On June 4, Sheila E. graced the stage at the opening of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Series. This annual summer concert series takes place in Prospect Park, drawing in crowds with its array of free performances. Sheila E. showcased her unique fusion of funk, jazz, and Latin music, accompanied by guitarist Leon Knight and DJ Spinna.
Sheila E. Launches BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Series
During her performance, Sheila E. expressed her connection to New York City, recalling memorable visits from Oakland, California. She reminisced about attending shows with her father, percussionist Pete Escovedo, to meet the legendary Tito Puente. “This is what America looks like, right here,” Sheila declared to the enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing the importance of community and family.
A Musical Journey
Sheila E.’s set featured a variety of hits, including:
- The Glamorous Life
- A Love Bizarre
- Playing in the Band
- Come Together (a cover of The Beatles)
The evening included heartfelt tributes to the late Prince, with songs like “Baby, I’m a Star” and “Purple Rain.” Sheila shared her emotions, stating, “The legacy he left was his music,” as she remembered her late friend.
Promoting Togetherness
The concert atmosphere was electric, with Sheila promoting unity through familiar classics. Songs like Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People” and Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now is Love” resonated with the audience.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Highlights
BRIC has established itself as a cultural cornerstone in Brooklyn, known for its commitment to providing free arts programming. Established in 1979, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn is recognized as New York City’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival.
Additional performances scheduled for this summer include highly anticipated shows featuring:
- Patti LaBelle
- Cindy Blackman Santana
For more information about BRIC and their community offerings, visit El-Balad’s website at bricartsmedia.org.
