East New York Concert
Series Draws Over 10,000

More Than 10,000 Attend Fourth Annual East New York Concert and Wellness Series

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas and DJ Keith Watkins Thank Community, Performers and Partners Following Four Days of Music, Wellness and Community Celebration

BROOKLYN, NY — September 23, 2026 — New York State Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas and legendary DJ Keith Watkins are thanking East New York residents, performers, community organizations, sponsors and partners following the successful completion of the fourth annual East New York Concert and Wellness Series, which brought more than 10,000 attendees to Van Siclen Avenue for four days of free entertainment, health and wellness programming and community resources.

Held September 17 through September 20 on Van Siclen Avenue between Vandalia Avenue and Schroeders Avenue, the annual series brought together residents from East New York and communities across East Brooklyn for four days celebrating music, culture, health and community.

“This weekend showed what is possible when we invest in our community and create something that truly belongs to the people who live here,” said Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas. “More than 10,000 people came out over four days to enjoy incredible music, spend time with their families, connect with health and wellness resources and celebrate together. I want to personally thank every resident who joined us, every artist who performed, every partner, sponsor, vendor, volunteer and organization that helped make this year's series possible. This is what community looks like.”

Four Days Celebrating the Music of East Brooklyn

Each day of the series highlighted a different musical tradition, beginning with Caribbean and Latin music on Thursday, followed by House music on Friday, Hip-Hop and R&B on Saturday and Gospel and Jazz on Sunday.

The four-day celebration featured performances and appearances by Doug E. Fresh, Nice & Smooth, Angela Winbush, Howard Hewett, Crystal Waters, Byron Stingily, Red Fox, Hildemaro Romantic Salsa, Bri Babineaux, The Walls Group, Friends and Strangers Band featuring Nakisha Smith of Always Fit 4 Life, Blahzay Blahzay, Bobby Konders, DJ T-Groove, DJ Kervyn Mark, DJ Famoso, along with additional DJs, MCs and special guests.

The range of performers reflected the musical traditions represented throughout East New York and East Brooklyn, creating an intergenerational event where longtime residents, young people and families could enjoy everything from salsa and reggae to House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Gospel and Jazz.

“When you look out and see thousands of people dancing, singing, smiling and enjoying themselves together, that's what makes all of the work behind this event worthwhile,” said DJ Keith Watkins. “Nikki and I created this series because we believed music and wellness could bring people together, and the community continues to prove that every year. I want to thank every artist who gave us their time and talent, all of our DJs and MCs, our partners and sponsors, and especially the people of East New York for coming out and supporting this vision.”

Wellness Remains at the Center of the Series

While live music is a major attraction, Assemblywoman Lucas and Watkins created the annual event to connect entertainment with a broader focus on physical, mental, spiritual and financial wellness.

Residents were able to access health screenings and information from health, wellness, public safety and community organizations during the series. The event also provided opportunities for participating organizations to connect directly with residents and introduce them to services available beyond the four-day celebration.

The wellness component was particularly visible during Saturday's Hip-Hop and R&B program, when residents had access to preventive health screenings while enjoying the day's performances. Organizers said the goal is to make health resources accessible in an environment where residents already feel comfortable gathering with their families and neighbors.

Community Partners Help Make Four-Day Event Possible

Assemblywoman Lucas also thanked the community organizations, businesses, public agencies and sponsors whose support helped make it possible to offer the four-day series free of charge.

Partners and supporters included District Leader Michael Rosendary, Mylah's Organization Inc., the Italian American Civil Rights League, Liakas Law, the Starrett City–Spring Creek Lions Club, the New York City Police Department and the New York City Fire Department, along with participating community organizations, health providers, local businesses, vendors and volunteers.

Local food and community partners participating in the weekend included Fusion East, Mylah's, East Coast Street Tacos and Virginia's Catering, among others.

“We could not do something of this size without people and organizations who believe East New York deserves this type of investment,” Assemblywoman Lucas said. “Our partners didn't simply put their names on an event. They showed up for this community, helped us provide resources and worked alongside us to create four days where people could enjoy themselves while also taking something meaningful home with them.”

Gospel and Jazz Close Out the Weekend

The series concluded Sunday with Gospel and Jazz, as residents came out for the final performances despite periods of rain. Gospel artists Bri Babineaux and The Walls Group were also presented with New York State Assembly citations recognizing their contributions to gospel music and their impact on audiences through their work.

The final day underscored the intergenerational nature of the series, bringing residents together for music, worship and a continued focus on wellness. The weekend concluded after four days of programming without a reported public-safety incident.

Assemblywoman Lucas and Watkins said the response to this year's event demonstrates how the East New York Concert and Wellness Series has grown into an annual community tradition.

“Four years in, we are continuing to build something that celebrates who we are as a community,” Lucas said. “East New York deserves events that bring resources here, celebrate our culture, support our local businesses and give our families a safe place to come together. I am grateful to everyone who made this year's series special, and we look forward to continuing to build on what we have created together.”

Source: Office of NY State Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas