The 8th Annual Afro-Punk Festival FREE in NYC This Weekend
In 2002 Matthew Morgan and James Spooner joined forces, eventually giving birth to 2003’s cult classic film, Afro-Punk. This visual exploration documented the indie punk rock scene, shedding light on the Black Punks in America, allowing the world to see that this musical genre was not exclusive to just White America.
In 2005, Morgan and Spooner hosted the First Annual Afro-Punk Festival at Brooklyn’s Academy of Music. According to their website, “the festival celebrated and unified the cultural cornerstones of Afro-Punk: music, film, skate, and most importantly, the fiercely independent and influential individuals that are the lifeblood of the AP community.”
Seven years later, Afro-Punk carries on their radically traditional celebration at Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park with Afro-Punk Festival 2012. The event will begin on Saturday, August 25th at 12pm. If you happen to miss the first day, don’t worry, because the festivities start up again on Sunday, August 26th at 12pm.
The musical acts on hand will include Erykah Badu, Gym Class Heroes, Janelle Monae, Das Racist, Skindred, Toro Y Moi, Reggie Watts and much more. For more information on the bands playing, the time they’ll be performing and which stage they’ll be playing on (Red Stage or Green Stage), visit the lineup on their website here.
For the skateboard enthusiasts, Nike will be hosting a Battle for the Streets from Saturday, August 25th at 10am through Sunday, August 26th at 7pm. Participants will be judged by such revered professionals including Shawn Powers, Danny Supa and Ray Mate. If you’d like the chance to compete you can simply download and sign a waiver form here. (All participants under the age of 18 are required to have a guardian.)
An art wall will be on display which will include work from BaJa Ukweli, RIP Josama, Nelson Cekis Rivas, Coby Kennedy and more. There will also be 12 custom bikes on display to be judged and admired by the patrons of the Afro-Punk Festival and Brooklyn Rhapsody.
This year the festival will be including an AFRO-PUNK BITES & BEATS food truck round-up. Some of the best food trucks from New York will be parked on Navy Street between Park Ave and Flushing Ave. For a list of the food trucks, you may visit Afro-Punk’s website here.
Finally, no festival is complete without some fashion, crafts and arts. The Afro-Punk Spin Thrift Market will feature over 80 local artists and artisans bringing a lively alternative perspective.
Whew, that’s a lot to do in two days. The entry is FREE, though. And you know how the saying goes: “The best things in life are FREE.”
Have a great weekend!!!
Afro-Punk Festival 2012
Saturday, August 25th at 12pm & Sunday, August 26th at 12pm
FREE
Commodore Barry Park (between Flushing Ave and Navy Street)
[Fort Greene]
Photo Credit: afropunkfest.com
