Photos by Rhoades Hughes
I walked down to Prospect Park last week expecting an awesome show, and I still got way more than I could have imagined. As I biked into the park, the line must have extended a half a mile, still over an hour and a half before the show. Rather than a typical opening band, Janelle Monáe was prefaced with a chorus of introductions and words from city council members, SquareSpace CEO’s, and all the rest of Celebrate Brooklyn’s finest. Mayor Bill de Blasio even sat front and center with his wife and son. After her hype man came out in a flashy white robe and got the crowd cranked up, Monae was wheeled out, seemingly asleep, on a hand truck — it didn’t take her long to wake up. The lady can sing — she can sing like some of the greats. This show was entertainment at its peak. She blasted tunes from her entire repertoire and kept that giant audience at the park dancing for her entire set. Be sure to check out other bands performing at Celebrate Brooklyn throughout the rest of the summer: Lake Street Drive, The National, Nickel Creek, St. Vincent, and more!