Brooklyn, NY – The vibrant and diverse sounds of Afro-Cuban artist Daymé Arocena will resonate through the historic halls of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Arocena, a Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning singer and composer, is set to perform as part of the inaugural Planet Brooklyn Festival, a sprawling celebration of the borough’s rich cultural tapestry and artistic innovation. Her appearance at BAM is part of a series of free music events designed to bring the community together through powerful performances.
Doors for the BAM engagement will open at 5 PM, with DJ Bembona setting the mood before Arocena takes the stage at 6 PM. The performance is expected to conclude around 8 PM, offering attendees an intimate and accessible experience with one of contemporary Latin music’s most compelling voices.
Daymé Arocena: A Global Music Innovator
Born in Havana, Cuba, Daymé Arocena has emerged as a formidable force in the global music landscape. Her artistic journey is characterized by a unique fusion of her deep Cuban roots with contemporary genres such as neo-soul, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. This distinctive blend has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated international following. Arocena’s musical prowess is not only evident in her captivating live performances but also in her recorded work. Her 2024 album, “Alkemi,” produced in collaboration with acclaimed Puerto Rican producer Eduardo Cabra (known for his work with Calle 13), marked a significant evolution in her sound. The album showcased a bold reinvention, incorporating modern pop elements and further cementing her reputation as a genre-bending artist. A standout track from “Alkemi,” “A Fuego Lento,” received a prestigious Latin Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, underscoring the growing recognition of her artistry within the Latin music industry.
Arocena’s career has been marked by significant accolades, including a Grammy nomination and a Juno Award win as a member of the all-female jazz collective Maqueque. Her live performances are often described as spiritual and deeply connecting, drawing comparisons to legendary artists like Nina Simone, Celia Cruz, and Aretha Franklin. Her disciplined background, including classical training as a choir conductor, complements her innate musicality, creating a rich and multifaceted artistic expression.
Planet Brooklyn Festival: Celebrating Borough Diversity
The Planet Brooklyn Festival, presented by BSE Global (the parent company of Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Liberty), aims to highlight the diverse cultural and creative identities that define Brooklyn. Spanning August 23-24, 2025, the festival utilizes three iconic venues: Barclays Center, Brooklyn Paramount, and BAM. Its mission is to connect locals and visitors with the borough’s vibrant spirit through a curated selection of music, art, and community events. The festival includes a mix of ticketed and free performances, ensuring broad accessibility, and is complemented by free block parties featuring local vendors and artists, further immersing attendees in the Brooklyn experience.
The BAM Engagement: A Free Sonic Experience
BAM’s participation in the Planet Brooklyn Festival aligns perfectly with its long-standing commitment to presenting groundbreaking and diverse artistic programming. The Brooklyn Academy of Music, one of the nation’s oldest performing arts institutions, will host a series of free music events as part of its Free Music Series, with Arocena’s performance being a key highlight on Saturday, August 23. This free admission model underscores the festival’s dedication to making cultural experiences accessible to all.
Broader Context and Artistic Impact
Daymé Arocena’s performance at BAM is more than just a concert; it is a testament to the dynamic evolution of Latin music and the cultural significance of Brooklyn as a global artistic hub. Her participation in the Planet Brooklyn Festival signals a growing trend of major festivals embracing artists who bridge cultural divides and push musical boundaries. As the festival unfolds, it promises a weekend of discovery, celebrating the global influences that converge in Brooklyn and uplift the community through the universal language of music. While specific future tour announcements are still pending, performances like this highlight Arocena’s ongoing engagement with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a vital contemporary artist. Further announcements regarding the festival’s full lineup and future programming are anticipated, building excitement for what promises to be a landmark event in Brooklyn’s cultural calendar.
The Planet Brooklyn Festival is poised to become a significant annual event, showcasing the unparalleled diversity and creativity that Brooklyn offers to the world stage, with Daymé Arocena leading the charge at BAM.
