Clear your weekend, The Afro-Latinx Festival of New York returns for its seventh year on July 12 through 13 in Brooklyn. The festival will showcase music representing to over eight countries on multiple indoor and outdoor stages in Downtown Brooklyn: BKLYN Studios Stage, Dekalb Stage, and Albee Square Stage. In addition, expect the launch of the much-anticipated AfrolatinTalks Podcast Series, and over 40 different food vendor choices in the DeKalb Market Hall.
The 2019 theme #ReclaimingCulture+Spaces celebrates Afro-Latino legends, and seeks to affirm, educate, and celebrate Afro-Latino culture, within the borough’s borders and beyond.
The first day will open with a lively Diaspora Day Party in BKLYN Studios, featuring a lineup of famous Haitian, Dominican, African Diaspora DJs, including Haitian-American DJ Stakz. Outside of the day party, Friday’s performance lineup includes poet-activist Felipe Luciano, Bobbito Garcia a.k.a Kool Bob Love, and DJ Nina Vicious, all coming together in tribute to the legendary, Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso of Puerto Rico.
Tite cemented himself as one of music history’s iconic songwriters, having composed over 2,000 songs, including hits “Las Caras Lindas,” “La Cura,” and “Periodico de Ayer.”
Friday’s lineup will also be graced with headliner Flor de Toloache, a Latin Grammy-winning mariachi band, and Latin rock band Making Movies.
On Saturday, the second day of the festival, the party dances on with legendary Latin Grammy winner, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” commonly known as the “Showman of Salsa.” Also DJing are the empresario twins, Coco + Breezy, Afrobeat specialist DJ Don, and Panama’s top calypso band Los Beachers (who are celebrating their 51st anniversary and currently on their farewell tour).
Just like any great Latin party, the dancing must trickle into the late-night. On both nights, the music will play on until 2 a.m at the Dekalb Stage for after parties with Oscar Nñ of Papi Juice, DJ Buka, C. Devone, Ashley Venom of Space Tapes Miami, and many others.
In addition, the festival partnered up with the NYC Summerstage series for the second year, and will be unveiling a packed program on Sunday July 7, 2019. For completely free, join the crowd for the 50th anniversary concert of the legendary Haitian kompa band, Tabou Combo, along with Lakou Mizik and Sabine Blaizin, at Springfield Park in Queens, NY.
“The Afro-Latino Festival brings some of the most exciting acts and performers to the famed streets, plazas and public spaces of Downtown Brooklyn,” said Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “With an unparalleled lineup of musicians, dancers and speakers, we invite everyone to come celebrate the diversity and culture that both the festival and Downtown Brooklyn are known for.”
Tickets can be purchased here, with options for one-day passes priced at $39.50 and weekend passes priced at $54.67, granting you access to all events, including afterparties and Diaspora Day Parties. Tickets are available for purchase for only the Diaspora Party ($12.24), and after party ($17.55), as well as just day access to the Brooklyn Studios concert ($28.16).
Check out their Instagram and website for more information.
Images courtesy of The Afro-Latinx Festival.
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