The 47th annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! performing arts festival kicked off on June 4, and this year’s lineup is truly stacked. While early highlights like Sheila E., Wayne Wonder, and Patti LaBelle have already graced the stage, there is still plenty of excitement to catch before the festival concludes in September.
Speaking to The FADER, BRIC Executive Director Siadah Blount emphasized the festival’s unique role in the city’s cultural landscape. “Brooklyn is a portal to the world, and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is where that energy lives every summer,” Blount noted. “Most of it is free, under the stars, at one of the longest-running performing arts festivals in the country. If you’re in New York this summer, this is the place to be.”
The programming remains diverse and ambitious. Blount highlighted upcoming performances by Royel Otis, Black House Radio, and the return of Sasha Velour’s Nightgowns. Additionally, the festival is set to host a special tribute to the late, Brooklyn-born Aaliyah, alongside the 35th annual Lyricist Lounge featuring Jadakiss. Fans can also look forward to sets from the Cindy Blackman Santana Group and the Patricia Brennan Septet.
The season will reach its grand finale on September 19th with a highly anticipated performance by Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney. This will be the only ticketed benefit show of the summer, with all proceeds directly supporting BRIC’s ongoing free community programming.
For those looking to plan their summer concert schedule, the full festival lineup is available for review online.
