The Roots are having a Valentine’s Day performance this Saturday at the Brooklyn Bowl, with drummer Questlove providing DJ performances before and after the band’s live set. According to their website, this will be the bands first performance of 2026, and their first performance in New York since July of last year.
This Saturday’s performance is titled “Play Another Slow Jam.”
The Roots were founded in 1987 by the drummer Ameer “Questlove” Thompson and rapper Tariq “Blackthought” Trotter. The two were high school classmates together at Philadelphia’s Highschool for Creative and Performing arts. More bandmates joined the group over the years and the Roots have blossomed into one of the most influential and recognizable bands within the Hip Hop and Neo Soul communities. The Roots are also known for being the house band on the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
The Brooklyn Bowl — a 16-lane bowling alley, restaurant, and music venue in Williamsburg — is known for their electrifying live music events and locally crafted beer.
Past performances at the venue include Guns n Roses in 2013 and Lauryn Hill in 2014.
Questlove has a deep relationship and history with the venue. For the last several years he has held a weekly residency at the Brooklyn Bowl as a DJ.
“Questlove has DJ’ed his Bowl Train series at Brooklyn Bowl hundreds of times despite his busy schedule and returns for pivotal moments for the venue, like anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or special events,” said Lucas Sacks, director of booking for Brooklyn Bowl New York and Philadelphia.
“To say Questlove has been a part of the Brooklyn Bowl culture since the venue’s founding 15 years ago is an understatement.”
Back in 2013 Questlove and the late Neo Soul legend D’Angelo performed together at the Brooklyn Bowl.
Doors open at 6 p.m. on Saturday and the performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at brooklynbowl.com. Admission is restricted to those 21 years of age and older.
It’s fantastic to see Questlove and The Roots using their platform to bring positive vibes, especially around Valentine’s Day. I always admire how they blend musical excellence with such genuine community spirit. Do you think their choice of venue, Brooklyn Bowl, adds a specific kind of energy to their performances?