Mos Def headlines Fort Greene Fest this Saturday

By Meredith Deliso

In just a few short years, Fort Greene has become home to one of the biggest music events around.

The “urban Woodstock” that is the Fort Greene Festival has boasted some big names, including last year’s headliner, Common, and Q-Tip, to bring out more than 15,00 festival goers to Fort Greene Park.

This year’s main event is not lacking in marquee names, as Bedford-Stuyvesant native Mos Def, known as much for his hip hop as his starring turns in such films as “Be Kind Rewind,” headlines the Saturday event.

And, like the best of its ilk, this outdoor concert is free.

“We just want everyone to come out and have a good time,” said Ray Martin, who helps organize with founder Peter Tulloch.

In addition to Mos Def, local performers include Sophia Urista, Paperdoll, Game Rebellion, Nuttin But Stringz.

“You could walk into a restaurant or the park on any given weekend, and one of these individuals may have passed,” said Martin. “This is to give an opportunity to the individuals around Fort Greene. People are just unaware of how good they are."

Also getting some love are the area’s restaurants, as iCi, Madiba, No. 7, and Cornerstone, among others, will be selling their goods.

Kicking things off will be marching bands from area schools, which will parade down Vanderbilt Avenue into the park. So just follow the horns.

Fort Greene Festival at Fort Greene Park (DeKalb and Myrtle avenues in Fort Greene), June 25 from noon to 10 pm. Free. For info, visit www.fortgreenefest.com.