46th Annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Returns to Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park

For Immediate Release:

46th Annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Returns to Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park

Legendary Fishbone, Meshell Ndegeocello Top BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival Lineup 

Rising Stars Lila Ike, Jesse Royal, Charlotte Adigéry, Thee Sacred Souls & Bolis Pupul Also Set for Brooklyn’s Biggest Summer Party

Wordless Music Orchestra to Perform Arthur Russell’s Seminal 1983 Album “Tower of Meaning” in live New York premiere 

Do the Right Thing and One Love Film Screenings

Festival Theme “Raised by Brooklyn” Platforms Emerging Artists and Celebrates Brooklyn’s Diverse Communities

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Kicks off 

Saturday, June 8 and Runs Through Saturday, August 24 

May 8, 2024 (Brooklyn, NY) – Today, BRIC, the leading Brooklyn-based leading arts and media institution, announced its 2024 festival lineup for the 46th annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival at Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. The longest-running free performing arts festival in New York City, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! has become one of the city’s foremost cultural attractions and a beloved annual tradition. It is the summer-long outdoor concert and performance series that celebrates talent spanning global music icons to chart-topping indie bands

Brooklyn’s biggest summer party runs June 8th through August 24. This season, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! expands its community reach by bringing a pop-up festival experience to Brower Park as well as Highland Park in Brooklyn for a second year.

This year’s genre-crossing lineup includes performances by trailblazing punk-ska vets Fishbone, 4x 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, Sinkane, and a host of vital emerging acts like Ambar Lucid, Adi Oasis, Black Belt Eagle Scout, and Talibah Safiya. In a night commemorating visionary musician Arthur Russell, the Wordless Music Orchestra will perform Russell’s seminal 1983 instrumental album Tower of Meaning in its live New York premiere. The festival kicks off on June 8, with a family-friendly themed day with headliner The Halluci Nation and Xiuhtezcatl (pronounced “Shu-TEZ-caht”) and Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble as the opening acts.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is known for its distinct curatorial mix that elevates emerging artists, popular indie talent and showcases legacy artists from all genres and subgenres. This season, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is paying homage to the borough’s rich cultural tapestry with the theme “Raised by Brooklyn.” The theme is a tribute to the role Brooklyn has played in shaping the lives and trajectories of global cultural icons, public servants, artists, community activists, and business leaders born – and the role of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! in shaping the Brooklyn cultural landscape. By centering “Raised by Brooklyn,” the festival celebrates the contributions of Brooklynites while providing a platform to inspire the next generation of changemakers and creatives, affirming its commitment to uplifting the diverse voices and experiences that make this community so vibrant.

The new Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, Saidah Blount, stated, “ I am absolutely thrilled to share this vibrant and diverse festival lineup that embraces our ‘Raised By Brooklyn’ theme. 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. I’m hoping that everyone who comes out to the Lena Horne Bandshell this summer has the opportunity to see a bit of “their Brooklyn” in this dynamic lineup.”

Wes Jackson, President of BRIC Arts & Media, said, “We are so proud to be back at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park for our 46th season. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of the many things that have made Brooklyn one of the cultural capitals of the world. Together with the Prospect Park Alliance and the Parks Department, we have given a stage to the world’s best and brightest for more than a generation. With this year’s theme of ‘Raised By Brooklyn’ we pay homage to artists and our community who not only have Brooklyn as their home but as their muse. Whether you are from NYC or not, we are proud of a lineup that represents us all in all of our beauty.”

Morgan Monaco, Prospect Park Alliance President and Park Administrator, said, “BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community. Music and performing arts help keep us thriving in good times and in bad, and I’m grateful that the park is a place of inspiration for artists of all kinds. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to coming together for an exciting season ahead with the many diverse communities of Brooklyn.”

Finally, BRIC is proud to announce new partnerships including TD Bank and NewYork-Presbyterian. TD Bank will present a series of performances from emerging talent this summer. These artists are defining their own artistic voice and new genres. With the support of TD Bank, BRIC is helping these artists reach new audiences. This year, BRIC is partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian as the healthcare sponsor for Celebrate Brooklyn, helping New Yorkers stay healthy all summer long. NewYork-Presbyterian’s support includes the installation of a free hydration station at the festival to ensure guests stay safe and hydrated while enjoying the performances.

On June 12, BRIC will officially commemorate the season with their 2024 BRIC House Party & Gala: “Raised by Brooklyn” where they will honor multi-talented artist D-Nice. 

Apply for media credentials HERE.  

RSVP for free shows and purchase tickets for benefit shows by visiting BRIC website. BRIC Gala & House Party can be purchased here. 

