Like many classic Brookhaven events, Brookstock is making its return to the annual calendar.

On Saturday, July 24, Brookstock will make its return at the Brookhaven Building.  The doors will open at 5 p.m. for the $10 concert, and performers will pick up their guitars at 6. Concessions will be sold.

The bands playing in this year’s Brookstock Festival are the same loyal bands that have been attending since the beginning.

“Brookstock has had its core players for the last 20 years,” said Tyler Bridge, leader of The Bridge Band. “We’ve had a few other bands come and play before, but this year, we’re sticking with the core players, the ones that have been there all along.” 

This year’s lineup includes Mike J. Case, Shaw Furlow, Ricky Brown & Friends, The Laughter of Ruin featuring Bryan, Ed & Danny, and the Bridge Band. Music will begin at 6 p.m. and carry on until the last jam session is over.

Brookstock began as a reunion for Brookhaven High’s Class of 1968. Around the time that groups would gather to celebrate their high school years, the bands would reunite to reminiscence through music. Over time, it gradually evolved to be a more public event for the city to enjoy. Bill Lauderdale, a band member, eventually stamped the annual reunion with the name “Brookstock.”

In past years, the Brookstock festivities stretched over a weekend in July. But with recent complications, the bands are thankful to be able to play at all. Along with the COVID pandemic, key members have had trouble getting ready for the annual event.

Don Jacobs, the annual organizer of the Brookstock festivities, had a stroke earlier this year that leaves him unable to attend.

“We continued to do this with his blessing,” Bridge said. “We all hope and pray for his speedy recovery.”

Bridge is excited about the weekend’s concert and hopes others will be excited enough to come out and enjoy it.

“People should come to hear live music from live musicians by people who love what they do and are good at it,” Bridge said.