BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival kicks off in Prospect Park

Brooklyn residents got a chance to a enjoy a free concert with performances from ska band Fishbone and Spanish punk band Son Rompe Pera.

Rob Flaks

Jun 30, 2024, 3:00 AM

Updated 159 days ago

Share:

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival kicked off in Prospect Park Saturday and offered a variety of music, food and culture for attendees to enjoy. Brooklyn residents got a chance to a enjoy a free concert with performances from ska band Fishbone and Spanish punk band Son Rompe Pera.
Organizers told News 12 they have had events like these for 40 years, and keeping the music diverse, the food tasty, and the admission free is a goal for them to keep the event reflective of the community.
Organizers from BRIC, a Brooklyn arts foundation, said that access and reflection of the community is key as is the price point.
"We try to have free, if not, low cost events for people to come out, hear great music and just enjoy the spirit of Brooklyn," said Saidah Blount, executive director of BRIC.
Angelo Moore, of the band Fishbone, said his group was excited to play the venue due to their warm responses from Brooklyn for their past performances. He said they also like how the crowd embodies the messaging of plurality, ending racism, and challenging pre-conceived notions.
"When we play [in Brooklyn], it's always packed, it always has a lot of people who are familiar and eclectic and they kind of like the music that Fishbone puts out," Moore said.
Those behind the event said they are determined to keep the festival's 40-year tradition going and keeping that artist spirit alive for all to enjoy.
"Every year, we really try to have the acts reflect the community, and so this year is not different, but we really do want to make sure that everybody feels welcomed and that there is something for everybody this summer," said show producer Vivana Benitez.
For Blount, she said the festival is an embodiment of the Brooklyn way of life and pays homage to the culture and history of the borough.
"I think it's important that people get a sense of dreaming about Brooklyn, knowing that when you go anywhere in the world you say 'Brooklyn,' there is a certain feeling, swagger and attitude, and I think that Celebrate Brooklyn represents that," Blount said.
BRIC will continue have outdoor festivals throughout the summer, which includesa screening of the Spike Lee film "Do The Right Thing" next Saturday.