"“It's the idea of choosing to come together as a community ‒ of neighbors, families, friends, strangers ‒ on a summer night in Brooklyn, around music, for free,” Wes Jackson , president of BRIC, said in a statement. “That shared experience, of being with people who are all there for the same reason, is worth protecting. It's a sense of belonging to something greater. That is what this festival is, the radical joy that comes from entering that space.”"
"Now entering its 47th year, the festival will feature 15 free concerts and three ticketed benefit shows at Prospect Park under the theme “Radical Joy,” a concept organizers said reflects the importance of community gathering in a time of political and economic uncertainty. The season opens June 4 with a free performance by Sheila E., joined by Leon Knight and DJ Spinna. The festival will close Sept. 19 with a benefit concert featuring alt-rock artists Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney."
"“Every show this season was built with intention to reflect the full range of who Brooklyn is and what moves us,” Executive Director Saidah Blount said . “We have fan favorites like Sheila E., Patti LaBelle, Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney, themed nights that celebrate musical traditions, and artists on the verge of their next big moment.”"
"Among the marquee performances is Patti LaBelle's June 26 benefit show. Officials noted the concert marks the first time the organization has booked a major artist independently without partnering with a corporate promoter."
BRIC Arts Media announced the 2026 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival lineup, running from June 4 to Sept. 19 at Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell. The 47th season includes 15 free concerts and three ticketed benefit shows under the theme “Radical Joy,” emphasizing community gathering amid political and economic uncertainty. The festival opens June 4 with a free performance by Sheila E. with Leon Knight and DJ Spinna, and it closes Sept. 19 with a benefit concert featuring Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney. Organizers designed the season to reflect Brooklyn’s diversity through fan favorites, themed nights celebrating musical traditions, and emerging artists. Patti LaBelle’s June 26 benefit show is noted as the first major independent booking without a corporate promoter partnership.
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