Hakim to Headline Free Concert at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, 7/15

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is pleased to present a free concert headlined by beloved Egyptian singer Hakim on Friday, July 15. Hakim replaces Algerian rocker Rachid Taha, who is no longer able to perform due to unanticipated travel issues. The concert, which takes place at the Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St. & Prospect Park West) is free to the public (with a suggested $5 contribution at the gate) and begins at 7:30 P.M. with an opening performance by London-based Ethiopian three-piece Krar Collective.

The Egyptian superstar Hakim "has a powerful voice that manages to be both rich and raw at the same time." (AllMusic) He plays the music of the masses - his signature brand of Sha'bi, danceable pop that grew out of Egyptian traditional music and incorporates urban beats and soaring vocals, gives voice to the loves, romances, joys, and dreams of the people. "The Lion of Egypt" has recorded with the likes of JAmes Brown and Stevie Wonder, plays to tens of the thousands of fans in the Middle East and around the globe, and in 2006 was the first artist from the Arab world to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. His classic live album The Lion Roars: Live in America, was recorded in 2000 in Brooklyn.

Nicknamed "The EthiopIan White Stripes," Krar Collective presents a colorful feast of mind-blowing grooves based around traditional krar harp, percussion and soaring vocal harmonies. Led by Temesgen Zeleke, a former student of Ethiojazz legend Mulatu Astatke, Krar Collective perform a rootsy yet contemporary take on traditional music from Ethiopia. In the hands of Zeleke, the traditional acoustic krar lyre becomes a gritty, ancient rock guitar. "One of the grooviest and most hypnotic bands at Damon Albarn's recent Africa Express bonanza" (Time Out).

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Series Title Sponsors include Bud Light and American Express.

To help ease congestion and offer additional transportation solutions, first time co-sponsor Lyft will offer discounts on rides to and from the Festival. New users can get $20 off their first ride with the code BRIC16.

Returning Co-Sponsors include IKEA Brooklyn, and WorldStage.

Returning long-time Season Media Partners are The Village Voice, WABC-7 and WNYC 93.9 FM/820 AM.

Longtime Promotional partners on select performances include WBGO 88.3 FM, Afropop Worldwide and WFUV 90.7 FM.