Photo courtesy of Brick City Jam.
Newark is known for a number of things.
Some associate it with being the most populated city in New Jersey while others know it for being a major transportation hub. But Newark is more than that—and the annual Brick City Jam Festival is making sure to highlight that.
The Brick City Jam Music, Graffiti & Arts Festival returns this coming Thursday, July 17 and will run until Sunday, July 20 with different vibes in different wards throughout the “Brick City.”
“Newark’s streets have long been a canvas for self-expression, and Brick City Jam’s festival amplifies that legacy by turning the city into a living showcase of music and street art. By activating underutilized spaces with large-scale murals, live graffiti battles and performances spanning hip-hop, jazz, electronic, and more,” read their press release.
“Brick City Jam reinforces Newark’s reputation as a cultural hotspot while driving foot traffic to local businesses and inspiring the next generation of artists.”
Festival highlights and locations will include:
- July 17 (East Ward): Kickoff Party @ All Points West Distillery – Live music performances, drink and beats to start the weekend.
- July 18 (Central Ward): Hashstoria Takeover – A night of art, food and music in the heart of the city.
- July 19 (East Ward): Riverfront Park Jam – Outdoor performances with skyline views.
- July 20 (North Ward): Abington Walls Finale – A massive mural showcase and block party vibe.
Last year, Slice of Culture attended the three-day festival and spoke with local artists like Josue Simon BCJ’s head music curator, Ozuna of Art Album in Philly, New York graffiti artist Hip Hop Is My Religion and French graffiti artist Hydrane, to name a few.
Last year, BCJ also partnered with North 2 Shore, a New Jersey festival that takes place throughout the Garden State and aims to “to spotlight New Jersey’s role as a destination for the arts and entertainment and an incubator of new ideas and fresh talent.”
Newark has produced many creative talents like singer Whitney Houston, singer and rapper Lauryn Hill, rapper Wyclef Jean, rapper Redman and singer Gloria Gaynor.
“By bringing art and music directly into our neighborhoods, we’re not only celebrating Newark’s creative soul but also investing in its future,” said Livingston Steele, BCJ’s founder, in a statement.
For more information, you can visit their website: https://thebrickcityjam.com/ or follow their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickcityjam/.
To get more immersed in the movement, you can sign-up for their twice-a-month newsletter for exclusive updates, invite-only shows and more: https://shorturl.at/u2qgW.
