The Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival

The 2023 Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival (DBAF) offers a showcase of acclaimed local arts organizations and artists with a jam-packed lineup of free outdoor events. DBAF offers locals and visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the best of Brooklyn’s arts and culture scene. DBAF 2023 highlights include: interactive art experiences curated by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Theatre for a New Audience and Urban Glass; Layer Rhythm’s dynamic improvisation shows; Mark Morris Dance Group and musicians from The Knights join forces for a special performance; L Train Brass Band with their thunderous repertoire; and DJ Hard Hittin Harry spinning global beats. In partnership with 651 Arts, The Plaza at 300 Ashland will also present Lollise, the Afrofuturistic soulstress, and closing out the festival is Chop and Quench – also known as “The Fela! Band,” presented in partnership with BRIC.

DBAF 2023 Schedule of Events

Friday, September 29th

LayeRhythm, 5pm-8pm: LayeRhythm ignites the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival, setting it in motion with their extraordinary artistic expression sessions. These sessions have proven to be a catalyst for personal transformation, completely revolutionizing how individuals connect with music,

dance, and improvisation. The interactive dynamic they bring is nothing short of captivating, weaving together an intricate tapestry of rhythmic layers that harmoniously intertwine.

Saturday, September 30th

Hands-on activities, 11:00am-2:30pm: BRIC, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, TFANA, and UrbanGlass will be on hand with exciting activations to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.

Mark Morris Dance Group, kids hip hop dance class, 11am-11:45am: The Mark Morris Dance Group presents a free kids hip-hop dance class, setting the stage for a fun and energetic start.

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 11:55am-12:40pm: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music will bring their popular instrument petting zoo, allowing children to explore and interact with various musical instruments.

The Knights Orchestra, 1:30pm-2:00pm: Prepare to be amazed by musicians from The Knights as they fearlessly venture into a vast universe of orchestral music. Their exploration opens new possibilities and promises an exhilarating musical journey like no other.

The Mark Morris Dance Group and The Knights present Water, 2:00pm-2:15pm: The Mark Morris Dance Group, accompanied by musicians from The Knights, returns with mesmerizing choreography from their captivating short piece titled Water. With grace and fluidity, they effortlessly captivate audiences and leave them in awe.

L Train Brass Band, 2:15pm-3:00pm: L Train Brass Band takes the stage, bringing their extraordinary modular collective to make The Plaza come alive with a fusion of genres. From popular music and hip-hop to funk and traditional New Orleans jazz, they’ll have everyone dancing along.

Lollise, 3:00pm-3:45pm: Prepare for an out-of-this-world experience as Lollise, the Afrofuturistic soulstress, graces the festival with her sonically powerful and irresistibly funky aesthetic. Her debut release, Looking at You, solidified her sound and demonstrated her keen imagination – transforming surroundings into dreamscapes ripe with possibility. In partnership with 651 Arts.

DJ Hard Hittin Harry, 3:45pm-6:00pm: DJ Hard Hittin Harry takes over next, providing a skillfully blended mix of diverse musical styles that guarantees an unforgettable experience. Get ready for non-stop entertainment as he keeps the energy high throughout his set.

Chop and Quench, 6:00pm-8:00pm: Closing out this incredible festival is Chop and Quench – also known as “The Fela! Band.” Comprised of talented musicians from the renowned musical FELA!, they bring their exceptional artistry to deliver an unforgettable performance that celebrates Fela Kuti’s iconic compositions. In partnership with BRIC.