BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! wrapped up its 47th edition of live music festivities at Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell on August 16. BRIC! featured a wide variety of star-studded performers, such as fashion legend Grace Jones, Grammy-winning musician Adrian Quesada, and legendary Lower East Side-based gypsy-punk band Gogol Bordello.
Embracing their “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World” theme, this year featured performances from more than 25 countries while infusing Brooklyn’s dynamic diversity, enriching the borough’s already vibrant cultural tapestry. From Puerto Rico’s sophisticated music scene to bold voices from Southwest Asia and North Africa, BRIC! was an unparalleled journey through global sound.
On June 9, BRIC! kicked off with the Opening Benefit Concert, which featured the triumphant Grace Jones and multi-hyphenate artist Janelle Monáe, setting the stage with avant-garde theatrics and futuristic funk.
BRIC! then travelled to South America with its Haitian & Caribbean Celebration. With performances from folk artist Mélissa Laveaux and jazz and R&B musician Riva Nyri Précil, it was a spirited tribute to Haiti and the Caribbean’s rich musical heritage.
In the Habibi Festival, musicians like French-Tunisian saxophonist Yacine Boulares and Palestinian singer-songwriter Rasha Nahas commemorated the SWANA music landscape with innovative and genre-bending setlists, sparking the Bandshell with high energy and cultural pride.
BRIC! featured the best of both music worlds with the Hip Hop Milestone and BRIC JazzFest 2025 Preview. The Hip Hop Milestone celebrated the 30th anniversary of Wu-Tang legend Raekwon’s seminal debut, while the legendary jazz bassist William Parker highlighted the depth of Brooklyn’s jazz legacy, offering a sneak peek into the upcoming BRIC JazzFest this fall.
The 2025 BRIC! Season Finale capped off with Nick Hakim and Karriem Riggins on August 16, showcasing a night of soulful and experimental mix of jazz, soul, and hip hop.
With features from talents all around the world, BRIC! was a festive musical fete commemorating Brooklyn’s cultural and music landscape.
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