Music lovers should cop their tickets ASAP for the 2015 AFROPUNK Festival, August 21-23, in Brooklyn, NY. An explosion of art, music and activism, this year’s line-up has a little something for everyone from legendary rockers to fringe artists on the come up. Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Gary Clark Jr., SZA, Suicidal Tendencies, Kelela and Vintage Trouble are just a few the artists on the roster. Here’s a quick hit list of things you should look out for at this year’s fest.
1. Get fly for the first annual AFROPUNK Ball on Friday, August 21 at Commodore Barry Park. There will be live music, art and philanthropy. The fundraiser will support the work of AFROPUNK Global Initiative which promotes diversity in media and the arts. The event’s special guest is fashion model, singer and actress Grace Jones. In May, Jones released Disco, featuring three CD’s full of her greatest hits. Additionally, Jones has just signed on to star in an experimental, silent, rock movie along with Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins. Tickets for the ball are separate from the festival. Get your tickets to the party.
2. Rock icon Lenny Kravitz will be gracing the stage August 23, performing a litany of his chart-topping songs. Famous for hits like “American Woman” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” Kravitz also owns Kravitz Design Inc., which specializes in commercial and residential design, product development and branding. Onstage, this funky tastemaker is sure to share songs from his newest album Strut.
3. AFROPUNK has teamed up with Museum of Contemporary Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), whose core values are centered around empowering, educating and connecting people of the African Diaspora and UK outfit Act/Art for the creation of works to be displayed on the festival grounds. Each year, AFROPUNK creates more than 200 feet of original murals, cutting edge works of art and art activations, according to its site.
4. Broaden your horizons. With such a full-lineup, the AFROPUNK FESTIVAL is the perfect time to check out a singer or band you’ve never heard of. Before heading to the festival, take a listen to DJ Lindsey, download Kush Coma featuring ASAP Rocky from Detroit rapper Danny Brown or try UK artist Kele Okereke if dance music is your thing. He’s a DJ and a producer who fronts the award-winning band Bloc Party.
5. AFROPUNK is looking for activists to promote civic engagement at the festival. If social justice is up your alley, sign up for Activism Row.
6. Bespoke jewelry, cosmetics, house wares, books, apparel and more will be available for purchase at AFROPUNK’S SpinThrift Market. A sprawling display of talent, the market
features more than 90 artisans.
7. After the park closes, festival goers are encouraged to “creep into the streets, bars, and restaurants of Brooklyn with AFROPUNK AFTER DARK.” AFROPUNK AFTER DARK will take over select venues with music, art and comedy. There will be intimate pop-up performances, DJ sets, story slams and more.
Get tickets for the AFROPUNK Festival.
– Jacquinn Sinclair
Follow Jacquinn on Twitter at @Jwills1