide background music before the performance and during breaks and can tailor the playlist to the atmosphere of the event. We can also offer a dedicated DJ option, including DJ + live percussion, for clients who want the music to continue into a full dance party before, between or after the band’s sets.

Some of our most memorable performances have ranged from major concert venues to extraordinary private events. We have performed at venues and institutions including BAM in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl, Ardmore Music Hall, Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, Rockefeller Center and Rockefeller University.
Some of our favorite experiences have also been private parties in Jamaica. Performing reggae in Jamaica, surrounded by the culture that created the music, has a very special meaning for us.
We enjoy prestigious concert stages, festivals and intimate private events alike. Sometimes the most unforgettable performances happen when the setting allows a genuine connection between the musicians and the guests.

We especially love festivals and concerts because they give the band the freedom to stretch out musically, improvise and connect with a large audience.
At the same time, we have had tremendous fun performing at exceptional private parties, where the atmosphere can become much more personal and spontaneous.
We enjoy events where genuine live music is an important part of the experience, but we are equally comfortable adapting to the occasion: from tasteful music at an appropriate volume for cocktails and dinner to a full-energy reggae performance and dance party.

The Brooklyners started in Brooklyn, where the members were living and working as professional musicians. The band reflected Brooklyn itself , musicians from different countries and cultural backgrounds coming together around Jamaican music. That multicultural identity eventually inspired the name The Brooklyners.
For roughly the past ten years, the band and its members have maintained an exceptionally busy performance schedule in the New York area, often approaching 200 performances a year.
We have maintained a weekly Wednesday engagement for the past eight years, giving the band the kind of chemistry and musical understanding that comes from performing together constantly.
For the past two years, The Brooklyners have also been the reggae brunch band at the acclaimed Red Rooster in Harlem, performing weekly for a diverse New York and international audience.
Over the years we have also developed strong personal and professional relationships within the international reggae communi

Jamaican music is at the heart of our sound, and our influences span several generations of reggae.
Bob Marley is obviously one of the central influences, along with Gregory Isaacs, Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals, Barrington Levy, Beres Hammond and Luciano.
We are also influenced by later generations including Damian Marley and Chronixx, as well as the wider international reggae movement represented by artists such as Alpha Blondy.
What inspires us most is the combination of deep rhythm, powerful songwriting, spirituality, social consciousness and the ability of reggae to bring people together. We respect that tradition while bringing our own multicultural Brooklyn identity and personalities into the music.

Reggae is not simply one style in our event-band repertoire. The Brooklyners grew out of years of involvement with the New York and Jamaican reggae communities. We have longstanding personal and professional relationships with musicians including Earl “Chinna” Smith, Queen Omega, Yami Bolo, Sly & Robbie and others. We combine that connection to the music with the professionalism required for private, corporate and luxury events.

We usually allow around 60 to 90 minutes for setup and soundcheck, depending on the size of the band, venue and production requirements. Performance times are flexible and can be adapted to the event. A typical booking might be two 45- to 60-minute sets, but we can also structure the music around cocktails, dinner, a reception, a festival set or a longer dance-party format.

Absolutely. Reggae works especially well outdoors and we regularly perform at festivals, private parties, beach and pool events, outdoor venues and summer celebrations. We simply require a stable performance area, access to power when needed, and adequate protection from rain, strong wind, direct sun and extreme temperatures for the musicians and equipment.

Of course! We are happy to discuss favorite artists, songs and the overall atmosphere the client wants to create. We can include specific reggae classics, Caribbean material, French songs or other requests when they fit the band and we have enough notice. Clients are also welcome to leave the musical direction to us — after years of performing together, we are very comfortable reading the room and adjusting the repertoire and energy as the event develops.

Energetic, authentic, professional and fun. We have enough experience to understand that the music has to serve the event, not our egos. When we are hired for cocktails, dinner or background music, we pay close attention to volume, dynamics and the comfort of the guests.
When the setting calls for a real show, we love to open things up — strong grooves, improvisation, audience interaction and the energy of a full reggae band. That ability to move naturally from tasteful background music to a high-energy dance performance is one of the strengths of The Brooklyners.

Yes. The Brooklyners have a long-running relationship with Rock and Roll Playhouse Productions and have performed many Bob Marley tribute shows for audiences at venues including Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre and other major stages. We can build a performance around Bob Marley and the Wailers or create a broader reggae program drawing from different eras of Jamaican music.

Yes. We can perform in different configurations depending on the venue, budget and atmosphere, from a compact 4-piece band to expanded 5-, 6- or 7-piece lineups. Additional vocals, keyboards, saxophone, melodica and percussion can be added to create a larger sound when required.