Childhood friends hailing from the UK, The Heavy’s guitarist Dan Taylor and vocalist Kelvin Swaby have been blending a mix of neo-soul, rock, folk and blues and playing together since the early 1990s. Drummer Chris Ellul and bassist Spencer Page round out The Heavy; a famed request for an encore on the David Letterman show brought the group early recognition in the US. Bringing a “menacing mix of Funkadelic, James Brown and maxi-fuzzed psychedelic garage” (Time Out NY) to their live performances, the quartet recently finished tour with Celebrate Brooklyn! alum Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The Heavy is perhaps best known for the song, How You Like Me Know, off of their second album The House That Dirt Built, which was used throughout the feature film The Fighter.
The London Soul’s unique reinterpretation of classic hard-hitting rock and roll trio channels, “the best bits of your old man’s dusty vinyl collection.”(Relix) The band – guitarist Tash Neal, bassist Kiyoshi Matsuyama, and drummer Christ Saint – collaborate on vocals and have built a fervent New York City fan base since hitting the scene in 2008. Saxophonist Stuart Bogie-- appearing with bands from Antibalas to Iron & Wine-- heads up funky ’80s electro-meets-afrobeat group Superhuman Happines. The seven-piece collective is hard at work on a debut full-length album, planned for 2012 release.
Sponsored locally by Aguayo Realty Group.
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.