You can set your watch by how reliably awesome the annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is. Unlike SummerStage, which spreads out across the five boroughs, all BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! shows take place at the beautiful bandshell in Prospect Park, a scenic amphitheater surrounded by trees. Catching one of these gigs is guaranteed to be a highlight of your summer show-going season, no matter what musical genre genre you're into.
"I am absolutely thrilled to share this vibrant and diverse festival lineup that embraces our 'Raised By Brooklyn' theme," Saidah Blount, the new Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! said in a press release. "This season's array of musical genres and cultural moments represents the best of this vibrant borough! Across 10 weeks, you'll hear music from the Caribbean diaspora, global rock and dance beats, as well as hometown heroes presenting orchestral works, powerful dance performances, and one of the most acclaimed films ever from a Brooklyn-born director."
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What is BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn?
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is an annual series of outdoor concerts in Prospect Park. Every year, the schedule features big names in a wide variety of genres. In addition to the main events in Prospect Park, there will also be pop-up festivals in Brooklyn's Brower Park and Highland Park.
When is BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn?
The dates for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! are June 8 to August 24, 2024.
What is on the line-up for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn?
This year’s genre-crossing lineup includes performances by: trailblazing punk-ska vets Fishbone; four-time Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello; rising Afrobeat star Seun Kuti; reggae stars Lila Ike and Jesse Royal; Belgian dance sensations Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul; retro soul ensemble Thee Sacred Souls; and Sinkane. You'll also get to see a host of vital emerging acts like Ambar Lucid; Adi Oasis; Black Belt Eagle Scout; and Talibah Safiya.
The festival kicks off on June 8, with a family-friendly themed day featuring headliner The Halluci Nation and Xiuhtezcatl (pronounced "Shu-TEZ-caht") and Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble as the opening acts. In celebration of Juneteenth on June 19, BRIC will host UNITYFEST 2024 featuring DJ Spinna, DJ Merlin Bobb, and Monique Bingham. See the film "Do the Right Thing" on July 6. A special event with the Wordless Music Orchestra will commemorate visionary musician Arthur Russell on July 12.
Here's a full listing of all the shows.
How do I get tickets to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn?
As always, the majority of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Offerings are free. Some benefit gigs, however, require tickets. Get more info here.
How do I get to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn?
Prospect Park's Lena Horne Bandshell is located at Prospect Park West; enter on 9th St or 11th St, Brooklyn.
Why is BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn such a big deal?
It's the longest-running free performing arts festival in New York City, and that deserves a big round of applause. Plus, the event—now in its 46th season—has become a beloved annual tradition.