Grace Jones & Janelle Monae Brooklyn Concert Review
Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe ignited Brooklyn’s pride festivity with a spectacular performance, kicking off the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! series in grand style. The dynamic duo delivered a night of unforgettable music and playful interaction, where the energy of the LGBTQ community shone brightly. Monáe hailed Grace Jones as the “most original, innovative artist of our time,” a sentiment truly reflected in Jones’ boundary-pushing performance. Highlights included a lively duet of “Pull Up too the Bumper” and Jones debuting a new funk song, “The Key.” The concert was a powerhouse of music and a vibrant celebration of Pride.Read News Directory 3 for more coverage of this sensational summer kick-off. Discover what’s next for these iconic artists and thier future collaborations.
Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe Celebrate Pride in Brooklyn
Updated June 11, 2025
A rainy Monday night in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park saw the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! summer series explode into action with a double bill featuring Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe. The concert served as an unofficial kickoff to Pride Month, blending music and celebration.
Monáe, near the show’s end, lauded Grace Jones as the ”most original, innovative artist of our time.” Jones, who transitioned from disco to a blend of reggae and art rock in the ’80s, continues to defy expectations. At 77, she remains a pioneer, challenging norms and pushing artistic boundaries.
Throughout her performance,Jones remained uninhibited. She bashed cymbals during “Demolition Man,” straddled a metal gate for “My Jamaican Guy,” and pranced during “I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango).” Her playful interaction with the audience included sticking out her tongue and joking, “I do like to stick out my tongue; don’t make it make you crazy?”
During the show, Jones sent a cymbal flying across the stage. After ensuring no one was hurt, she hugged her backup singers, remarking with a grin, “You can take a beating. I’ve taken a lot. And I’m still here.”
Jones also debuted a new funk song, “The Key,” using a vocoder effect. She performed favorites like “Love Is the Drug,” igniting a sing-along.Wearing a shimmering bowler hat, she urged the crowd to “wake up the neighbors!” with their enthusiasm.
The highlight of the night was a duet of “Pull Up to the Bumper” with Monáe. The performance became an extended jam session, featuring playful antics.Monáe climbed through Jones’ legs, and Jones playfully drummed on Monáe’s backside.Monáe then playfully attempted to remove Jones’ pants, calling her a “naughty, naughty girl.”
Jones repeatedly shouted out “Brooklyn Pride!” The spirit of the LGBTQ community was palpable, enhancing the evening’s atmosphere.
Despite the house lights coming up, Jones returned for an encore, delivering a memorable performance of “slave to the Rhythm” while hula-hooping. The audience left ecstatic, marveling at Jones’ enduring energy.
What’s next
Fans eagerly anticipate future performances from both Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe, hoping for more collaborations and boundary-pushing artistry.