CAC: The Inheritants Project Celebrates Dia de Los Muertos at The Doral Yard on November 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami-based non-profit organization hosts a family-friendly celebration featuring a sugar skull-making workshop, procession, and live music, dance, and art

Miami, FL, October 16, 2023 – Community Arts & Culture (CAC): The Inheritants Project will be back with another Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Doral Yard (8455 Northwest 53rd Street Doral, FL 33166) on Thursday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m. The festivities will include a sugar skull workshop, a traditional multicultural procession, and all genres of Afro-Mexican live dance and music by Ameyal beginning at 6 p.m.

“Our thanks go once again to such amazing community partners the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Youth Enrichment Program, The Children’s Trust, Music Access Miami Foundation, The Doral Yard, and Hot Dog on a Stick for helping us to celebrate our ancestors and facilitating our mission to maintain traditional cultural arts in urban spaces throughout Miami-Dade,” says event organizer Renee Chavez. “We look forward to coming back to Doral to honor and celebrate our ancestors in the community.” 

Chavez is also a long-time CAC staffer who coordinates children’s programming and the annual River Serenade, which will take place on Saturday, November 4 at Morningside Park in Miami.

Ameyal Afro-Mexican Folkloric Ensemble is dedicated to fomenting and spreading popular Mexican culture by sharing its cultural heritage’s richness through four pillars: pre-Hispanic dance, traditional music, folkloric ballet, and cultural dissemination. The intention is to create a welcoming epicenter that supports all stakeholders in the community during the cultivation of Mexican artistic expression. To learn more about them, navigate to Ameyal.org.

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space created by the Yard Hospitality and Place Projects teams to foster local entrepreneurship and culture. Expanding on The Wynwood Yard concept, the venue brings culinary delights, live entertainment, and round-the-clock events to the downtown area. A 20,000-square-foot space is divided into two indoor/outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard, which includes a full liquor bar, a grassy turf area for gathering and dancing, and a stage; the outdoor space is fully covered. Visit DoralYard.com for more details.

This year, Catherine Hollingsworth and Emilio Hernandez are the special guest choreographers. Events are free for all ages, but registration tickets are required for the Sugar Skull workshop.

For more information, visit communityartsandculture.org/day-of-the-dead. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures, and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds.

The organization celebrated 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 26th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! music medicine concert returns to Pinecrest Gardens November 18

MEDIA ALERT

Pinecrest, FL – September 18, 2023 – The 10th annual music medicine concert Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! (TEMDA) will take place Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Gardens (11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156) and be headlined by composer, percussionist and singer of Portuguese-Angolan heritage, MonÁxi. Also slated to appear: Supaman, Teresa de Jesús, Jesús Hidalgo, and The Freedom Family Band, plus special guest live painter Chris Dyer. Tickets are available online through bit.ly/TEMDA2023.

TEMDA is an international music festival that brings together different artistic disciplines that manifest a solid relationship and commitment to the conservation and preservation of Mother Earth, awakening a new consciousness and a connection with our ancestral wisdom. Founded by the husband-and-wife duo Hidalgo and de Jesus, past concert events have occurred in Miami, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Co-presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the host for the evening will once again be Kike Posada.

For more information about the concert, please visit todoelmundodiceaho.com. Visit PinecrestGardens.org or call (305) 669-6990 for more details about the venue.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Community Arts and Culture presents Cortadito and DJ Le Spam at Florida Keys Brewing Company October 14

Miami nonprofit hosts Cuban folk group and multicultural music selector in Islamorada for a free Hispanic Heritage Month concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamorada, FL – September 14, 2023 – Community Arts and Culture is launching a new program in the Upper Keys to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. On Saturday, October 14, 2023,  Cortadito,  Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club, and DJ Le Spam with his VW Bus, will wrap the month-long celebration with an evening of live and selected music in the Beer Garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036). All ages welcome, no cover, music begins at 6 p.m.

“We are excited to add this new program to our roster of events in Islamorada,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “We appreciate the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company, without whom this celebration would not be possible.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder, vocalist, tres player, and bandleader.

Since forming more than eleven years ago, Cortadito has focused on traditional folk and acoustic performances of the Cuban country music style known as Son (pronounced sOwn). Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this dynamic ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as “The Guajiro Triangle”, which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing their musical influences. They are currently recording their first full-length release due out in May 2024.

