The weather is getting warmer and flowers are beginning to blossom, which can only mean one thing for Brooklyn’s music lovers — the coming return of Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
BRIC, the organization who runs the beloved music festival, announced the opening and closing acts for this summer’s 45th annual concert series, and it’s promising to be among the best that the borough has seen yet!
As one of New York City’s top summer attractions, and Big Apple’s longest-running free summer music festivals, Celebrate Brooklyn! is a cherished piece of Brooklyn culture that has united the borough since its first performance in 1979.
“I’m so proud to present this season in our 45th year with our first-ever artist-curator L’Rain,” said Diane Eber, Artistic Director, and Executive Producer. “As we come back to a summer full of shows, this year is all about looking to the future of our beloved festival while honoring our rich past.”
Celebrate Brooklyn! attracts a crowd of around 250,000 attendees from all five boroughs to the Bandshell stage, and this year will be no different.
“Every year, New Yorkers across the five boroughs flock to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! to appreciate great music, enjoy free programming, and take in Brooklyn’s incredible culture,” said Parks Department Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “This event imbues Prospect Park — already an iconic destination — with even more life and joy, and I’m grateful to BRIC and the Prospect Park Alliance for their fantastic partnership year after year.”
In partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and the city’s Parks Department, Celebrate Brooklyn will continue their annual summer tradition with music, movie and dance nights, a family day, and special benefit concerts.
“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, “I’m grateful that the park serves as an important inspiration for artists of all kinds. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances, and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to coming together this season with the many diverse communities of Brooklyn.”
This year, the festivities will take place from June 7 through Aug. 24th. Celebrate Brooklyn! is free of charge, except for select benefit shows.
The event provides an opportunity for musicians of every genre to perform, and for attendees to discover an appreciation for new music.
“Collaborative curatorial work is so special—more important than any individual contribution are the conversations we have with each other about artists we’re excited about, the ways we push each other out of our comfort zones, and the new music we learn about along the way,” said Artist Curator L’Rain Taja Cheek.
Born and raised in Crown Heights, L’Rain joined BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! as their first artist-curator.
“I have been going to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! my whole life and having an opportunity to be a part of the team is nothing short of a dream come true,” said L’Rain.
The full lineup for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn 2023 is still to come, but some of the major acts have been announced — including free performances from Taj Mahal, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, and The Head and The Heart.
The Benefit Concerts’ headlining performers are NxWorries, The Revivalists, Band of Horses, Alex G, and indie-pop band Alvvays.
From blues musician Taj Mahal, to gospel trio The Harlem Gospel and two-time Grammy Award winner Corinne Bailey Rae, along with so many more, this year’s headliners are something to look forward to.
“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! captures so much of what makes our city great – community building, creativity, beautiful public spaces, and joy, joy, joy!” said the city’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner, Laurie Cumbo. “Congratulations to BRIC and the artists who will be featured in this year’s exciting festival lineup. I can’t wait to see you all at the Lena Horne Bandshell come summer!”
