Artists across the creative spectrum are exploring cultural nuances during BRIC’s annual summer concert series, Celebrate Brooklyn!
Since its inception, BRIC has been dedicated to celebrating the true spirit of Brooklyn through innovative and accessible experiences. Each summer, the organization brings in creatives specializing in various mediums to celebrate Brooklyn’s emerging talents.
Through these weekly showcases at the at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Wes Jackson, president of BRIC, emphasized the team’s commitment to authentically and collaboratively representing Brooklyn’s ethnic mosaic.
This season’s theme, “Raised by Brooklyn,” likely resonates with both natives of the borough and its new residents alike, he said, exploring the cultural norms shaped in popular neighborhoods across Brooklyn.
“You don’t even have to live here to understand Brooklyn,” Jackson said. “It’s quite an institution not only for Brooklyn but for the city.”
Saidah Blount, executive director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, emphasized the importance of intentional representation, noting that the event brings in new artists from a mix of genres, cultural movements and artistic expressions.
“From traditional salsa to hip-hop, dance music, and even punk rock, the festival promises something for everyone,” she said.
Some upcoming shows include Joe Bataan, the Meridian Brothers and Madame Vacile, a mix of Latin and Afro-Caribbean performers on July 19, and a Habibi Festival on July 20, which will sample sounds from the South West Asia North Africa region.
Blount said this mix of expressions often sparks conversations about life in Brooklyn. This idea was further emphasized this year with a screening of Spike Lee’s iconic film “Do the Right Thing,” which depicted the racial tensions and conflicts simmering in 1980s Brooklyn.
The movie’s setting in a Brooklyn neighborhood is a far cry from the vibrant cultural melting pot that is the landscape for Celebrate Brooklyn!, a summer event that’s become a symbol of the borough’s diversity and inclusivity.
“The festival is a celebration of everything great about Brooklyn — its diversity, its creativity, and its ability to bring people together,” Blount said.
Ultimately, both organizers and performers are committed to celebrating the true spirit of Brooklyn through its arts programs. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, Jackson invites everyone to come and experience it for themselves.
“Come on days when you don’t know the artists because you’ll learn something new,” he said. “We want to make sure that people get a little bit of this true Brooklyn energy in a way that’s not as celebrated.”
Celebrate Brooklyn! promises to be an unforgettable summer experience with a lineup that is both eclectic and inclusive. With its commitment to the neighborhood it serves, this festival is poised to leave a lasting impact on the borough.
“We want everyone to feel seen and heard,” Blount said. “We’re trying to create a space where people can come together, celebrate themselves, and have a good time.”
For more information, a full lineup and more, visit bricartsmedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn.
