Culture and Diversity: The 2024 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

June 2, 2024 by Michela Arlia

Celebrate Brooklyn! Stage / photo courtesy of BRIC Arts Media

Celebrate Brooklyn! Stage at the Lena Horne Bandshell / photo courtesy of BRIC Arts Media

The much-anticipated BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival returns this June with a lineup that promises to deliver an eclectic mix of musical genres, cultural experiences, and unforgettable performances. This annual festival, which has become a staple of New York City’s summer calendar, will once again transform Prospect Park into a vibrant hub of creativity, melody, and community.

For over four decades, the festival has been a center for artistic excellence and a testament to Brooklyn’s rich cultural diversity. This year’s festival continues this legacy by offering a thoroughly curated lineup that spans genres, generations, and geographies, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The Halluci Nation / photo by Rémi Thériault/ courtesy of The Halluci Nation

The festival is set to kick off on June 6th, featuring a family day that includes The Halluci Nation, Xiuhtezcatl and Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, which is sure to set a high bar for the rest of the summer. With a variety of tunes from Indigenous-inspired electronica to African drumming, the afternoon of family fun is sure to get the crowd moving and singing along.

Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble / photo courtesy of BRIC Arts Media

This year’s lineup is a testament to the festival’s commitment to diversity. From indie rock to hip-hop, classical to electronic, the 2024 schedule has it all.

One of the festival’s signatures is its ability to bring together unique collaborations and premieres. This year is no exception as partnerships with NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest bring Thee Sacred Souls, Adi Oasis, and this year’s winner, The Philharmonik to the stage. From ’60s soul, ’70s R&B, funk, and more, this event seems one you don’t want to miss.

Thee Sacred Souls / photo by Ebru Ylldlz/ courtesy of BRIC Arts Media

While music is at the heart of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, the event also offers a rich array of cultural activities. Attendees can explore art installations, enjoy food from local vendors, and participate in workshops and community activities. Festival goers can even enjoy a screening of the film “Do the Right Thing” on Saturday, July 6.

A defining feature of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is its commitment to accessibility. The majority of the performances are free, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of live music. The festival also includes specific initiatives to engage with the Brooklyn community, such as educational programs and partnerships with local organizations.

As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural landscape. The 2024 lineup is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to bring together a diverse array of artists and audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, this year’s festival promises to be a highlight of the summer, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate music, culture, and community in the heart of Brooklyn.

The festival will run from June 8 to August 24. As more exciting acts are to be added to the lineup, visit the official BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival website and get ready to enjoy a summer filled with extraordinary performances and unforgettable experiences.

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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