Trailblazers Flock to Brooklyn for Upcoming BRIC JazzFest

By DownBeat I Oct. 17, 2016

Critically acclaimed vocalist José James is among the performers scheduled to appear at BRIC JazzFest, which runs from Oct. 8–15 in Brooklyn.
(Photo: Janette Beckman)

Last year saw the inaugural edition of the BRIC JazzFest, a high-energy, musical marathon that brought some of the biggest names in jazz, hip-hop and r&b to Brooklyn. After a successful maiden voyage, the festival will return to the borough for its sophomore edition, which runs from Oct. 8–15 and promises to highlight an even broader range of today’s most ambitious young artists and jazz veterans.

Conceived and curated by Jack Walsh, Diane Eber and Brice Rosenbloom, BRIC JazzFest expands this year to a full week of programming, including a new series of jazz film screenings and three days of concerts, with performances taking place simultaneously in the various spaces comprising BRIC House (647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn).

The lineup of more than 50 artists includes Julian Lage, Terrace Martin, Lisa Fischer, Taylor McFerrin & Marcus Gilmore, Ben Allison & Think Free, Harold Lopez Nussa, the Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Septet, Krystle Warren, David Murray Infinity Quartet, Marc Ribot Trio, Lakecia Benjamin, Soulsquad, Big Yuki and many more.

Vocalist José James, who has been called the “jazz singer for the hip-hop generation,” will bring his creative blend of jazz and soul to the fest on Oct. 14.

Four additional free concerts—which include two evening performances for all ages and two daytime concerts for 500 students from area schools—have been made possible with support from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

A free, two-night film series (with two giant screens in BRIC House) will feature an array of classic films that shed light on influential artists and historical moments in jazz.

Preceding the BRIC JazzFest will two free concerts, one by the Brooklyn Raga Massive (Oct. 11) and another by Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda (Oct. 12).