Younger Returns to BRIC JazzFest as Artist Curator

News, Brandee Younger, Makaya McCraven, Lakecia Benjamin, Reggie Workman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Various Artists

By DownBeat I Oct. 2, 2024

Makaya McCraven will perform at Brooklyn’s BRIC JazzFest on Oct. 18.
(Photo: Courtesy BRIC)

BRIC, a multi-disciplinary arts and media institution based in Brooklyn, New York, has announced the return of the BRIC JazzFest, which will run Oct. 17–19 at BRIC House (647 Fulton St.).

Since its inception in 2015, BRIC JazzFest has presented the next generation of cutting-edge jazz talent at BRIC House alongside some of the biggest names in the genre. The festival fosters opportunities for rising stars like Artist Curator Brandee Younger, who has grown from a young performer at the first-ever BRIC JazzFest in 2015 to BRIC’s esteemed 2024 curatorial partner.

“BRIC JazzFest 2015 was a transformative experience,” Younger said. “The backstage energy was electric, and witnessing Kamasi Washington’s live debut was a career-defining moment. To return as curator a decade later is surreal. Beyond the thrill of performing, I’m deeply honored to celebrate this incredible community of artists. Seeing dear friends ascend to headlining status and discovering fresh talent is a dream come true.”

Set across two stages and three nights, this year’s BRIC JazzFest lineup includes drummer, composer and producer Makaya McCraven (Oct. 18); saxophonist, arranger, composer and educator Lakecia Benjamin (Oct. 19); groundbreaking harpist Brandee Younger with her trio featuring Rashaan Carter and Allan Mednard (Oct. 17); bassist Reggie Workman (Oct. 19); drummer, producer and educator Terri Lyne Carrington’s Art of Living project (Oct. 18); vocalist and poet Allysha Joy (Oct. 19); Spanish composer, trumpeter and flugelhorn player Milena Casado (Oct. 17); Panama-born, Chicago-based drummer and DJ Daniel Villarreal (Oct. 18); and bassist, singer and composer Mali Obomsawin (Oct. 17).

To view the full BRIC JazzFest 10th anniversary lineup, CLICK HERE. DB