Spirit Family Reunion Announces Harvest Festival in Brooklyn, Sept. 24-25

NEW YORK, New York — Spirit Family Reunion has been on the road in support of their sophomore album Hands Together, released this past April 14th. The 12-song set was mixed by Paul Q. Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies, Uncle Tupelo) and produced by the band in Coney Island, N.Y. Hands Together followed up the New York band’s critically acclaimed 2012 debut No Separation, a grassroots self-release that resulted in over 10,000 albums sold side-of-stage. Also issued on the band’s own label, Hands Together was released for the first time worldwide (through InGrooves Fontana in the U.S.)

After more than 250 live shows in support of their debut, Spirit Family Reunion have become a live favorite, stunning audiences at the Newport Folk Festival, Stagecoach, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass among other festivals, and touring with Levon Helm, Alabama Shakes, the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Dr. Dog, Felice Brothers, Blitzen Trapper, Trampled by Turtles, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Their spirited live show has received critical acclaim, with the SF Weekly naming them one of the best performances at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, noting, “The charge in the air was celebratory. We had been baptized." On seeing the band live for the first time, Detroit’s Metro Times wrote, “It was like when (Jon) Landau discovered Springsteen. When Aretha discovered Ray Charles.” NPR Music’s Bob Boilen stated that the band were his favorite find at the 2012 Newport Folk Festival. 

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In an effort to have no divide between the band and its audience, Spirit Family Reunion started playing live in New York City subway stations, farmers’ markets and street corners in 2009 before taking their performances to live music venues. The overflowing energy and lack of separation between the band and audience translated to the stage and also inspired the title of their debut album, one filled with a sound they call “open-door gospel”: gospel music not tied to any specific denomination.

Now they are back in NYC for a late summer hometown extravaganza for Hands Together featuring special guests Big Kitty, Innove Gnawa Band, The Horse-Eyed Men, Spitzer Space Telescope, The Love Supreme, and Victory Gardens. Information below.

Tues. & Wed., Sept. 24 & 25th 
BROOKLYN • Union Pool
484 Union Ave.
Showtime: 8 p.m.; Single day tickets: $15; Two-day pass $w5
http://www.union-pool.com/event/932429-spirit-family-reunion-harvest-brooklyn/

Watch the video for It Does Not Bother Me, taken from Hands Together

Photos Courtesy Conqueroo

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