Haitian DJ Michael Brun on June 15 kicked off BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!’s summer festival, the longest running free performing arts festival in New York City, drawing thousands to Prospect Park.
BRIC – a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn, whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media and civic action – told Caribbean Life that the summer-long festival has become one of the city’s foremost cultural attractions.
BRIC said “Michael Brun presents BAYO” was its first benefit concert for the season.
“The headlining Haitian DJ had a memorable all-star line up of international talent including fellow Maxwell, Haitian DJ Kolo, the Paul Beaubrun Band, Tokyo-based alt-pop sensation, Sarina, Haitian singer Danola, rapper Troubleboy Hitmaka, singer/songwriter J Perry and more,” BRIC said.
It said Brun graced the stage with a variety of DJ sets, ranging from early 2000s NY classics, kompa, reggae and dancehall, and amapiano.
“The night took a head when he surprised thousands of spectators with a guest appearance from global superstar J Balvin who performed his hit single ‘Mi Gente’”, said BRIC, stating that the summer-long “beloved annual tradition” includes 20-plus free shows, benefit concerts and dance performances, among others.
BRIC said this summer’s genre-crossing lineup, which runs through Aug. 24, includes performances by trailblazing punk-ska vets Fishbone, four-time GRAMMY winner Meshell Ndegeocello, rising Afrobeat star Seun Kuti, reggae stars Lila Ike and Jesse Royal.
It said BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is paying homage to the borough’s rich cultural tapestry with the theme this year, “Raised by Brooklyn.”
“The theme is a tribute to the role Brooklyn has played in shaping the lives and trajectories of global cultural icons, public servants, artists, community activists, and business leaders born in the borough – and the role of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! in shaping the Brooklyn cultural landscape,” said BRIC, stating that, for over 40 years, it has “shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students and media makers.
“As a creative catalyst for their community, BRIC ignites learning in people of all ages and centralizes diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward,” it added. “BRIC builds Brooklyn’s creative future.”
BRIC said Brun is a music producer and DJ from Haïti, “who makes music to bridge the world.”
“A talented multi-instrumentalist, Brun shifted from a medical career path to music, embracing DJing and EDM production at 16,” it said.
Gaining acclaim with tracks like “Rise,” “Burn Forever” and “Synergy,” and collaborations such as “Rift” with Dirty South, “Brun’s work has consistently charted in Beatport’s top ranks,” BRIC said.
Supported by industry giants and after a successful stint at Davidson College, BRIC said Brun took a break to focus on music, leading to hit remixes and his EP Gravity reaching #2 on Beatport.
“Now with ‘It’s Better Management’ and ‘William Morris Endeavour,’ Michael continues to rise in the music scene,” BRIC said.
