PROSPECT PARK — The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (BCC) officially launched its summer-long pop-up at BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn Festival with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 13 in Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell.
The day marked the start of BRIC’s 47th annual free concert season in Prospect Park.
Riva Nyri Précil performing for the crowd. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Brooklyn Made, the retail initiative of BCC, has retail stores in Industry City and City Point. Brooklyn Made aims to showcase and support local Brooklyn-based businesses and makers.
Brad Lander, New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
BRIC, a non-profit arts and media organization, explores the interconnectedness of global music, presenting the vibrant tapestry of artists whose work resonates from around the world and within Brooklyn.
Wes Jackson, president of BRIC Media. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Culture and collaboration
Executive Director of Brooklyn Made Stores Gaia DiLoreto, told the audience that BCC’s mission and goal is to support small businesses. “We’re able to do that here with the spirit of culture and collaboration with this store,” DiLoreto said. “What you see today is the result of months of hard work and an incredible collaboration with the BRIC team.”
Several elected officials were also in attendance, including City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander.
Krissy Moore, senior vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“I can’t imagine any place I’d rather be than in Brooklyn for this ribbon-cutting,” Lander said. “Everybody in Brooklyn — whatever community you’re from and whatever country you’re from — you’re sure to have an amazing time. This summer, all of Brooklyn will come together in Prospect Park.”
New York City’s longest running free concert series
Wes Jackson, president of BRIC Media, told the Brooklyn Eagle that the summer 2025 season will run through August and consist of 18 shows.
Councilmember Farah Louis (D-45). Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“We do have one performance in Bedford-Stuyvesant and one in Brownsville, but the majority of the shows will be in Prospect Park, our base of operations,” Jackson said, noting that 1990s Alt-Rock band Dinosaur Jr. will be one of the standout performers at its July 17 concert.
According to Jackson, BRIC will also be doing a tribute to Quincy Jones on June 27 called “The Greatest Night in Pop.” The screening will be a tribute to the late, great musician and producer with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the historic anthem, “We Are the World.”
Brad Lander addresses the crowd. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“People think that we are just about music,” Jackson said. “But there’s also dance, film — all of that. BRIC is New York City’s longest running free concert series.”
As for renowned acts that have graced its stage in the past 47 years, Jackson recalled that Prince and Bill Withers made an unforgettable impression on concertgoers some decades ago.
From left: Wes Jackson, president of BRIC Media; Gabrielle Napolitano, director of partnerships and communications for Brooklyn Made Stores; Krissy Moore, senior vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo; BCC President and CEO Randy Peers; Executive Director of Brooklyn Made Stores Gaia DiLoreto; Brad Lander, New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate; and Lisa Perez. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“With everything going on in the world today, you need like three or four hours to decompress,” Jackson said. “You can come here and be with your neighbors and the community. It’s an escape — a bit of an oasis.”
Randy Peers (left) alongside Brad Lander. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
