Get ready to immerse yourself in an electrifying celebration of music, style, and unapologetic artistry as two iconic performers, Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones, take the stage in two unforgettable concerts. On June 5, 2025, at The Anthem in Washington, DC, and on June 9, 2025, at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Brooklyn, NY, these trailblazing artists will deliver performances that promise to captivate and inspire. This blog dives into the details of these must-see events, explores the artists’ remarkable discographies, highlights Janelle Monáe’s standout songs like “Make Me Feel,” and previews a potential setlist that will have you dancing all night long.
The Events: Where and When
Washington, DC – The Anthem, June 5, 2025, 8:00 PM
The Anthem, located in the vibrant Wharf neighborhood of Washington, DC, is a premier music venue known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and intimate yet expansive atmosphere. With a capacity of up to 6,000, it’s the perfect setting for the dynamic energy of Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones. This concert is a highlight of WorldPride DC 2025, with $1 from each ticket donated to the Capital Pride Alliance, supporting inclusivity and community. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM, promising a night of genre-defying music and iconic stage presence. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and official venue channels, with prices varying based on seating and availability.
Brooklyn, NY – BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell, June 9, 2025, 7:00 PM
The Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, home to the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, is New York’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival, though this event is a ticketed benefit concert supporting BRIC’s free programming. Co-presented by the Blue Note Jazz Festival and Live Nation, the concert starts at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. The Bandshell, named after Brooklyn native Lena Horne, can accommodate over 8,000 fans and is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience. Ticket options include Premium Seating ($149 + fees) for seats closest to the stage and General Admission ($89 + fees) for standing room. This performance is a centerpiece of Pride Month celebrations, blending cultural significance with musical brilliance.
The Artists: Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones
Janelle Monáe is a visionary artist whose work transcends genres, blending funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and Afrofuturist themes. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, on December 1, 1985, Monáe rose from the Atlanta underground to global stardom with her debut EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite (2007), introducing her android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather. Her discography includes critically acclaimed albums like The ArchAndroid (2010), The Electric Lady (2013), Dirty Computer (2018), and The Age of Pleasure (2023). Known for her androgynous style, inspired by icons like Grace Jones and Josephine Baker, Monáe has earned eight Grammy nominations and collaborated with artists like Prince, Erykah Badu, and Big Boi. Her performances are theatrical spectacles, featuring intricate choreography, bold costume changes, and messages of empowerment, identity, and liberation. Beyond music, Monáe is an accomplished actor (Moonlight, Glass Onion) and author (The Memory Librarian).
Grace Jones, a Jamaican-born singer, actress, and cultural icon, is a pioneer of disco, new wave, and art pop. Emerging in the 1970s New York scene, she became a Studio 54 legend with hits like “I Need a Man” and “La Vie en Rose.” Her groundbreaking albums Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981), and Living My Life (1982), produced at Compass Point Studios, fused reggae, R&B, and electronica, redefining pop music. Songs like “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm” remain timeless anthems. Jones’ fearless persona, avant-garde fashion, and provocative performances have made her a gay icon and a transformative figure in music and film (A View to a Kill, Conan the Destroyer). At 76, she continues to captivate audiences with her boundary-pushing artistry.
Janelle Monáe’s Discography and Signature Songs
Janelle Monáe’s discography is a testament to her versatility and innovation. Her debut, The ArchAndroid, a genre-hopping concept album, earned a Grammy nomination and praise for its ambitious storytelling. The Electric Lady solidified her status with hits like “Q.U.E.E.N.” (featuring Erykah Badu) and “Electric Lady.” Dirty Computer, a deeply personal exploration of identity and queerness, was nominated for Album of the Year and hailed as a “futurist funk masterpiece” by Rolling Stone. Her latest, The Age of Pleasure, celebrates Black joy and sexual freedom with reggae and Afrobeat influences, featuring tracks like “Float” and “Lipstick Lover.”
Among her standout songs, “Make Me Feel” from Dirty Computer is a Prince-inspired banger that captures Monáe’s unapologetic embrace of her queer identity. Its funky bassline, vibrant synths, and bold lyrics (“Baby, don’t make me spell it out for you”) make it a fan favorite and a staple of her live sets. Other key tracks include “Tightrope” (featuring Big Boi), a high-energy funk anthem, “Django Jane”, a fierce rap showcasing her lyrical prowess, and “I Like That”, a soulful ode to self-acceptance. Monáe’s ability to blend retro sounds with futuristic themes ensures her music resonates across generations.
