Humbert Celebrate “Perfect Day” Remake Vinyl Release November 5 at Bar Nancy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Venerable Hialeah rock / pop quartet issue cover of Lou Reed staple on Y&T Records for Record Store Day 2022, the first 7” in the band’s two-decades plus history

Hialeah, FL, October 18, 2022 – They’re not your average indie art rock band. In fact, Humbert, proud torchbearers for the under-heralded Hialeah original rock scene have survived one global pandemic, three major lineup changes, and the comings and goings of more than a dozen iconic local music establishments.

Now, they are doing something for the first time in their near 25-year history: releasing a song on vinyl. A collaboration with long-time Miami music champion Rich Ulloa and his legendary Y&T Records label, the new release is a cover of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” and will be available on Record Store Day 2022. Fans can preorder the single online through the band’s Bandcamp page. 

Humbert recorded the song they had been kicking around for a few years live pre-pandemic at Browner Sound studios’ original Hialeah location, with long-time friends and collaborators Omar Garcia and Juan Oña behind the console. Backed with the band’s original song “You Said”, the 7” single will be released as a super-limited, deluxe, hand-painted unit featuring gorgeous cover art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Karen Keesler.

“’Perfect Day’ was a song Humbert had to play and perform,” says founding member / drummer / vocalist Izo Besares.” There was no choice, really. It was an organic endeavor, an inevitable happening. Every member loved it, collectively, and for independent and personal reasons, too.” Ulloa heard the band performing it and was immediately convinced that is special. Y&T has also worked with The Mavericks, For Squirrels, Mary Karlzen, Holy Terrors, Charlie Pickett, and Sweet Lizzie Project.

Formed in the late 1990s from the ashes of another legendary Hialeah band I Don’t Know, Humbert started as a quintet and issued a critically acclaimed self-titled full length in 1999. Closing ranks as a quartet, the band released Plant the Trees Closer Together in 2003, and Floating Legion of Joy in 2006. Before 2013’s Se Reparan Todos they began issuing stand alone and holiday singles, beginning with 2011’s “On Christmas Day“, and continues to this day and for the benefit of Manos Internacional, a nonprofit dedicated to providing enriching educational, cultural, and youth development programs to children in poor, remote areas.

Bar Nancy first opened in Little Havana in 2017. The bar’s theme is colonial-era nautical, and its main bar mimics the galley of the famous namesake ship. It features a weekly karaoke night (Sundays), a monthly open mic event, and several recurring themed nights. The bar offers a sizable selection of draft and canned beers, as well as specialty cocktails and gourmet food by the vendor One Hot Dish. An outside patio offers ample seating and a smoking area. Location: 2007 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.

Humbert currently features Besares, Ferny Coipel on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Tony Landa on bass and vocals, and Jorge Hernandez on guitar and vocals. Doors open on November 5 at 8 p.m., and the music by opening band Stillblue will begin at 9:30 p.m. Free show, 21 and over welcome.

For more information, visit humbert.net. 

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

Community Arts & Culture to Again Present Dia de los Muertos Events in Doral and Islamorada Along with Ameyal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami-based nonprofit and Mexican cultural organization host celebrations at Doral Yard, Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, and the Florida Keys Brewing Company October 17 – November 2

Miami, FL, October 17, 2022 – For 20 years now, Community Arts & Culture (CAC) has prided itself on fostering an appreciation of a vast assortment of cultures, including Afro-Indigenous traditions. Last year, CAC and Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization teamed up to bring twin Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations to downtown Doral and the Upper Keys. This year, the events return to the Doral Yard on Sunday, October 30, and will enjoy an extended run in Islamorada at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (FKHDC) beginning today and culminating at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. (FKBC) on November 2.

First up is a special installation of several traditional Dia de los Muertos altar displays at the FKHDC, which is located at 82100 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. Museum admission is required to view the display. Next, is an afternoon of family-friendly fun at Doral Yard (8455 Northwest 53rd Street Doral, FL 33166) including a sugar skull workshop at 2 p.m. and a traditional procession plus live music by Ameyal beginning at 6 p.m. Finally, the sugar skull / procession / live music comes to FKH&DC on November 2 and ends at the FKBC (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036).

“We’re pleased to be again working with Ameyal, the Doral Yard, and the Florida Keys Brewing Co., all of whom have proved to be vital community partners and solid supporters of our artistic and cultural vision,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “Our thanks to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center for joining us this year. We look forward to these great events celebrating our ancestors.”

Established in 2013, the FKHDC is a world-class history and discovery center that accurately reflects the Florida Keys in a multi-faceted and interactive environment. It occupies a two-story, 7,500 square foot facility located in the heart of Islamorada on the property of the Islander Resort. Major themes of interest are the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, as well as the area’s fishing and maritime heritage. The FKHDC offers an annual lecture series, as well as undertake projects that fit with our mission and vision. Learn more at KeysDiscovery.com.

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space designed to foster local entrepreneurship and culture, created by the Yard Hospitality and Place Projects teams. 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.

