Launched in 1979 as a catalyst for a Brooklyn performing arts scene and to bring people back into Prospect Park, Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of New York City’s longest running, free, outdoor performing arts festivals, and this year the legendary soul singer Chaka Khan will open the 37th annual Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival with a free concert on June 3, 2015 at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
Chaka Khan a ten time GRAMMY® Award winner (with 22 GRAMMY® nominations) stays true to her anthem “I’m every woman” is an Author, Actor, Activist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Producer, Singer, Songwriter, and Visual Artist, making Chaka Khan a true Renaissance Woman.
Chaka Khan has stunned audiences, artists, and critics alike with her 40 year plus career. And with a 40 year career under her belt her music has no doubt transcended time and eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, 
classical and dance music. Prior to the free concert, BRIC will hold the Celebrate Brooklyn! Opening Night Gala, honoring David Berliner, COO of Forest City Ratner Companies, at 5:30 P.M. Gala tickets, starting at $500, can be purchased online at www.BRICartsmedia.org/cb or by contacting Kristina Beaudett at 718.683.5633 or [email protected].
The proceeds provide vital funds that help keep Celebrate Brooklyn! programming free and accessible to everyone.
Following the concert, at 10:00 P.M., gala guests and Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn! (i.e., members) are invited to the Opening Night After –Party featuring DJ Raydar Ellis.
About BRIC and the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival.
Since it’s founding as a not -for-profit organization in 1979, BRIC has been the driving force behind a number of Brooklyn’s most widely renowned and beloved arts and media programs. In the borough that is now this country’s foremost creative hotbed, BRIC is unparalleled in its combination of artistic excellence, programmatic breadth and genuine accessibility. BRIC presents performing arts (live music, dance and theater), contemporary art exhibitions and programs, and community media programs (Brooklyn Free Speech Television and Brooklyn Independent Media) that reflect Brooklyn’s creativity and diversity. In 2013, BRIC inaugurated a new era of service to the borough when it opened BRIC House, a 40,000 square – foot arts and media facility located in the cultural hub of Downtown Brooklyn, featuring a flexible state -of-the-art performance space, a major contemporary art gallery, artist workspace, and multiple television and media production studios.
Emphasizing creative expression as varied and groundbreaking as the borough it serves, BRIC provides opportunities and platform s for Brooklyn artists and media makers to create and present new works. The organization champions the creativity of Brooklyn and work that expands the boundaries of artistic disciplines. BRIC’s highly accessible exhibitions, performances, television programs and educational programs serve more than one million Brooklyn residents each year. The Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival is BRIC’s flagship performing arts program. Launched by BRIC in 1979 as a catalyst for a burgeoning Brooklyn performing arts scene, and to bring people back into Prospect Park after years of neglect, Celebrate Brooklyn! was an early anchor in the park’s revitalization and has become Brooklyn’s foremost summer cultural attraction.
Over its history, the festival has presented over 2,000 artists, from emerging innovators to internationally established performers. Since 2011, BRIC has also produced a lively series of Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance parties in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Celebrate Brooklyn! FAQ
What is the rain policy?
Performances are RAIN OR SHINE except where indicated, there are no rain dates. All best efforts will be made to present performances regardless of weather.
How can I get a schedule of Celebrate Brooklyn! performances?
You can stay informed by signing up for our mailing list, joining us on Facebook and Twitter or by calling 718.683.5600. We also distribute brochures all around Brooklyn so check your local merchants!
How much does the performance cost?
There is a suggested donation of $3 except for benefit concerts, which do have an admission charge unless otherwise noted. “Keep it great, Give $3 at the gate” en español, “¡Que siga la fiesta en grand! Dona $3 a la entrada.”
How do I get to Celebrate Brooklyn?
Please refer to the directions/map.
When do the gates open?
The site opens one (1) hour prior to the posted performance time. You may line up prior to the opening of gates.
What is the seating policy at the Prospect Park Bandshell?
- Configurations change depending on the event, so please refer to individual event web pages for configurations at specific performances.
- Generally, there are 2,000 chairs in front of the stage at the Bandshell. The rear lawn, where you can bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket, can fit approximately 5,000 people.
- Some seats are reserved for Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn members, donors and artists guests.
- All other seats and lawn areas are first come, first served.
Is the Prospect Park Bandshell accessible?
The facility is completely wheelchair accessible. If you require special seating arrangements, please ask to speak with the house manager on the day of the performance when you reach the gate.
How can I get reserved seats?
Reserved seats are for Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn!, members who directly support free programming.
How can I support Celebrate Brooklyn?
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Or, for as little as $50, you can become a Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn!and enjoy benefits throughout the summer! The details of the donor levels and the benefits for Friends of Celebrate Brooklyn! are outlined on our website.
How can I sponsor Celebrate Brooklyn?
Please refer to our Sponsor page, call 718.683.5634 or e-mail at celebrate {at} BRICartsmedia -dot- org.
Are all of the performances appropriate for children?
Celebrate Brooklyn! performances are geared towards adults and families with children. We will make every attempt to inform audiences if a performance contains strong adult themes or language.
Am I allowed to bring food and drinks into the venue? Are food and drinks for sale?
We encourage picnicking, however the policies of the NYC Police Department, the Department of NYC Parks & Recreation, and Celebrate Brooklyn do not allow patrons to bring cans or bottles into the site. Celebrate Brooklyn! staff and volunteers will be checking for these items upon arrival of the site. Beer and wine are sold for on-site consumption and may not be removed from the site.
What other rules are there on pets, cameras, bikes, etc.?