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Season: June 8 – August 24

BRIC is excited to work with a wide array of media partners across the 2024 season, including WABC-TV, WFUV, WNYC, Brooklyn Magazine, Wax Poetics, and Schneps Media.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is supported by a grant awarded to BRIC Arts Media by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Additional public support for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council for the Arts with the support of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature with special thanks to Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams with special thanks to Council Member Crystal Hudson and Shahana Hanif. In-kind marketing support is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

BAYO Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn is presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Rita Joseph. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn at Highland Park is presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn at Brower Park is presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Chi Osse and Rooftop Films.  

Lead support for performing arts at BRIC comes from TD Bank and the Howard Gilman Foundation. Additional support for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! comes from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Shubert Organization and the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2024 Season Quotes

Sue Donoghue, NYC Parks Commissioner, said today:

“NYC Parks is excited to once again join BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, marking the onset of summer and honoring this remarkable organization that has brought joy, music, and the performing arts to Brooklynites for more than four decades. Festivals like these are important platforms for celebrating diversity, fostering creativity, and enriching the lives of individuals and communities. We’re grateful to BRIC, our valued partners at the Prospect Park Alliance, and our dedicated Parks staff for keeping Brooklyn’s backyard clean, green, and fun!”

Laurie Cumbo, DCLA Commissioner, said:

“Nothing says summer in New York City quite like the music, lights, and audience cheers coming from the Lena Horne Bandshell every night that Celebrate Brooklyn is putting on a show!” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “With this year’s theme of ‘Raised by Brooklyn’ paying homage to the amazing talent nurtured in this borough, I encourage everyone to check out this incredible lineup and plan your visit, whether to see Spike Lee’s seminal ‘Do the Right Thing’ or to experience the incomparable Ronald K. Brown. Art and culture are part of who we are as New Yorkers, and there’s no more joyful way to experience the arts than BRIC’s beloved Celebrate Brooklyn performances. See you at the bandshell!” 

Pat Swinney Kaufman, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,

“Congratulations to BRIC on the upcoming 46th edition of the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival, kicking off on June 6 during New York Music Month, the City’s official month-long celebration of our vibrant and dynamic music ecosystem featuring concerts, panels, talks and more. This moment shines a light on the partnership between the City’s broadcast network, NYC Media, and BRIC to providepremium content for Brooklynites – and all New Yorkers – to enjoy, including the Art Moves radio show (with Toni Williams and Eli Kuslansky), and the Brooklyn Made series.” 

Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts said,

“As a proud supporter of the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival and BRIC, NYSCA is looking forward to another incredible summer of free performances in Prospect Park. By supporting festivals and arts organizations like BRIC, we are championing the power of the arts to bring diverse communities together to enjoy phenomenal art accessible to all. As a born and raised Brooklynite, I also encourage residents and visitors alike to attend the Festival to experience the rich history, culture, and spirit of the great borough of Brooklyn.”

Shelley Sylva, Head of U.S. Corporate Citizenship at TD Bank, said:

“We are so excited that TD is a part of the great work that BRIC is doing to help advance opportunities for emerging local artists and media makers through BRIC’s incubator program, BRIClab, while also supporting local businesses through the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival. Art is truly a universal language, serving as a bridge to raise all voices, and TD is thrilled to support such a diverse group of artists through this program. We want to be a part of sparking the conversations and ideas that have the power to create an impact and foster meaningful change in our communities.”

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, CEO and President of Brooklyn Org, said:

“We’re thrilled to be part of this joyous summer tradition, where the magic of Brooklynites coming together to experience world-class performances always creates something really special. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! provides the ideal platform for our new ‘Show Brooklyn Some Love’ campaign that calls on every Brooklynite to be part of our movement to support the causes and communities we all care about, all across the borough, at brooklyn.org.“

Media interviews and coverage are available upon request. Apply for media credentials HERE

For More Information About BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Contact:

Wendy Washington
[email protected]

Decota Letman
[email protected]

Naya Samuel
[email protected]

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ABOUT BRIC

BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. As a creative catalyst for their community, BRIC ignites learning in people of all ages and centralizes diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward. BRIC builds Brooklyn’s creative future.

ABOUT PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE

Prospect Park Alliance is the nonprofit organization that sustains, restores and advances Prospect Park, “Brooklyn’s Backyard,” in partnership with the City of New York. The Alliance provides critical staff and resources that keep the Park green and vibrant for the diverse communities that call Brooklyn home. The Alliance cares for the woodlands and natural areas; restores the park’s buildings and landscapes; creates innovative park destinations; and provides free or low-cost volunteer, education and recreation programs. Today, Prospect Park is an international model for the care of urban parks, and one of the premier green spaces in the United States. Learn more at prospectpark.org 

ABOUT WABC-TV

WABC-TV has been the leader in local news and entertainment programming in the New York City area for more than 60 years. Producing more than 45 hours of live, local news and weather each week, Channel 7 “Eyewitness News” is the most watched local news in New York and the United States. WABC-TV also produces “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” weekdays at 9:00 a.m., which is seen in more than 200 markets across the U.S. Quality news and programming, cutting-edge technology and ongoing community outreach are the hallmarks of excellence that have consistently kept WABC-TV New York’s No. 1 station and the most-watched television station in the nation.

