Manhattan is known for its pace: city-goers are in constant motion to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. Keeping up with the locals on a major thoroughfare like 5th Avenue requires bobbing and weaving, ignoring the red hand and crossing if a car isn’t immediately a threat, and stepping off to the side if you need to check a text. With so much commotion, taking space for yourself and enjoying the outdoors is easily forgotten. Unless I’m intentionally planning a trip to the park, I rarely find myself in a place to sit down outside.
Enter Manhattan West (MW), a development managed by Brookfield Properties and located at 385 Ninth Avenue, with shopping, restaurants, and offices. Importantly, the property features a large outdoor patio outfitted with white tables and chairs, a friendly MW help desk, and a stage. For four consecutive Wednesday evenings this July, MW hosted Summer Sounds: two-and-a-half hours of music that celebrates a shared heritage. Ranging in genre from Latin to soul, samba-funk, and mariachi, these artists are connected through their start in New York City’s retro-soul movement and by Brooklyn-based record labels like Daptone, Big Crown, Chulo, and Diamond West.
Many of the artists began crafting music together in the early 2000s, combining a vintage sound rooted in ‘60s and ‘70s soul with a contemporary twist. Since then, these musicians have shared studios and stages with legends like Charles Bradley, Amy Winehouse, and Sharon Jones. Working with other performers and creating their own bands and record labels, these artists constructed a strong, close-knit soul music community.
Courtney Whitelocke, Vice President of Arts & Events at Brookfield Properties, told Radio Free Brooklyn that this event was inspired by the idea of making music a part of everyday life at MW.
“This style of music brings people together… It connects through boroughs, across generations, and brings everyone together. We were excited to celebrate something so inherently New York.”
Whitelocke explained that some of the artists have an international background, but many are connected to or inspired by New York City. To source the performers, Whitelocke said the Arts & Events team at Brookfield uses in-house resources for marketing, curation, and production. This process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
“[The events team] really feels like a supported arm of the company,” Whitelocke explained, speaking about Brookfield Properties. “We have the resources to provide world-class events to all.”
Whitelocke said artists are found in several ways: word of mouth, online platforms, and recommendations from colleagues. Brookfield Properties operates worldwide, so some international locations will recommend local artists to feature in New York. The Summer Sounds series is usually just a stop on a global tour for international musicians.
“When we curate a series, we look for artists who align with the theme while also bringing a global or cross-cultural perspective. Even if an artist isn’t based internationally, their work may be influenced by or rooted in traditions from around the world — and that’s something we love to highlight. Ultimately, it’s about creating an experience that feels rich, inclusive, and engaging for a broad audience.”
For some events, like the “Gather Round: Let’s Dance!” series coming to MW this September, a community partner helps organize and run the session. Works & Process, a New York-based nonprofit that produces creative residencies, initially presented their dance and music series in the Guggenheim Museum’s rotunda, and now they’re bringing it back to MW.
“When it comes to sourcing international performers, we work closely with trusted bookers and partners who help us identify talent from a wide range of backgrounds. Our goal is always to be intentional in building lineups that reflect not just geographic diversity, but also cultural and stylistic breadth.” Whitelock said.
I attended the Summer Sounds series on two Wednesdays, and enjoyed my first visit so much that I returned the following week with a friend. The patio is a perfect summer haven, protected from the sun with a cool breeze finding its way through the skyscrapers. On my first visit, I sat with my book and enjoyed the first performance of the night, a DJ set by Binky Griptite.
Then Latin Grammy nominee Rogê took the stage, playing samba-funk with a hint of Brazilian soul. His guitar led the way, creating its own melody with a soft edge. Rogê has released nine albums and is a top session guitarist for Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and other Diamond West Records legends.
Returning the following week, my friend and I were impressed with Thee Heart Tones, a young group from Hawthorne, California, who add their own flair to the generational tradition of Chicano soul. Lead singer Jazmine Alvarado’s voice echoed and bounced off the buildings, embracing the audience with charm and joy, and prompting passers-by to pause, remove their earbuds, and enjoy a live performance. Whitelocke noted that such moments encapsulate the beauty of this program: when rushing commuters stop, look up, and take it all in.
“Some tell us they haven’t heard this music in years, some say it reminds them of someone, some are just thankful for a moment of respite in their day. This type of music is really celebrated, and we’re so excited to bring this to our community,” she said.
Whitelocke said the biggest challenge she and her team face when planning the event is the weather. Sadiah Blount, Executive Director of BRIC! Celebrate Brooklyn, shared similar concerns in our conversation last summer, as climate change continues to create harsh and unpredictable weather patterns.
Whitelocke said weather considerations play a major role in presenting events in outdoor, public spaces. “All we can do is prepare,” she said.
Just like BRIC! Celebrate Brooklyn, the Arts and Events team at Brookfield Properties uses a weather preparation service called WeatherOps Live Event Services. WeatherOps is a program from DTN that monitors venues and provides live, personalized weather support to decision-makers. Whitelocke said their biggest concern is patron and staff safety. For the Summer Series, the musical instruments and other equipment used are sensitive to heat, so that was an important consideration for Whitelocke and her team.
For the DJs, the vinyl records used are light and can easily get picked up by the wind. During the first event, some of the DJs had records fly off the table. With the addition of a windscreen around the record player, Whitelocke said the problem was solved.
Up next for Manhattan West is the “Gather Round: Let’s Dance!” event on Wednesdays from September 2 through the 24 with Works and Process. This event will also be free on the Manhattan West patio. Come dance!