DJ Le Spam, founder of the Spam Allstars, is known for his eclectic vinyl collection. Born in Montreal and raised in London and Bogota, he was exposed to a variety of music and cultures from an early age. He specializes in rare and hard to find music, and his expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami bass, Haitian, jazz, and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world while playing guitar in Capitol recording artist Nil Lara’s band, and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band. Spam will roll up in a VW bus customized for a self-contained DJ experience.

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of locally brewed beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers on draft. The tasting room is decorated with thousands of bottle caps from breweries all over North America and Europe, as well as art by locals. The brewery is just down the street on Morada Way, featuring two brewing systems that produce a most delicious island beer. The beer garden is an enchanting space that features live musical events. More details available at floridakeysbrewingco.com.

This event is made possible with the generous support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company. 

For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Spain’s Mala Rodriguez and Sara Socas headline Urban Beach Music Fest at Miami Beach Bandshell October 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Also slated to appear are Miami’s El Arka, Neka One, the Bachaco Soundsystem, Venezuela’s Poetiko and El Toro, plus DJ Mad Pee and more

Miami Beach, FL – September 12, 2023 – The Latin hip hop movement is alive and well in Miami, and fans will get a chance to see and hear it in person during Hispanic Heritage Month during the Urban Beach Music Fest on Sunday, October 7, 2023, at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141). Spain’s Mala Rodriguez, a versatile and socially conscious rapper, and Sara Socas, herself a world-renowned battle rapper, top a bill that also features an array of local and international talent, including El Arka, Neka One, Poetiko, and Nelson El Toro and more. DJ Mad Pee will spin selections before and between acts.

Tickets are available online through bit.ly/UrbanBeachMusicFest2023. 

“We’re excited to be bringing a show of this caliber to the beautiful and historic Miami Beach Bandshell for the first time,” says promoter and Feel Good Shops owner Edilberto Morillo. “The fact that it is happening during Hispanic Heritage Month is most appropriate. We thank our partners the Rhythm Foundation for the support and for hosting the show.” Morillo is also a singer / songwriter and front man for the Miami-based Latin reggae stalwarts Bachaco. 

Born in Cadiz, Mala began her career in the late 1990s by working with some of the Iberian peninsula’s best hip hop producers in Jota Mayúscula, Supernafamacho, and Dive Dibosso. Her progressive and feminist lyrics, along with her spitfire delivery made her 2000 Universal Music debut Lujo Iberico put her on the map and delivered her first hit “Yo Marco el Minuto”. She has since release about a half-dozen full-length recordings, including 2020’s Mala, and worked with Julieta Venegas, Tego Calderon, and Calle 13.

A relative newcomer to the Latin hip hop game, Sara is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, piano), and holds a degree in journalism and audio-visual communication from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. She made her bones on the Red Bull Batalla circuit, scoring several wins, becoming the first female to win the vaunted Copa Federación en la Final Nacional de la Batalla de Maestros de España. Socas now judges similar competitions. Her most notable release is the hit single “Ahora Me Quiero Más”, and ode to self-love and self-confidence.

El Arka is a Miami-based Venezuelan hip-hop comprised of itoYAboi, OzKilla and Polo who fuse of salsa and cumbia with hip hop influences. Also based in Miami, Neka One combines classic beats with cutting-edge production and raps about love, sorrow, and identity. Born Luis Brito, the Venezuelan independent rapper is better known as Poetiko; his new release is titled “Cuántos Son”. El Toro is known for hard Latin rap and freestyle trap. Additional openers include: Bachaco Soundsystem, Ramuse, Gipsy Mare, Charly Soul, Marco Polo, Maco, and Alimoña Kush.

Named “Best Live Music Venue” in the 2023 Miami New Times “Best of Miami” edition, the Miami Beach Bandshell is a historic sea-side Mi-Mo (mid-century Miami Modern) era structure designed in 1961 by Normal Giller. Its open-air, covered design is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is managed by the Rhythm Foundation. Food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be available for sale on the day of the show. For more information, visit MiamiBeachBandshell.com.

