Dancehall deejay Beenie Man and soca sensation Patrice Roberts are the first from a multi-genre lineup to kick off the five-borough summer music cooler Rise Up NYC.
The pair is slated to headline a free concert at Wingate Park on July 19. Fans of the Jamaican reggae stylist and Trinidad and Tobago soca sensation are already geared to exude Caribbean pride from 6 p.m. when the gates swing open to start the Summerfest, which will feature reggae, gospel, hip-hop, Latin, dance, and rhythm and blues.
“Summer is officially here, and it’s time for New York City to ‘Rise Up‘ with us as we come together to celebrate the culture and music that make our city so great,” Mayor Eric Adams said at the launch of the free summer series.
“We encourage all New Yorkers to join us as we celebrate the vibrant entertainment of our city through our love of music.”
Headlining the first night offering, the avowed King of Dancehall Music will select hits from a repertoire marked by hits like “Sim Simmer,” “Who Am I,” and “Ghetto Gal.“ The deejay is expected to thrill fans with nostalgia for the heydays when he performed regularly before being banned from entering the United States.
Restored from visa restriction, Beenie Man seems enthused by the Brooklyn billing.
Roberts, acclaimed for infectious songs like “Mind My Business“ and “Into You,” will add soca flavor to the mix. Also currying the menu are reggae-renowned Bobby Ponders and Jabba of Massive B.
Patrons are urged to bring flags.
The park is located between Winthrop Street and Rutland Road
Following the opening date, R&B has a moment for hybrid hip hop and R&B with Fabolous, Lloyd, Honey BXBY, Funk Flex, Jon B, and Jennaske on July 20.
The Boro of Kings adds another day of praise with gospel to lift the spirits helmed by soulful offerings from Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, John P. Kee, and Erica Campbell on July 21.
They are expected to continue the season’s outdoor offering at the storied concert venue.
Later in the month, Lisa Lisa, Brenda K. Starr, and Cece Penniston promise dance music on July 26. Together, they plan revelry on Staten Island with Grandmaster Melle Mel, Laura Enea, Sammy Zone, Canine, Joe Zangie, and DJ Scribble.
Midland Beach parking lot 8 at Father Capodanna Blvd. and Hunter Ave. is the venue.
Big Daddy Kane and Johnny Gill will light up the plaza in Harlem on Aug. 2 when the legends perform at 125th St. between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass Blvds.
Stevie B and Sweet Sensation are booked in the Bronx at Orchard Beach Road on that date.
Joining the stellar acts are Rob Base, Frankie Cutlass, Fascination, C-Bank, Nice and Wild, and France Joli.
Latin adds tropical salsa to the mix on Aug. 6 with Luis Varga, El Blanchy, George Lamond, and Jose Alberto aka El Canario, a salsa sensation booked for the Bronx location.
The Bronx gets a triple treat on Aug. 7 with EPMD, Rakim, and Funkmaster Flex. Again, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is expected to reprise “Look Back At It“ at the Boogie Down boro.
Queens cannot be regarded as the forgotten borough when Luciano, Wayne Wonder, Bobby Ponders, and Rupee return a Caribbean blend to Roy Wilkins Park on Aug. 16.
The curtains fall on Aug. 17 when Nailah Blackman, Bobby V, and Mya close out with R&B vibes at the popular Queens venue.
While music is guaranteed at all venues, a long list of don’ts prohibits entry to the festivities.
They include: no skateboards, frisbees, umbrellas, drones, alcohol, chairs, laser lights, blankets, backpacks larger than 16“ by 16“, musical instruments, scooters, and weapons.
“Sister Nancy Story” screens outdoors “Bam Bam”
“What a bam bam“ will resound in music and dance on July 19 when the “Sister Nancy Story“ screens a documentary about the trailblazing Jamaican deejay who recorded the hit record.
The film will follow performances by Johnny Osborne, Smif and Wesson, Bush Babies, and spinmeisters Ayanna Heaven, Gabsoul, and DJ Gringo in Brower Park.
The Crown Heights fest begins at 4 p.m. with the film screening slated after dark.
Check out another Bric film offering at Park Place between Brooklyn and Kingston Aves. on July 26, when a tribute to Quincy Jones spotlights “The Wiz.”
Catch you On the Inside!
