Sounds of the Americas @ The Plaza
The Afro-Latino Festival NYC is excited to announce the launch of a new outdoor music concert series hosted by Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, sponsored by Orange Barrel Media.
The series takes place Wednesdays on The Plaza at 300 Ashland and celebrates the rhythms and sounds that have settled and taken shape in the Americas. The Americas, from North, to Central, to South America is itself a reflection of global diversity. Celebrating that in the melting pot that is NYC is only fitting. Each evening will host a blend of musical and cultural expressions that reflect the sounds of this cultural and creative diversity. Free and open to all, the series welcomes music lovers, neighborhood attendees, after-work visitors, and the curious to come out and enjoy “Sounds of the Americas”.
Today’s performers
linda epo
Queens native Linda EPO is a dynamic singer, pianist, and bandleader whose transcendent performances blur cultural boundaries. She is known for her vibrant energy and stage presence. Her ability to sing in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Kreyòl, enables her to connect with audiences worldwide, creating captivating cross-cultural experiences.
The unique fusion of genres that define Linda’s sound reflects her Haitian-Mexican heritage and the diverse musical landscape of her NYC upbringing. Her eclectic repertoire spans jazz, funk, R&B, Caribbean, and Latin music, transcending borders or easy classification.
derrick barnett & the statement band
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Derrick Barnett is internationally recognized as one of reggae’s finest bassists and is widely celebrated as “Dancehall’s Greatest Live Bassist,” a title he has proudly held for more than 40 years.
As the founder and leader of the legendary Sagittarius Band, Derrick helped revolutionize live dancehall performance, bringing the energy and excitement of the Jamaican dancehall directly to the stage. Throughout his remarkable career, he has recorded and performed with reggae royalty, including Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Yellowman, Buju Banton, and many more.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Derrick has also shared stages with international stars such as Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Busta Rhymes. Today, he continues to captivate audiences around the world with his exceptional band, Derrick Barnett & Statement.
dj khalil
Khalil is an International DJ & Event Curator based in Brooklyn, NY of Panamanian & Jamaican decent. Founder of Caribbean based brand Tingz which attracts thousands of attendees annually through various platforms in nightlife, culinary arts, educational activations & many other mediums all based on Caribbean culture. He’s also headlined many stages like AfroFuture in Ghana, AfroNation, AfroPunk, Afro Latino Festival, Trinidad Carnival & many other stages.
2026 Sounds of the Americas Schedule:
- September 9:
Sanctuario, DJ Run P. / MoCADA, DJ Sabine Blaizin/ CCCADI - September 16:
Talia Productions Presents Conjunto Tahona live with salsa lessons & dancing, Famoso aka DJ Coochie (I Love Salsa NYC). - September 23:
Gogo Norales, DJ Young Wavy Fox - September 30:
Linda EPO, Derrick Barnett & the Statement Band, DJ Khalil
In addition, we will be doing Voter Registration each of the concert days ahead of the November general election. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted here, and to IG via @DowntownBrooklyn and @afrolatinofestnyc.
