Bed-Stuy Marching Band To Host Block Party, Battle Of The Bands Show

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A block party with its very own battle of the bands is on its way to Bed-Stuy next month.

The Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts, known as BALAA, will kick off its first ever block party in August outside its headquarters on Gates Avenue, which it launched a fundraiser earlier this year to keep open.

The all-day block party will include an open house at the academy, games, vendors, a DJ and a Battle of the Bands showcase from the HBCU-style marching band.

BALAA launched in 2019 and has since grown to include a girls empowerment program, male mentoring program, adult wellness program, a summer program, after-school program and its Empire Marching Elite, which helps young Brooklynites secure marching band scholarships to historically Black colleges and universities.

In its last season, three high school seniors in the marching band were chosen for more than $48,000 in scholarships, BALAA officials said.

The Empire Marching Elite also grew its reach this year when it was named the official pep band for minor league baseball team Brooklyn Cyclones' 2022 season.

Here's what to know about the block party:

WHAT: There will be a BALAA open house, food (free for minors), games, vendors, music by DJ speedy, and of course, our own Battle of the Bands showcase.

WHERE: 1014 Gates Avenue between Ralph Ave and Broadway.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 13.

WHO: The Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts.