BRIC announced the 2025 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival lineup, celebrating Brooklyn’s status as a global music crossroads with programming that spans continents, generations and artistic disciplines.
Kicking off the beloved concert series at the Lena Horne Bandshell on June 9 is Grace Jones, co-headlining with multi hyphenate virtuoso Janelle Monáe.
This year's festival, themed Where Brooklyn Meets… The World, will explore the rich tapestry of global sounds and stories that define the borough’s cultural landscape. Running from June 7 through August 16, the season showcases the festival’s ongoing commitment to musical discovery and cultural exchange.
“The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire,” said Saidah Blount, the ececutive director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! “This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat. We’re proud to celebrate the diversity and depth of our borough through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance connect us all.”
The festival, brought in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, officially starts on June 7, with BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun at BRIC House, with DJ and global producer Michaël Brun, Council Member Rita Joseph, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Executive Producer Saidah Blount, and BRIC President Wes Jackson, where they will discuss the importance of Haitian and Caribbean music to diasporic communities in New York.
Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerine, and Riva Nyri Précil headline the first free concert of the season on June 13. This lineup celebrates Brooklyn’s vibrant Haitian community as these powerhouse singer-songwriters blend traditional Haitian folk music with contemporary pop, jazz, and funk influences—continuing the festival’s exploration of Haitian and Caribbean musical traditions.
The season continues through August with performances from Gogol Bordello, Dinosaur Jr., Tributes to Quincy Jones and musicians from around the globe.
The Juneteenth in the Park celebration (June 19) will include Ghost-Note, with supporting acts including Voices of a People’s History and DJ Flash Gordon Parks, centering Texas artists and underrepresented histories, while the Lyricist Lounge Anniversary Show on August 9 will celebrate the 34th anniversary of Lyricist Lounge and the 30th anniversary of an iconic Hip-Hop album to be revealed in July.
Beyond the Lena Horne Bandshell, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! expands its Brooklyn footprint this season, collaborating with local elected officials and Rooftop Films to bring a dynamic mix of film, Hip-Hop, and reggae to Brower Park on July 19.
“In these days and times we are proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy a few moments of respite," said Wes Jackson, BRIC President. "For three generations we have remained committed to providing free and low cost programming to all of Brooklyn and New York City. Let’s do it again! See you at the Bandshell.”
For the full list of concerts and ticket information, click here.
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