On many levels, the Great Googa Mooga Festival, taking place this weekend in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, is the source of high expectations. It’s a foodie explosion with pop-up restaurants added to the regular slew of famous chef venues. Last year there was an entire section of the festival grounds devoted to pork, with its own fire-shooting pig sculpture on a spit; Hamageddon. This year’s music line-up is excellent, Metro highlights an eclectic spread.
Lee Field and the Expressions are a soul-lover’s complete package. A tight band, velvet crooning, and great songs are the best way to start out a weekend of partying in the park.
MAKU Sound System, from Queens, blends Colombian rhythms with a spectrum of U.S. party music creating a young, global sound for fans of ska, punk, and cumbia alike.
Jovanotti is Italy’s hip-hop icon with a string of hits in the 90s and a recent rebirth at Bonnaroo where he won over U.S. fans. Now he lives in Gotham and he’s the only artist playing Googa both days, joining an Eataly pop-up Sunday.
Pearl and the Beard is a personal favorite, a trio that plays Americana laced with soulful harmonies and marching drums.
Red Baraat brings traditional Indian drums, vocals and clarinet to the New Orleans second line, an idea that keeps the crowd moving with an eastern twist.
Last year’s Hall & Oates are a tough act to follow but Kool & the explitive-ing Gang are sure to bring it. Disco classics include easy-listening ballads like “Cherish” and show stoppers like “Celebration” and “Ladies Night.” Kool & the Gang have all the makings of Great Googa-ism.
Credit: Googa Mooga