Presented by Sayaland Producciones in partnership with Rock and Yoe, and the Feel Good Music Fest. Jump to HipHopattheBeach.com for additional details.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Electric Piquete return to Dunedin Brewery to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 22

MEDIA ALERT

Dunedin, FL – September 11, 2023 – Miami’s Latin funk fusionistas Electric Piquete return to Dunedin Brewery on Friday, September 22, 2023 and just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month. Two-time winners of the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Band” award, the septet will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight at the microbrewery and live music venue located at 937 Douglas Ave, in downtown Dunedin. Show is free and open to those 21 and over.  

“Dunedin Brewery is our home away from our South Florida home, and we always love playing here because the folks who come for the show are true music fans,” says band cofounder and bassist Michael Mut. “They are some of the most receptive and engaging fans we’ve come across.” The band, formed in 2007 by Mut and drummer Ed Rosado, are currently completing a full-length release featuring eight original songs and one cover tune.  

Their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. The band has played virtually all major events in South Florida, and in 2016, graduated to the major festival circuit, travelling to NC to play the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music Arts & Dance, followed by appearances at the Orange Blossom Festival in 2018 and 2022. They made their Afro Roots Fest debut in Key West during 2019 and performed again in Islamorada during 2021. They performed at Shakori Hills again in May of this year.

Dunedin Brewery was founded in 1995 by Michael Norman Bryant, following his deep passion for home-brewing. Officially brewing by 1996, the first keg to be delivered was an Imperial Brown Ale to Skip’s Bar & Grille in Downtown Dunedin. Since that moment, Dunedin Brewery has grown from one employee to nearly 50, currently under the leadership of the founder’s son – Michael Lyn Bryant. Today, they are a full-fledged microbrewery with a kitchen & live entertainment nearly every night of the week.

For more information, please visit ElectricPiquete.com or call 727-736-0606.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Cortadito and Electric Piquete celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Guanabanas September 23

Ongoing Noche Latina series returns to Jupiter waterfront bar and restaurant for free show beginning at 4 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2023 – Two Miami-based acts will be performing at Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar (960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477) on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The pair of award-winning groups in Cortadito (traditional Cuban folk), and Electric Piquete (Latin funk / fusion), will take the stage for musical celebrations first from 4 to 7 p.m. (all ages welcome), and then 9 to 11 p.m. (21 and over). The Noche Latina series was first created by Roots Music, Inc. in 2015 to offer area music fans a little more variety.

“It’s always a great time when Cortadito rolls into town, with their spicy Cuban sound and their enthusiastic fan base, and Electric Piquete always brings the Miami funk,” says Roots Music founder and Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with these two bands and we can’t wait to host them on our stage.” Cahur manages acts, and produces and promotes local and regional concerts.

Named after your favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito’s mesh of Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon and Bolero Son will transport you back to a time when Trio Matamoros or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world. With a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club, this dynamic Miami-based ensemble has backed world-renowned percussionist Sammy Figueroa, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and performed at festivals like GroundUP Music Festival and Afro Roots Fest. Learn more about the band at CortaditoSon.com.

Their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. Though mostly instrumental, Electric Piquete does feature vocals and rapping on several numbers; a tight rhythm section and heavy percussion supports melodious horn play. Their repertoire consists of mostly original compositions, but they are well-versed in Latin and jazz standards, borrowing from a range of artists, from Herbie Hancock to Mongo Santamaria. Get more details at ElectricPiquete.com.

From its humble beginnings as a one-time sandwich shop / kayak rental place in 2004-2005, Guanabanas has grown into an “Old Florida” local mainstay. The enchanting open air restaurant has been named “Best Waterfront Restaurant” by the Palm Beach Post and “Best Restaurant” by SouthFlorida.com, been featured on PBS Local, Emeril’s Florida, and Chef Michele Bernstein’s Check Please, and become a favorite hangout of professional athletes and international celebrities. Live music is a staple, with Big Wednesdays plus Friday, Saturday, and Sunday programming. 

For more information about the show and the venue, to browse the menu and shop the online store, visit Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878. 

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham to be released June 23 on Y&T Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

35 track 2-CD collection a tribute to Badfinger legend Pete Ham

Miami, FL – June 7, 2023 – Y&T Music is proud to announce the release of a special tribute album, Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham, featuring 35 new recordings of songs written by the legendary founding member of the British rock band, Badfinger. All net profits will go to the Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, the wonderful organization that is doing very important work in the field of mental health care and suicide prevention. The album will be released on all streaming services on June 23, 2023.

