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BROOKLYN, New York (WABC) — <\/span>The stage is set and crews are tying up loose ends at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park ahead of the kickoff of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn.<\/p>\n One artist taking part in the festival is Brooklyn’s own Vincent Williams, AKA DJ Spinna. He will be on stage during Thursday night’s opener, along with Sheila E. – the “Queen of Percussion” and longtime Prince collaborator.<\/p>\n The theme of this year’s series, which features 15 free shows and runs through September 19th is “Radical Joy.”<\/p>\n “Us supporting each other and hearing music together, experiencing performing arts – that’s one of the best parts of summer in Brooklyn,” said BRIC Executive Director Saidah Blount. “We’re seeing nearly 100,000 people over the course of the season who come and enjoy music with us.”<\/p>\n Other events during the festival include Dominican night, family day and three ticketed events – one featuring the iconic singer, Patti LaBelle, on June 26.<\/p>\n A full schedule of events is listed on the BRIC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Celebrate Brooklyn is now in its 47th year and is carefully curated to reflect the diversity of the borough.<\/p>\n “People can feel represented and the music is the perfect way to touch people’s souls and it’s a beautiful thing,” DJ Spinna said.<\/p>\n BRIC, the nonprofit in Downtown Brooklyn, helps educate, entertain and sustain the community through free and low-cost classes and much more.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * More Brooklyn news<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n