The Wingate Park Concert has announced this year’s artist lineup with the help of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Concert-goers can look forward to seeing Brooklyn’s three-time Grammy winning reggae band Morgan Heritage; R&B soul artist Leela James; Harlem’s funk and jazz saxophone group Lakecia Benjamin & Soul Squad and Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box. The concert will also have a special performance by the Brooklyn United Marching Band, a youth music mentor program.
“Wingate is what it looks like to celebrate summer the Brooklyn way: with good tunes, great vibes, and all the love for the people who call this beautiful borough home,” said Reynoso. “Last year, over 5,000 people joined us to safely enjoy this summer staple, and this year, with this lineup, we’re gearing up to top it. I’m counting down the days until all of Brooklyn and beyond can come together to celebrate summer in New York and the music that defines us. Thank you to the incredible artists, sponsors, city partners, and of course, my amazing staff for making this year’s Wingate possible.”
The Wingate Park Concert will begin at 6:00pm. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Doors open at 5:00pm. Admission is free and unticketed. Wingate Park entrances will be limited to Brooklyn Avenue and Winthrop Street and will open at 5:00pm for the 6:00pm concert, which is scheduled to end at 10:00pm. The Brooklyn Avenue entrance will also serve as the ADA entrance and will open to persons with disabilities at 4:45pm. Reserved ADA seating will be available.
“Our new album The Homeland is all about recognizing the people, places, and cultures that make us who we are today – and the Wingate Park Concert is a celebration of the same,” said band Morgan Heritage. “We are so excited to share our new music and classics with our people at home in Brooklyn for a free concert on August 8 and are grateful to the Brooklyn Borough President for organizing what will be sure to be one of the best days of summer.”
Attendees will also enjoy Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box, which will be paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop taking place this year.
“Hip Hop is more than a genre – it’s a way of preserving the stories of those who have come before us and paved the way toward new futures,” said Ralph McDaniels, Founder and Curator of the Video Music Box. “I can’t wait to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop this year at Wingate, and I look forward to sharing with thousands of Brooklynites the music that has transformed generations. Thank you to Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for bringing community together around the music we share.”
The Wingate Concert Series was first organized under former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s administration in the late 1970s when he was State Senator. Over the years, performers have included Big Daddy Kane, Wyclef Jean and Aretha Franklin. The concerts were scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic under former Brooklyn Borough President, now New York City Mayor, Eric Adams. Borough President Antonio Reynoso committed to bringing back the concert within six months of taking office.
For more information on this year’s Wingate Park Concert visit www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov.