The musicians who’ve come together to salute this lost genius chose the songs they wanted to cover, as Pete Ham, along with the legacy of Badfinger, continues to move and inspire every generation.

“The more I learned about Badfinger,” says longtime Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch, who contributed to three of the Shine On tracks, “the more upset it made me, because they were so rich with promise. It’s not just a cautionary tale – it’s truly heartbreaking.”

As part of the Speaker Wars, with vocalist Jon Christopher Davis, Lynch turns “No Matter What” – Badfinger’s power pop anthem – into a gently swaying, country-rocking declaration of devotion. A second version of the song, with Davis and Indian vocalist Susmita Datta, re-imagines it as a psychedelic Hindustani dream. With ex-Georgia Satellite Dan Baird, Lynch put together The Chefs; the band contributed a raucous rave-up version of “I Can’t Take It,” one of the few full-tilt rave-ups in the Ham catalog.

“That stuff was so infectious and fabulous, so obviously good,” Lynch says. “I never saw them live, but at the time when you heard those songs, you knew they were a cut above. The vocals were just so emotional. They weren’t showbiz. ‘Day After Day’ ripped my heart out.” That song, perhaps Pete’s most indelible gift to the world, is interpreted on Shine On by singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne, who masterfully found the emotional core and gave it a searing soulfulness that brings to mind nothing less than the legendary Dusty Springfield. 

That sort of inside-out happens time and again on this collection, from the sweet heartbreak of Mary Lou Lord‘s bared-nerves take on “Baby Blue” to Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby‘s spellbinding “Midnight Caller,” from Melanie’s heartbroken “Without You” (written by Pete with his Badfinger bandmate Tom Evans) to the love-has-no-limits rendition of “We’re For the Dark” by Mary Karlzen.

Each of the artists on Shine On – a true labor of love – would agree. We are all the better for however briefly sharing the planet with him.

THE SONGS

DISC 1

1. Mary Lee Kortes – No More                          

2. The Chefs – I Can’t Take It                           

3. Smokin’ Novas – Shine On

4. The Speaker Wars (featuring Susmita Datta) – No Matter What (world version)

5. Sweet Lizzy Project – Perfection

6. The Delevantes – Know One Knows

7. Shelby Lynne – Day After Day

8. Rob Bonfiglio – Lonely You

9. Amanda Green – Name of the Game

10. Fernando Perdomo – Savile Row

11. Mary Lou Lord – Baby Blue

12. Arlan Feiles – Walk Out in the Rain

13. Tobin Sprout – Dear Father

14. Nineteen Hand Horse (Nathalie Archangel) – Blodwyn

15. Electric Piquete – Matted Spam

16. Balsamo Collins Riley – Keep Believing

17. Timothy LaRoque – I’m In Love

18. Mary Karlzen – We’re For The Dark

DISC 2 

1. Amy Allison – Apple of My Eye

2. The Speaker Wars – No Matter What (pop version)

3. Albert Castiglia Band (featuring Mandy Marylane) – Piano Red

4. Mic Harrison and the High Score – Meanwhile Back at the Ranch

5. Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby – Midnight Caller

6. Diane Ward – Lay Me Down

7. Dennis Diken – Dennis  

8. Melanie – Without You

9. Elsten Torres – Take It All 

10. Nelson Bragg – Carry on Till Tomorrow

11. Jim Camacho – They’re Knocking Down Our Home

12. Claudia Hoyser – Midnight Sun

13. The Parlophonics – Song for a Lost Friend

14. Life Boat – Crimson Ship

15. Jolynn Daniel – I Miss You

16. Ken Sharp – Just a Chance

17. Voice in Fashion – Timeless

To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Shine-Tribute-Pete-Ham-Various/dp/B0C4FW4Y38

 

For more information:

www.ytmusiconline.com

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028607966583

www.instagram.com/ytmusic1/

Y&T CONTACT / Rich Ulloa: PH: 1-786-368-9904, YTMusic1955@gmail.com                   

MHA CONTACT / Paul F. Jaquith: PH: 1-954-746-2055 (x102), Paul@mhasefl.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Afro Roots Fest concludes 25th anniversary season with a weekend in Islamorada May 19-21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three consecutive days of free concerts at the Florida Keys Brewing Company featuring Electric Kif, Cortadito, Miamibloco, Nag Champayons with Johnny Dread, and Grupo Barro Abajo

