After some much-needed rest, we’re back at work here at AFP, and we’re more than ecstatic about this past weekend’s Brooklyn Beat Festival! I’m not sure where to start, but the overall theme and feedback from the weekend was quality.  Personally, and this is something that is always a focus for us is diversity. Diversity is always a big part of what we do. One of the goals of AFP has always been to be inclusive and open to all art and artists.  Art for Progress is not only about providing opportunities and exposure for artists. AFP is also about providing access to the arts and turning people on to new art forms. In other words, expanding and growing the arts in the community. I think we achieved all of this over three days/nights at The Paper Box.

Day One

Friday’s festivities began with an exceptional performance from El Pueblo.  I had the pleasure of talking to some of the members of the band, and they are also educators and involved in charitable projects.  I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again. Our next performance was from Redheadphone. We really enjoyed their international collaboration of sounds and world styles.  Speaking of which, the youthful and prophetic School ov Thought contributed to the increased energy in the room, as Brett from Boundless reminded us of Chuck Brown, go-go music and his eclectic style.  But, Push Method took the stage with a level of energy that was unmatched and their message came through strong, particularly when they performed “Scars and Stripes.” Argotec took the stage for the final live music performance of the night and they did not disappoint with a set of bombastic beats and lyrics from Alex Argot.

After the rain, Kervyn Mark popped in for a set of new deep tracks. In the art garden, Jeanne Wilkinson‘s array of video art mesmerized our guests as they sampled the taco menu with a Bomb Beer to wash it down.  If you weren’t in the mood for tacos, “Dip N Dill” (Meghann Snow performance piece) offered the opportunity to snag a pickle with your teeth. John Henry Edington was the first to have a mini cucumber. John Henry? While Sweet n Salty enticed people to delve into her garden installation, Alicia P. featured her creativity with an impressive design of her own.

to be continued with Day 2 and 3..