BROOKLYN, NY — Thousands gathered on the lawn of the Lena Horne Bandshell on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, for one of the summer’s most joyful celebrations of Black culture, music, and community: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz. The event marked the closing of BRIC’s multi-part homage to the legendary producer by honoring his iconic work on the 1978 musical film The Wiz.
From golden lion manes to emerald robes, attendees arrived in dazzling costume for the Emerald City Costume Meet-Up, a pre-show celebration that welcomed creativity in all forms. Families and individuals of all ages took part
The evening began with a soulful DJ set by April Hunt, who spun funk, soul, and disco beats under soft golden lights cast across the stage. As the crowd grew, picnics unfolded across the lawn
Around the Bandshell, the event pulsed with energy and community. Local vendors brought flavors from across the diaspora, including Palenque’s wholesome Colombian arepas and Hen House NYC’s crowd-favorite fried chicken. Merch tents featured locally made goods by Brooklyn Made (https://brooklynmadestore.com, @bklynmadestore), while Smorgasburg and Bud Light kept drinks flowing for attendees of age.
Organizations like HeadCount were present encouraging voter registration, while the Park Slope Volunteer Ambulance Corps was on-site providing safety and medical support, rounding out a community-forward experience.
Presented by BRIC (https://bricartsmedia.org, @bricbrooklyn), the event was not just a film night—it was a gathering of culture, history, music, and joy. As costumes twirled and voices joined in song, The Wiz reminded everyone that there’s no place like home—especially when that home is Brooklyn.