Islamorada, FL – May 2, 2023 – One of SouthFlorida’s longest-running music festivals Afro Roots Fest will wrap its 25th anniversary season with a weekend of free concerts in Islamorada at the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036). The weekend kicks off at 6 p.m. in the beer garden on Friday, May 19, 2023, with a performance by Electric Kif, and continues with Cortadito and Miamibloco on Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m. Finally, the Nag Champayons and special guest Johnny Dread plus Grupo Barrio Abajo close things out on Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m. All performances are free and open to the public of all ages.

“We couldn’t think of a better way or place to end the season than with this amazingly diverse presentation of cultures at one of the finest breweries in all of Florida,” says Afro Roots Fest founder and Nag Champayons guitarist and bandleader Jose Elias. “I’m proud to continue to fulfill the mission of our nonprofit to bring African-influenced culture to underserved locations and invite everyone to come enjoy a full weekend’s worth of incredibly talented musical presentations.” Elias is also the executive director of the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture (CAC), the organization behind Afro Roots Fest, as well as the bandleader and tres player in Cortadito..  

The Nag Champayons are Frank Zappa and Serge Gainsbourg wrestling Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. It’s Sonic Youth’s plane crashing into Fela Kuti’s boat in the Everglades on the hottest day of summer. “Afro-Floyd,” said one listener. The group began in the early 2000s as an improvisational collective whose name came from the burning of Nag Champa incense during early jams. The group is currently in the studio recording the follow up to the 2015 release Rising Sounds of a Sinking City and 2016 single “Brazilian LSD”. Johnny quite simply transcends reggae music into a unique blend of world beat rhythms. His musical influences are as diverse as his Rasta, Cuban-American background.

Electric Kif are a Miami-based power quartet that explore the boundaries between rock, jazz fusion and electronic drum & bass. Made up of bassist Rodrigo Zambrano, keyboardist Jason Matthews, drummer Armando Lopez, and guitarist Eric Escanes, the band has garnered attention of the live music scene for their eclectic take on groove and their own brand of ‘post-nuclear music’. Their most recent album Dreamlike is Electric Kif’s 4th full length LP and features international heavy hitters Aaron Parks and Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy. In May they also released a special single collaboration with Adam Deitch.

Since their origin ten years ago, Cortadito has become torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club. This dynamic ensemble lead by Elias and co-founder / guitarist / vocalist Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet, leads audiences through “The Guajiro Triangle”, an audio experience spanning the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins.

Co-led by Brian Potts and suOm Francis, Miamibloco is a Samba percussion community nonprofit that turns Afro-Brazilian music and rhythms into the cultural glue that binds Miami’s unique diverse communities together. Their mission is to help people connect, learn, grow, and thrive for a more joyful and equitable Miami through performance and education. They host the seasonal Saideira Social at The Miami Beach Bandshell, where the Miamibloco performance group Bateria Saideira collaborates on stage with high caliber local, Brazilian, and international musicians including Samir Langus, Munir Hossn, Gilmar Gomes, Musiana, Magela Herrera, Oigo, and Mauricio Baia.

Group Barrio Abajo seeks to raise international awareness of the folkloric musical heritage of the Caribbean Colombia by presenting styles such as cumbia, bullerengue, porro, chandé, and more than 30 other unparalleled musical rhythms. Globally, their home country is known for cumbia and vallenato, but these are just two parts of their musically diverse heritage. Barrio Abajo has performed at various editions of Afro Roots Fest, and is a regular favorite at CAC events.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Tobacco Road bar in Miami, Afro Roots Fest has been named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times and crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers include Amadou & Mariam, Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others. Since 2018, the festival has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate events in markets such as Gainesville, North Miami, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West.

This year’s edition of the award-winning festival is generously supported by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, and Keys ICE.