ABOUT WFUV

WFUV (90.7 FM, wfuv.org), New York’s source for music discovery, is a noncommercial, member-supported public media service of Fordham University for over 70 years. WFUV has received national recognition for its award-winning weekday format of adult album alternative music, award-winning local news and sports, and a diverse weekend lineup. WFUV’s robust website has extensive audio archives, videos, song playlists and other resources.

ABOUT WNYC

100th Anniversary of WNYC New York Public Radio | Citywide | July 2024

WNYC will celebrate its centennial with on-air specials and citywide public programming and events beginning in July. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT BROOKLYN MAGAZINE

Brooklyn Magazine explores New York’s most populous borough through the lens of culture, community, commerce, arts and leisure. We believe in giving back to Brooklyn by uplifting the people who live here, celebrating the voices that won’t get heard anywhere else and connecting people through storytelling and shared experiences. Brooklyn has grown into a global cultural powerhouse that remains rooted in the local community, which is itself ever evolving. Here you will learn about the artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, musicians, chefs, innovators and more who are shaping the world beyond Brooklyn’s borders.

ABOUT WAX POETICS

Wax Poetics has been preserving and growing music culture since 2001. Born in Brooklyn we now have a global and passionate audience of music collectors and fanatics. Our platform consists of a respected print journal that is distributed in 42 counties and a unique e-comm store selling owned and complimentary products. New platform launches will arrive this summer. Watch this space! For more information and world class digital editorial please check waxpoetics.com

ABOUT TD, AMERICA’S MOST CONVENIENT BANK® 

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9.6 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit

www.td.com/us.

ABOUT NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, encompassing 10 hospitals across the Greater New York area, nearly 200 primary and specialty care clinics and medical groups, and an array of telemedicine services. 

A leader in medical education, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is affiliated with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. This collaboration means patients have access to the country’s leading physicians, the full range of medical specialties, latest innovations in care, and research that is developing cures and saving lives.

For more information, visit www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

ABOUT BUD LIGHT

Bud Light is refreshing, crisp and delicious – so that every single sip is easy-to-drink and easy to enjoy. Making it the perfect choice for easy hangs at the bar, the backyard and pretty much anywhere with friends.  A young Brewmaster wrote 4 simple ingredients on a napkin – barley, hops, rice, water – and from there, Bud Light, 4% ABV, was born and quickly become the #1 beer in America. For more information visit www.BudLight.com.

ABOUT SCHNEPS MEDIA

Schneps Media is the leader in local news and information throughout Brooklyn and the region. Their media outlets in Brooklyn include Brooklyn Paper, Caribbean Life, Brownstoner, Brooklyn Family, NoticiaNY and amNewYork. For more information visit SchnepsMedia.com

ABOUT BROOKLYN ORG 

Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn bringing together community changemakers—the families and businesses, the grassroots leaders and growing companies, and local nonprofits and the communities they serve—to be a new model for local philanthropy, built from the ground up, in pursuit of a more equitable and just borough.  

Since its founding in 2009 as Brooklyn Community Foundation, Brooklyn Org has moved over $110 million to nonprofits through its strategic grantmaking and Donor Advised Funds, while driving action to address urgent crises and long-term change in Brooklyn. Each year, Brooklyn Org partners with Brooklyn residents to invest more than $5 million in high-impact nonprofits advancing racial justice at every level across the borough. Brooklyn Org ensures that Brooklyn’s challenges are met with solutions, ideas are met with resources, and inequality is met with justice. Learn more at brooklyn.org. 

ABOUT CITY WINERY

City Winery, founded in 2008 by Michael Dorf, delivers a unique culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts passionate about music. Each City Winery offers intimate concerts, upscale dining, private event spaces, and a winery. To date, City Winery has locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and now Pittsburgh. In 2020, City Winery opened Hudson Valley, a hydro-powered winery, vineyard, restaurant, outdoor concert venue, and private events space at the historic Montgomery Mills. Other concepts run by the company include City Vineyard at Pier 26, City Winery at Rockefeller Center, and City Winery Chicago at the Riverwalk. Michael Dorf explains his success and outlines his career in his book, Indulge Your Senses: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital World. Learn more at www.citywinery.com.