In an effort to revitalize the neglected Prospect Park and support the flourishing Brooklyn art scene, BRIC launched the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival in the summer of 1979. The festival has since hosted over 2,000 artists—from emerging talent to internationally renowned performers. Established in 2011, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties will return to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 for three consecutive Thursdays this May. This free (and themed!) series will feature a wide array of music to groove to and is the perfect way to welcome back the summer sun!
Thursday, May 14 | 7 PM
Classic Soul Funk Dance Party
Known for their irrefutable showmanship and exuberance on stage, Sonny Knight & the Lakers will kick off the party on May 14th with some feel-good funk. The band released their energetic debut album I’m Still Here last year, nearly 50 years after Knight recorded his first single, and they have been movin’ and groovin’ ever since.
For 23 years Felix Hernandez packed the mammoth dance floor at the now-closed Roseland Ballroom. He’ll bring his groovy dance party, The Rhythm Revue, to Pier 1 to seal off a night of true funkalicious fun.
Thursday, May 21 | 7 PM
Electro Soul Dance Party
British vocal experimentalist Jamie Lidell will light up the stage on May 21st. At times abstract and otherworldly, Lidell’s raw power and unique fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and electro is sure to dazzle and amaze.
Experienced partymakers DJs JDH and Dave P, the duo behind FIXED, have spun the party at Coachella, PS1, Camp Bisco, FYF Fest, at Pacha Ibiza. They’ll get the party started with the Brooklyn United Marching Band.
Thursday, May 28 | 7 PM
Latin Jazz Dance Party
On May 28th Poncho Sanchez—the fiery Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American conguero (congo player), Latin jazz band leader, and salsa singer—will bring the heat to the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Melding gritty soul with Afrocuban jazz in an infectious melody, Sanchez is a remarkable performer with touches of influences from around the globe.
Following Sanchez’s set, World-renowned DJ Bobbito Garcia will take the stage, and instructors from Salsa Salsa Dance Studio will lead the audience in a variety of Latin-inspired dance lessons.
Article by: Heather McAdams