Grace Jones’ Musical Legacy
Grace Jones’ discography is equally iconic, with albums that have left an indelible mark on music. Nightclubbing is often cited as her masterpiece, featuring covers like Iggy Pop’s “Nightclubbing” and original hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper.” Her work with producers Trevor Horn and Nile Rodgers in the 1980s produced anthems like “Slave to the Rhythm,” a lush, cinematic pop masterpiece. Jones’ music blends disco, reggae, and new wave, creating a sound that’s distinctly hers. Her influence is evident in artists like Monáe, who cites Jones as a style and performance inspiration.
The Setlist: A Night of Unforgettable Performances
While the exact setlist for these concerts isn’t confirmed, a recent Janelle Monáe performance offers a glimpse of what fans can expect. This 17-song setlist, blending hits, covers, and newer tracks, showcases her dynamic range and showmanship. Grace Jones is likely to complement this with her own iconic hits, creating a seamless flow of energy. Here’s the potential setlist based on Monáe’s recent shows:
- Float – A breezy, horn-driven opener from The Age of Pleasure.
- Champagne Shit – A celebratory, reggae-infused banger.
- Black Sugar Beach – A sultry interlude setting the vibe.
- Dance or Die – An early track with infectious funk.
- Django Jane – A powerful rap showcasing Monáe’s lyrical fire.
- Q.U.E.E.N. – A feminist anthem with Erykah Badu’s soulful touch.
- Electric Lady – A funky tribute to female empowerment.
- Lipstick Lover – A sensual, reggae-tinged hit from her latest album.
- Paid in Pleasure – A bold, hedonistic groove.
- Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland cover) – A heartfelt nod to classic balladry.
- Killing Me Softly With His Song (Lori Lieberman cover) – A tribute to Roberta Flack’s soulful legacy.
- Only Have Eyes 42 – A romantic, jazzy gem.
- I Like That – A soulful, self-love anthem.
Encore: - Make Me Feel – The Prince-inspired hit that ignites the crowd.
- Cold War – A raw, emotional plea for authenticity.
- Tightrope – The ultimate dancefloor filler.
- Let’s Go Crazy (Prince cover) – A high-energy finale honoring her mentor.
Jones might follow or intersperse with hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper,” “Slave to the Rhythm,” and “Nightclubbing,” her commanding presence amplifying the night’s intensity. Fans can expect costume changes, intricate choreography, and moments of audience interaction, as both artists are known for their theatrical flair.
Why You Can’t Miss These Shows
These concerts are more than just performances—they’re cultural moments. Monáe and Jones, both icons of self-expression and boundary-pushing artistry, share a commitment to celebrating identity, queerness, and liberation. Their joint shows during Pride Month 2025, especially in the context of WorldPride DC and BRIC’s inclusive festival, amplify their message of joy and resistance. The Anthem’s modern elegance and the Lena Horne Bandshell’s historic charm provide contrasting yet complementary backdrops for their larger-than-life personas.
Monáe’s performances are renowned for their energy and inclusivity. Fans describe her as a “force of nature,” with dazzling visuals, Michael Jackson-inspired dance moves, and a band that delivers “crack musicianship.” Jones, meanwhile, brings a “meta-presence” that’s both riotous and transcendent, her voice and style defying time. Together, they promise a spectacle of “great music and out-there costumes” that will leave audiences awestruck.
Practical Information
- Washington, DC Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or The Anthem’s website. Check for official resellers to avoid scams.
- Brooklyn Tickets: On sale through Live Nation and BRIC’s website, with presale for BRIC members starting April 2, 2025. General sale begins April 4, 2025, at 10 AM ET.
- Accessibility: Both venues offer accommodations. Contact The Anthem or BRIC ([email protected]) for specific needs.
- Merchandise: Expect exclusive Pride-themed and artist merch at both venues, with Ravinia’s Festival Shop offering inspiration for what’s to come.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss your chance to unleash your inner rhythm with Janelle Monáe and Grace Jones on June 5 in Washington, DC, and June 9 in Brooklyn, NY. These concerts are a rare opportunity to witness two generations of musical revolutionaries share the stage, delivering performances that blend funk, soul, disco, and new wave with messages of love and liberation. From Monáe’s “Make Me Feel” to Jones’ “Slave to the Rhythm,” the night will be a journey through iconic discographies and unforgettable setlists. Secure your tickets, bring your best outfit, and get ready to dance like nobody’s watching.
