Day: June 2, 2025

Music lovers, rejoice. With warmer weather settling in, one of the borough’s most beloved summer traditions, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, is just around the corner.

BRIC has announced the lineup for New York City’s longest-running free, summer-long outdoor concert and performance series, which has entertained generations of New Yorkers for more than 47 years.

The festival — presented in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks — runs from June 7 through Aug. 16 and features 14 free shows, four benefit concerts at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, and two off-site events.

This year’s theme, “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World,” celebrates the borough’s status as a global music crossroads with programming that spans continents, generations and artistic disciplines. The season highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to musical discovery and cultural exchange, bringing together both emerging and established artists.

Saidah Blount, executive director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, said she was proud to honor Brooklyn’s cultural diversity and richness through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance bring people together.

“The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire,” Blount said. “This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat.”

The official kickoff is June 7 with “BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun” at BRIC House.

The first benefit concert — presented by Blue Note Jazz Festival and Live Nation in partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! — takes place June 9 at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. It features music powerhouses, legendary style icon Grace Jones, and multiple Grammy-nominated R&B singer Janelle Monáe.

Morgan Monaco, president of Prospect Park Alliance, called the event a beloved flagship for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! and a clear sign that summer has arrived for the community.

“Music and performing arts are a powerful uniting force and do so much to help keep us thriving in good times and in bad,” Monaco said. “I’m grateful that Prospect Park is a source of inspiration for artists of all kinds and a haven for our community to come together to enjoy music and performances. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances, and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead with the many diverse communities that call Brooklyn home.”

Headlining the first free opening concert on June 13 are powerhouse singer-songwriters Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie “Talie” Cerin and Riva Nyri Préci. They celebrate Brooklyn’s vibrant Haitian community by blending traditional Haitian folk music with contemporary pop, jazz and funk influences. Their performance continues the festival’s exploration of Haitian and Caribbean musical traditions.

Other highlights include an 80th birthday celebration for the strongest girl in the world, Pippi Longstocking, on June 14; the 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park celebration on June 19; the Habibi Festival on June 20; and a two-part tribute to the late composer, musician and producer Quincy Jones on June 27 and July 28.

BRIC President Wes Jackson said he was proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy moments of respite.

“Every summer for the last forty-seven years, BRIC has been proud to showcase the best talent from around the world at the Lena Horne Bandshell in our beloved Prospect Park in partnership with our friends at the Prospect Park Alliance,” Jackson said. “In these days and times, we are proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy a few moments of respite. For three generations, we have remained committed to providing free and low-cost programming to all of Brooklyn and New York City. Let’s do it again! See you at the Bandshell.”

For the complete schedule and ticket information for benefit shows, visit bricartsmedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn.