Photo by Andreas Hornoff, Hamburg, December 2009.

I have a deep love for Brooklyn-based musicians and artists. There’s something about that city full of hipsters and trash, mariachi-infused subway rides, endless summer days turning into endless party nights, and the rare quiet moment on a rooftop with friends that inspires a certain tone unique to its environment and the art it produces. As a result of my fascination with the city, I’ve collected some friends and favorites who live and create in Brooklyn.

I am also notoriously hesitant about checking out new music. Kevin Devine was always one of those names that kept appearing around all the other music I was listening to about 6 or 7 years ago. And that is no surprise, seeing as Kevin Devine played nearly 600 shows between 2006-2008! Touring with the likes of AA Bondy, Manchester Orchestra, Lucero, Okkervil River, and Brand New, and working with producer Rob Schnapf, Devine has created his own unique and devout following.

The first time I finally saw Kevin Devine was nothing short of powerful. Crammed in with a ton of kids at the Hawthorne Theater, my friend and I had gone for a Jesse Lacey solo set, but when Kevin Devine started singing about doing lines with empty friends on his birthday in Brooklyn and “bags of bones for your God to sort,” I was captivated. Devine sings with passion, knowledge, pain and resentment.

If you’ve somehow never seen Kevin Devine live, now is your chance.  And what’s more, the show is only a couple days after the release of his 6th studio album “Between The Concrete And The Clouds,” which is already receiving praise. Do yourself a favor and hear this Brooklyn boy out…you’re going to have your mind blown.

He plays El Corazon on Friday, September 16th and tickets are only $12, on-sale now through Cascade Tickets.