It was lights, music, and screams, as BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, returned to the Lena Horn Bandshell in Prospect Park, on Sunday, June 19, to its first Juneteenth celebration, bringing super stars to the stage.
Canadian singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer, Deborah Cox, delivered a dynamic performance cementing her place as one of the great R&B voices in the industry, with a voice mirroring that of late mega vocalist, Whitney Houston, the chanteuse belted out her latest to celebrate the titled — Juneteenth Unityfest 2022.
Beautiful in a black gown, that shimmered with a silver droplet design, Cox, was born to parents of Guyanese heritage, brought the house down, moving along the stage and responded to the screams and sing along by fans to her pop crossover hit, and Billboard Hot 100 chart topper, that peaked at number two, remaining there for eight weeks — “No Body’s Supposed to be Here,” and other popular singles.
Cox, an eight-time Juno Award Nominee, who has won four awards and is known as Canada’s top R&B artist, certainly didn’t disappoint fans, who joined long lines to enter the grounds of Prospect Park.
Israel Houghton’s musical career is legendary, and it showed during his phenomenal performance. The worship leader brought the church to the stage, and fans on their feet. It was not hard to recognize those who worship with mega church Joel Osteen Ministries, as seen in the audience.
Church goers were on their feet, rejoicing to the song of praise, “We Worship You – Hallelujah,” for an exciting set, accompanied by worship singers for a spirited performance.
The Juneteenth celebration continued with accomplished gospel singer, Tye Tribbett showmanship, and entertaining style delighted followers, as she sang his way across the stage with the help of powerful musicians, that hyped up the drums, keyboards, and guitar, for an energetic performance. Some of his songs included “We Gon’ Be Alright,” “He Turned It,” and “Work it Out.”
The line-up which featured standup comedian, Barry Brewer who entertained concert goers with laughter, during sets between performances, also saw the genius of instrumentalist, Robert Randolph, founder of The Robert Randolph Foundation, and who presented the Juneteenth Unityfest 2022, he described, as a national experience uniting diverse voices in commemoration and celebration of Juneteenth and Black culture.
In partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn and Heal America, Randolph said the celebration that included performance by genre-bending artist Mali Music brought many different entertainers, educators, and activists to the event to celebrate black artists and provide a platform to unite a coalition of charitable grassroots organizations.
Performances are rain or shine, and will continue with Cirque Kalabante Afrique En Cirque, Vic Mensa, Ragamala Dance Company, and many more.
Go to www.info@BRICARTSMEDIA.ORG.
