Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe will launch the 2025 BRIC Fest with a concert at Prospect Park.

New York City’s esteemed outdoor performing arts festival, recognized as the longest-running in the region, is poised to deliver an exceptional lineup this year. The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival will commence with a notable performance featuring Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe and iconic performer Grace Jones at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park on June 9.

Grace Jones, 76, has long been celebrated for her genre-defining hits such as “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm.” Her high-energy performances continue to captivate audiences, drawing in fans across generations. Janelle Monáe, a ten-time Grammy nominee, has emerged as a significant figure in both the music scene and fashion industry, garnering acclaim for her innovative style and powerful musical expression. The combination of these two remarkable artists has been described by BCB!’s executive director, Saidah Blount, as a celebration of strong, creative Black women who are pushing the boundaries of music.

This year’s festival theme, “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World,” reflects an effort to highlight the diverse cultural fabric that characterizes Brooklyn. The festival aims to explore a range of global sounds and narratives, enriching the local artistic landscape.

The festival will feature a variety of performances, including a free concert on June 13 showcasing Haitian artists Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerin, and Riva Nyri Précil, who will present their work in the French-Creole dialect. In total, 14 free shows will be staged throughout the festival season, which runs from June 7 to August 16.

Among the headliners are American indie-pop artist Still Woozy, iconic alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr., and the Canadian group Men I Trust, each set to contribute to the festival’s lineup of benefit shows supporting community initiatives. Benefit concert tickets are available for purchase.

Blount expressed enthusiasm for this year’s lineup, emphasizing a balance between globally recognized artists and up-and-coming talents. The festival strives to continue its legacy of offering high-quality performances while serving as a platform for music discovery.

This year will also include tributes to the late music producer Quincy Jones, notably through film screenings. The first, “The Greatest Night in Pop,” will explore the legendary recording of “We Are the World” on June 27, and a screening of Jones’s work in the 1978 film “The Wiz” will take place on July 26.

The festival invites attendees to participate in the celebratory atmosphere, encouraging fans to don their “Emerald City” attire for the screening of “The Wiz.”

While the majority of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!’s performances are free, individuals can opt for a membership with BRIC, which offers benefits such as reserved seating, express entry, and exclusive access to various events throughout the year.

As the festival unfolds, it stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s vibrant arts scene, fostering creativity and community engagement through music and performance.