James Blake brings the Trying Times Tour to Brooklyn Paramount on Friday, May 29 — and because this is an outdoor show, what you pack matters as much as what you stream on the drive over. Forecast conditions point to mostly cloudy skies, temperatures near 67°F early in the evening dropping to around 62°F as the night progresses, and a persistent east wind running 13 to 17 mph. That breeze will cut right through a light layer once the sun goes down, so plan accordingly.
What to Wear
This is firmly hoodie weather. A James Blake hoodie over your show outfit is the move — warm enough when you’re standing still during the quieter moments in the set, easy to tie around your waist if the crowd energy picks up. A James Blake hat does double duty: it keeps the wind from making a mess of your hair and shaves a degree or two off the chill factor. If you want to layer underneath, a James Blake t-shirt gives you something to strip down to if things warm up inside the crowd.
Concert Essentials to Pack
Outdoor venues often enforce strict bag rules, so bring a clear stadium bag to move through security quickly — check Brooklyn Paramount’s policy before you leave home. Inside it, stash a portable phone charger: a long outdoor set in low-light conditions will drain your battery fast, especially if you’re shooting video or pulling up lyrics. A fanny pack crossbody is a smart hands-free alternative if you travel light.
Protect your ears. Outdoor acoustics can be unpredictable and volume levels at live shows routinely exceed safe thresholds. A pair of concert ear plugs high fidelity preserves the full frequency range of Blake’s layered production while keeping your hearing intact for the ride home.
Wind Conditions: What to Watch
East winds at 13 to 17 mph are steady and sustained — not dangerous, but noticeable. Loose paper items (setlist printouts, programs) will blow away. Keep anything lightweight secured in your bag. The good news: precipitation probability is just 2%, so you can leave the rain gear at home.
Practical Tips
- Arrive by 6:00 PM ET — outdoor gates at large Brooklyn shows draw long lines; give yourself 45 minutes of cushion before the 7:00 PM ET start.
- Dress in true layers: start with a t-shirt, add the hoodie for the walk to the venue, and you’ll be comfortable through the full set as temperatures ease toward 62°F.
- Confirm venue policy: check Brooklyn Paramount’s prohibited items list before packing — policies on bags, cameras, and outside food vary by show.
- Grab a souvenir: a James Blake poster makes a cleaner keepsake than a blurry phone photo.
The Bottom Line
Mostly cloudy, low-60s, a steady ocean breeze, and essentially no rain — that’s a perfectly workable outdoor concert night in late May Brooklyn. Dress in layers, protect your ears, and keep your phone charged. The Trying Times Tour at Brooklyn Paramount on May 29 at 7:00 PM ET is shaping up to be exactly the kind of moody, atmospheric evening James Blake’s music was made for.