More information about the festival is available at AfroRootsFest.com.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures, and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds. The organization is celebrating 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming. For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Koubek Center hosts the Inheritants Project: Afro Roots 2023 workshops and jam session April 16 

MEDIA ALERT

Miami, FL – April 6, 2023 – The Inheritants Project: Afro Roots 2023 workshops and jam session take place in Little Havana on Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m., presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Koubek Center. Launched in 2012, the Inheritants Project is the youth component of the nonprofit Community Arts and Culture, and is a Miami-based, Afro-Indigenous music and dance youth program.

Planned activities include a sekere-making class led by Eddie Osborne from Pan-African Arts, a ukelele class by Ameyal, the Afro-Mexican ensemble, a break dance class with Luis “Junior” Vitale, and a jam session with teaching artists including Lazaro “Tato” Alfonso, rumbero, and one of the founders of the Cuban fusion legends Irakere. Since space is limited, RSVPs are required.

Who: Community Arts and Culture and the Koubek Center

What: Community Arts and Culture | Inheritants Project Afro Roots

When: Sunday, April 16, 2023

Where: 2705 SW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33135

RSVP: bit.ly/ARFIP2023

Event support provided by Community Arts and Culture, The Koubek Center, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami Dade College, and Florida Arts and Culture.



More information about the festival is available at AfroRootsFest.com. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures, and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds. The organization is celebrating 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
info@mutcomm.com

Afro Roots Fest “Miami Week” visits Little Havana, Doral, and North Miami April 16, 20, and 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free workshops and live music performances to be held at the Koubeck Center, Doral Yard, and Oak Grove Park during the touring festival’s 25th anniversary

Miami, FL – April 4, 2023 – One of South Florida’s longest-running music festivals will host three Miami-based events during one week’s time. This year’s edition of Afro Roots Fest is the 25th overall, and the nomadic event series plans a workshop at the Koubek Center in Little Havana on Sunday, April 16, 2 p.m., live music at the Doral Yard Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m., and live music plus a DJ at Oak Grove Park on Saturday, April 22, beginning at 3 p.m. All events are free and open to the public of all ages, with and RSVP being required for the Koubek and Oak Grove events due to space limitations.

“These three events get to the heart of our mission, which is to offer the community a wide diversity of programming,” says Afro Roots Fest founder and Cortadito vocalist, tres player, and bandleader Jose Elias. “I’m proud to offer it in partnership with the wonderful Miami-Dade County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces, Miami Dade College, and Miami Light Project.” Elias is also the executive director of the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture (CAC), the organization behind Afro Roots Fest. 

First up is the Inheritants Project: Afro Roots 2023 workshops and jam session taking place at 2705 SW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33135 on Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m., and presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Koubek Center. Launched in 2012, the Inheritants Project is the youth component of CAC, and is an Afro-Indigenous music and dance youth program.

Planned activities include a sekere-making class led by Eddie Osborne from Pan-African Arts, a ukelele class by Ameyal, the Afro-Mexican ensemble, a break dance class with Luis “Junior” Vitale, and a jam session with teaching artists including Lazaro “Tato” Alfonso, rumbero, and one of the founders of the Cuban fusion legends Irakere. Since space is limited, RSVPs are required. RSVPs required online to bit.ly/ARFIP2023.  

Next, join Cortadito and Friends for an unforgettable evening of music on the Backyard Stage at the Doral Yard (8455 Northwest 53rd Street, Doral, FL 33178) on Thursday, April 20 beginning at 7 p.m. This one night only show will feature a variety of guest artists, and an expanded conjunto version of the band with an added horn section and percussionist. Since their origin ten years ago, Cortadito have become torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong.

A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club.

Finally, master drummer and Haitian roots music legend Sanba Zao will perform at the Father Gerard Jean-Juste Community Center in Oak Grove Park (690 NE 159th St, Miami, FL 33162), along with the Senegalese Griot and Kora master Morikeba Kouyate beginning at 3 p.m. DJ Kumi will be on hand to spin records before and in between acts. Space is limited to the first 100 attendees who RSVP online at bit.ly/ARFNM2023.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Tobacco Road bar in Miami, Afro Roots Fest has been named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times and crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers include Amadou & Mariam, Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others. Since 2018, the festival has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate events in markets such as Gainesville, North Miami, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West.

More information about the festival is available at AfroRootsFest.com. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures, and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds. The organization is celebrating 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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