Bridging cultures

By Andy Campbell

With all that robust lawn space at Brooklyn Bridge Park, a concert series was the logical next step.

“Bridge Culture” is not only the first-ever performing arts series on Pier 1, it’s the start of a yearly tradition that celebrates Brooklyn’s array of cultures starting this weekend at the foot of Old Fulton Street in DUMBO.

Oh, and it’s all free.

“Brooklyn Bridge Park has quickly become a sought-after destination for Brooklynites and the borough’s visitors,” said Regina Myer, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation. “We’re celebrating the vibrancy of Brooklyn’s many communities with a month of cultural performances.”

The festival will feature a music, dance and storytelling number from a different country every Saturday until July 31.

Highlights on this year’s set list are: choreographed dance from the Gowanus Wildcats Drill Team of Brooklyn, bangin’ bongos from the bangin’ Suphala of India (pictured), knee-slapping stories from the man who once covered the “Tetris” theme song on accordion, Mikhail Smirnov of Russia, and some high-energy jazz and blues from Buyu Ambroise of Haiti.

May the sounds of the newest Brooklyn dance party travel across the East River, and give truth to Borough President Markowitz’s previous park praises:

“People all across Manhattan will have their binoculars out, jealously eyeing our paradise across the water.”

Bridge Culture concert series at Brooklyn Bridge Park (lawn of Pier 1 at the foot of Old Fulton Street in DUMBO), Saturdays through July 31, 4-6 pm. Free. For info and a full set list, visit www.bridgeculture.org.