Luke Elliot – Downtown Magazine

On Friday, Aug 18 and Saturday, Aug 19, Bryant Park filled up with music, laughs and good vibes. Back for its third year, the Emerging Music Festival presented on-the-rise indie rock, pop and folk bands.

Come rain or shine, the show must go on, right? Even though the weather gods weren’t in the best mood Friday, they made up for it Saturday. And the little rain on Friday didn’t stop the musicians from putting on a show.

The festival kicked off Friday at 6 p.m. when Landlady took the stage. The night continued with 79.5, followed by Luke Elliot before Mail the Horse closed up the first day of the Bryant Park festivities.

Saturday presented better weather, and here musicians such as Space Captain and Maybird had Bryant Park humming with happiness.

In between sets, guests enjoyed beer and wines and grabbed bites from the local vendors curated by Hester Street Fair to enjoy on picnic blankets.

Besides the music, the festival also offered up other entertainment such as juggling and giant lawn games. A weekend with something for everyone – music, games and refreshments. What more could one need?

Luke Elliot and his band playing live at the Rockwood Music Hall.

Lower Manhattan is home to some of today’s biggest names in the entertainment industry. DOWNTOWN had the opportunity to learn a bit about the area’s next up and coming star: Luke Elliot. A true downtown dude, Elliot got his start right here in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His following grew quickly, and culminated in his concert at Rockwood Music Hall on Wednesday, June 25. At 8 p.m. guests filled the two-story hall to listen to Elliot’s folk-rock jam music. Elliot moved the crowd with his soulful voice, accompanied by an enthusiastic band playing catchy piano and guitar chords. The set was a well-balanced combination of upbeat tunes and romantic ballads showcasing Elliot’s style of early rock music influence with shimmers of modern folk and indie rock. His eclectic mix of influences creates unique melodies that truly captivate his audience. By the end of the evening the crowd was begging for an encore. Based on the audience reaction, the night was a hit. Take it from us, you’ll be hearing more of Luke Elliot. Don’t miss the boat — check out Luke Elliot’s EP, Provisions, out now.

– Linda Tell