Soul music legend Isaac Hayes, who many of you will know as
the voice of Jerome “Chef” McElroy on South Park,
will headline the first summer concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell on June
12. The concerts are part of Celebrate Brooklyn!, a series of music, film (the
screening of Enter the Dragon on July
19 with Karsh Kale is a must-see) and dance events that’s entering its 30^th
season.

The 2008 concert line-up at the famous Bandshell looks impressive
and as diverse as Brooklyn. Highlights
include: Salif Keita (June 22); Cold War Kids and Sam Champion (June 27);
Crooklyn Dodgers reunion with O.C., Jeru the Damaja and Chubb “Treat ‘Em Right”
Rock featuring DJ Premier Ali Shaheed Muhammed, and others; Brazilian Girls
(July 11); Beth Orton (July 12); and Deerhoof (July 18). The series wraps up
with a Hal Willner tribute to Bill Withers on August 9

Those of us who can’t afford a Hamptons getaway can take heart: Aside from
two benefit shows featuring Feist (July 9) and Spoon (July 15), all
performances are free, with a suggested donation of $3 at the gate. You can
view the full line-up here.