The ninth annual BRIC JazzFest is set to take place from in the heart of Brooklyn from Oct. 19-21 with a full lineup of exciting performers, panel discussions, and films.
Since 2015, JazzFest has become a celebration of culture, hosting some of jazz’s most beloved veterans and emerging stars alike with such names as Kamasi Washington, Ron Carter, Lonnie Smith, Deva Mahal, Allison Miller and Marcus Strickland making their mark on the festival’s history.
Although JazzFest is a ticketed event, a free concert is set for Oct. 14 at The Plaza at 300 Ashland to kickstart the festival’s exciting events. This event is a partnership between BRIC and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and will welcome one of jazz’s largest emerging artists, Endea Owens.
Owens, well-known in the jazz community for performing alongside such eminent artists as Jennifer Holiday and Diana Ross, is an artist, bassist, and composer who founded her own non-profit The Cookout to provide meals and free events for underserved communities in New York.
JazzFest will then begin in full-swing on Oct. 19, opening with a panel discussion hosted by Artist Curator Melanie Charlies, New York Times reporter Marcus Moore, and BRIC President Wes Jackson. Together they will usher in the festival with an in-depth discussion on the intersection of Jazz & Hip-Hop.
Also on Oct. 19, JazzFest will feature performances by Reggie Workman, Alexa Tarantino, and Panikkar Rosner & Leigh.
JazzFest’s second night will include performances from a variety of jazz musicians including vocalist and producer Cisco Swank, a multicultural band performance by Strings N Skins, and a tribute to Haitian women in music and culture by Jonathan Michel: L’Ouverture.
The final night of the festival will wrap up with an exciting Afro Diaspora Dance party called “The Jungle,” curated by DJ, producer and jazz musician Zacchaeus Paul.
The Jungle will feature several artists including Farrah Boulé, J. Hoard, and Christopher McBride, and will bridge several genres including Latin, Jazz, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Percussion, Brazilian, Caribbean, House and Soul.
“Every time I look at the line up I say to myself, ‘Wow, this year is going to be so good!’ The special group of musicians we’ve curated are immensely talented and I know I’m going to have a hard time choosing where to spend my time across our multiple stages. It’s going to be a much-needed night of good vibes, a continuation of BRIC’s exploration of Hip-Hop through jazz, and a wonderful excuse to cut loose with our community,” said Viviana Benitez, BRIC Performing Arts Producer, in a statement.
BRIC JazzFest begins Friday, Oct. 14 with a free concert at the Plaza at 300 Ashland and continues Oct. 19-21 at BRIC House at 347 Fulton St. between Rockwell Place and Ashland Place in Fort Greene. Daily and three-day passes are available starting at $50.
Correction 10/15/2023, 5:02 p.m.: This story previously misattributed Viviana Benitez’s quote. We regret the error.
