Brooklyn’s iconic Prospect Park Bandshell lit up on June 9, 2025, as legendary performers Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe opened the 47th annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. The free summer concert series, running through August 16, promises a rich display of global music, art, and culture under the unifying theme, “Where Brooklyn Meets The World.”
Electrifying Start to a Global Celebration
The opening night drew thousands of spectators from across New York and beyond, eager to witness a powerhouse lineup. Grace Jones, the Jamaican-born singer and performance artist, delivered a theatrical and boundary-defying show. Known for her striking style and genre-bending sound, Jones brought both nostalgia and shock value to the stage, performing fan favorites with her signature flair.
Sharing the bill was Janelle Monáe, an eight-time Grammy-nominated artist celebrated for her eclectic mix of R&B, funk, and futuristic pop. Monáe’s high-energy set included hits like “Tightrope” and “Make Me Feel,” alongside tracks from her recent critically acclaimed album. Her show was visually dazzling and thematically empowering, echoing the festival’s ethos of inclusivity and innovation.
Both artists received standing ovations, setting the tone for a season of performances that celebrate diversity and artistic excellence.
Summer of Music and Culture in Prospect Park
The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival has long been a staple of New York City’s cultural calendar. Since its inception in 1979, the festival has brought an eclectic mix of artists from around the world to the heart of Brooklyn, with performances spanning music, dance, film, and multimedia art.
This year’s festival includes 14 free concerts and four benefit shows, hosted primarily at the recently renamed Lena Horne Bandshell, in honor of the legendary Brooklyn-born singer and civil rights activist.
Upcoming highlights include:
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June 13: The first free concert of the season features Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie “TALIE” Cerin, and Riva Nyri Précil, honoring Haitian musical heritage through soul, folk, and Caribbean rhythms.
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June 14: A special Family Day celebrates Pippi Longstocking’s 80th birthday, with a performance by The Klezmatics and family-friendly activities inspired by the beloved storybook character.
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June 19: The third annual Juneteenth in the Park marks the federal holiday with performances that reflect on Black freedom and creativity, showcasing both emerging and established artists.
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June 27: A tribute to Quincy Jones titled “The Greatest Night in Pop,” which includes a screening of a documentary film and a live DJ set spinning classics from his storied career.
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July 17: A benefit concert featuring alternative rock legends Dinosaur Jr. with support from indie-rock favorite Snail Mail.
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August 2: A raucous night with punk-folk icons Gogol Bordello, who promise a high-energy show that blends Eastern European traditions with modern protest music.
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August 16: Closing night sees performances by neo-soul artist Nick Hakim and a special DJ set by Karriem Riggins, bringing the summer series to a soulful finale.
A Platform for Community and Connection
BRIC, the nonprofit behind the festival, is committed to supporting arts education, local artists, and cultural programming in Brooklyn. Each year, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival serves as a community touchpoint—free, open to all, and representative of the borough’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.
Festival-goers can expect more than just music. Many performances include interactive art installations, local food vendors, and family-friendly programming, making the festival a welcoming space for all ages.
In addition to the mainstage acts, off-site events and pop-up performances will take place throughout the borough, expanding the festival’s reach and engagement.
Looking Ahead
As the summer unfolds, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! continues to offer a platform for musical legends, emerging voices, and cross-cultural dialogue. Its mission remains rooted in accessibility and the belief that the arts can inspire connection and transformation.
With opening night setting a high bar, audiences can expect a season of memorable performances that capture the spirit of Brooklyn—bold, diverse, and creatively fearless.
