AMERICAN EXPRESS SERIES

Promotional Partner

The Brooklyn based singer GREGORY PORTER showcases “outstanding original songs, erudite lyrics and social comment, top drawer musicianship and improvisation, and a voice to die for” (Jazz Wise) — qualities that led L’Express to call him “the next great voice in jazz.” Porter’s career began when he moved to Bed-Stuy in 2004 and began playing at neighborhood spots, including his brother’s restaurant Bread Stuy, where he was a chef, with some of the musicians who would eventually become his touring band. He released two albums on Motéma, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), before signing with Blue Note Records (under Universal Music Group). His Blue Note debut, Liquid Spirit, produced by Brian Bacchus, came out in 2013 and won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. His hotly anticipated follow up, Take Me to The Alley, arrived in early May.

Multi-reedist and BRIC JazzFest alum MARCUS STRICKLAND and his electrifying band TWI-LIFE set the tone. The songs on Strickland’s recent Blue Note/Revive debut Nihil Novi, produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and released earlier this year, offer an “array of styles, harmonic textures, and dynamics, and reveal his preoccupation with hip-hop beatmaking.” (AllMusic)

Friends Member Seating & Tent Access

Friends Seating: Front seats open to Seat-Pass and Tent-Pass members 
Friends Tent: Open to Tent-Pass members
Sponsor Tent: Closed for a Private Event

Venue Information:

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is one of New York City's longest running, free, outdoor performing arts festivals and is held every summer at the Prospect Park Bandshell. View seating arrangements here.

All Performances Rain or Shine. In the event of dangerous weather we will be communicating updates on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.

To learn more about our COVID-Safety precautions, visit our FAQ page.