BRIC JazzFest kicks off with a free outdoor concert featuring famed R&B songstress Bettye LaVette. Co-presented with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
After beginning her career in 1962 at the age of 16, LaVette is one of a few artists who recorded and performed during the birth of soul music and who is still creating vital recordings today. Her first single “My Man – He’s a Loving Man,” was released on Atlantic Records, and over the next 50+ years, LaVette has performed around the world and recorded for numerous labels, and has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the W.C. Handy Award for Comeback Blues Album of the Year, Pioneer Award by The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, and two Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Blues Singer and Best Soul Blues Female Artist.
Nominated for five GRAMMY Awards, including for 2015’s Worthy and 2018’s Things Have Changed, an album of all Bob Dylan songs (Verve Records), LaVette brings her powerful R&B magic to kick off BRIC JazzFest 2019 with an epic free concert at the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District’s fabulous outdoor public space, The Plaza at 300 Ashland.
The Henson | Soule Team at Compass Joins BRIC JazzFest as Presenting Sponsor.
This concert is co-presented with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and in partnership with Two Trees Management Co. and Whole Foods.
BRIC JazzFest is also generously supported by The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and TD Bank.
WBGO returns as media partner.