RA.1053 Public Service

A New York summertime block party in all of its glory. New York City has had an epic few months. From clinching a milestone NBA Championship title, to Mayor Mamdani rolling out affordable housing and fixing potholes, to World Cup fever, the summer of 2026 has (for the most part) been a rush of elation for residents. Soundtracking it all is Public Service. A free, monthly party run by DJs Toribio and Mickey Perez, this all-ages affair hit record crowds in recent editions ever since launching five years ago. Even if there's no special occasion, the atmosphere is always electric. Multiple dance cyphers form; musicians bring instruments to jam; free pizza is distributed; informal marketplaces emerge in the back. Public Service is a living tapestry of block party culture, serving as a reminder that church-like communal joy doesn't need four walls or a roof. Taking place in Brooklyn parks during the summer and clubs during cold weather, the party has also held editions in Detroit, Miami and Montréal. Sound is powered by hot pink speaker stacks, decorated with flower garlands, courtesy of Karlala Soundsystem whose founder Karl Scholz regularly provides rentals for free or at a sliding scale to cultural organisers. Toribio and Perez man the decks each time, dishing out heaters across Afro house, dembow, cumbia, electro, hip-hop and techno. It might be the city's only DIY party where you can hear Jackmaster, Kendrick Lamar and Willie Colón in a single hour or see kids, aunties and grandfathers in the crowd. RA.1053 is a recording of this year's season opener in May—its vibrant blends and carnival-like mood will likely have more than a few listeners planning trips to experience the magic. Find the tracklist and Q&A at ra.co/podcast/1072 @publicservicenyc @mickeyperez @toribiomusic