Jazz legends Roy Ayers, Meshell Ndegeocello and Robert Glasper will headline this year's annual JazzFest hosted by BRIC, the arts and media organization announced Wednesday.
The headliners will be joined by Keyon Harrold, Phony Ppl, Nikara Warren, Justin Hicks, Nate Smith x Van Hunt, and MAE.SUN, who are also set to perform in the sixth annual festival.
BRIC Director of Performing Arts Lia Camille Crockett said BRIC was thrilled to deliver the culture and music people loved with JazzFest.
"This year's event will be the most groundbreaking yet, with three packed evenings of incredible talent that are innovators and embody the resilient and ever-present Brooklyn spirit, all safely accessible from the comfort of our homes," she said.
The JazzFest lineup will showcase artists ranging from global legends, to Brooklyn-bred bands and exciting newcomers to jazz, including festival headliners multi-Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist Robert Glasper; vibraphonist/vocalist also known as the Godfather of Neo-soul Roy Ayers; and singer-songwriter, rapper, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello.
BRIC President Kristina Newman-Scott said during this difficult past year, music remained an inexhaustible source of joy and resilience.
"We feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to present JazzFest virtually this year and deliver a piece of artistry and inspiration into many homes, especially those of frontline and essential workers whose sacrifice we will forever be indebted to."
The festival will be guest curated by headliner Meshell Ndegeocello, along with Crockett, and co-curator Brice Rosenbloom. Ticket options will follow the honor code system with tiered pricing: "solo" single day ticket ($20), "duet" tickets for two ($40), "ensemble" tickets for three ($60), three-day pass solo ($50), with additional bundle pricing options for the full weekend and $5 tickets for essential workers and people experiencing hardship. For more ticket information, go to BRICartsmedia.org/jazzfest.
The virtual musical marathon will be held over three nights, from Thursday, April 8 through Saturday, April 10 at 7pm at BRICartsmedia.org/jazzfest.