FKBC is the gateway to the Morada Way Arts District in Islamorada and was founded with the hopes of bringing great beer to the island chain and beyond. All of their island-themed beers are brewed with top-quality ingredients to make the best beer possible. The tasting room faces the Old Highway, but there is a private residence for rent on the second level, and an expansive beer garden out back complete with an outdoor stage. Learn more at FloridaKeysBrewingCo.com.

Ameyal is dedicated to fomenting and spreading popular Mexican culture by focusing on sharing the richness of its cultural heritage through four pillars: pre-Hispanic dance, traditional music, folkloric ballet, and cultural dissemination. Their 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.

Events free are open to the public of all ages, but tickets are required for the sugar skull activities in Doral and Islamorada. Limited edition tanks, tees, totes, and hoodies are available to commemorate the 2022 events – there’s a two-step order and payment process live on the web now.

The celebration in Islamorada is generously being supported by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, Monroe County School District, Florida History and Discovery Center, Florida Keys Brewing Company, and Hot Dog on a Stick. Event support in Doral provided by the Miami–Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Doral Yard, and Hot Dog on a Stick.

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 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

Award-winning singer-songwriter Elsten Torres releases “Nocturno” single from album of the same name 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Video and track for the sixth release from a collection of songs full of emotion and personal reflection now streaming 

Miami, FL – October 11, 2022 – Last week, Miami-based singer – songwriter Elsten Torres issued a video and streaming track for the single “Nocturno”, from the album of the same name. This represents the sixth single from the 2022 full-length, which the artist wrote during the depths of the pandemic.

It is well known that nocturnal creatures have a heightened sense of hearing. Given his long and successful career as a singer-songwriter, Torres has now shown an exceptional sense of interpretation. Although his new single is open ended lyrically, it conveys a wisdom gained through careful listening, and later analysis and expression. 

“‘Nocturno’ is a song about life and death and our ability to see the big picture,” says the twice-nominated GRAMMY award nominee and two-time BMI award winner Elsten. “It’s also about enjoying the present moment, because it is very fleeting.” Much of the lyrical content includes phrases his elderly mother said to him as he cared for her during the pandemic. 

Written by Torres, “Nocturno” opens with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor courtesy of the sublime guitar work of Camilo Velandia, giving way to a sparse and moody verse. The chorus picks up with beautifully crafted harmonies and an uptick in feel. The call and response guitar solo here recalls some of the finest work by David Gilmour. Produced by Doug Emery, who also contributes bass and keyboards, the song was mixed by legendary Latin pop console master Sebastian Krys.

The video  – shot, directed, and edited in NY by Manolo Celi – is perfect for Halloween. Suspenseful and set in the late 19th / early 20th century in both aesthetics and costuming, it recalls Stephen King’s “The Shining”, complete with a creepy set of twin boys, scarce lighting, and Torres cryptically mouthing key parts of the lyric. He emerges from the dark at first, and returns to it in the end, a metaphor for the human experience, especially during the last couple of years.

Nocturno is a record that stems from dark, precious, nostalgic, and emotionally profound moments. It represents the artist’s 12th full length release, his 6th in Spanish, and the songs featured here were written as both Elsten and the world underwent very significant changes. Not only caring for his ailing mother, Torres also lived through the end of an intense romantic relationship. These experiences inspired him to write during the time of the pandemic, not knowing it would result in a new album.

For more information, please visit Elsten.info.

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ABOUT ELSTEN TORRES

Elsten Torres is a two-time Grammy-nominated and BMI award-winning singer-songwriter, musician, and producer. Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in New York City, Torres is currently living in Miami. Throughout his career, Elsten has earned a vast domestic and international fan base. An accomplished artist having reached Billboard’s top ten charts more than six times, he also enjoyed a #1 hit for five weeks with Obie Bermudez’s rendition of “Todo el Año”.

Co-founder of the groundbreaking Latin rock outfit Fulano de Tal in the mid-1990s, Torres remains a leading voice and exponent of the rich South Florida bilingual artistic community. Elsten has performed on stages all over the country and around the world. He donates his time to charity organizations such as Musicians on Call. In 2016, Torres issued Exitos Acusticos which was a collection of his biggest hit songs recorded by internationally known artists, followed by At the End of Love for Warner Chappell Music in 2020.

Some of the great artists and producers he’s worked with include: David Bisbal, Ricky Martin, Elvis Costello, Alejandra Guzman, Aleks Syntek, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Luis Fonsi, John Rich, Marshall Crenshaw, Michael Peterson, Oscar de Leon, Sebastian Krys, Desmond Child, Rodolfo Castillo, and Cacharro Lopez 

To learn more, navigate to Elsten.info.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

MEDIA CONTACT

Fernando Fazzari

678-365-6167

fernando@fazzarient.com

Live in the Park! series continues October 15 with award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Concert to be held at the new Westchester Cultural Arts Center located at Tropical Park, features the Miami-based group styled after the Buena Vista Social Club

Miami, FL – October 4, 2022 – The Westchester Cultural Arts Center’s fall lineup of the Live in the Park! music series wraps Saturday, October 15 with a performance by Miami-based Cuban folk group Cortadito, beginning at 8 p.m. The new venue is located at the entrance to Tropical Park, 7930 SW 40th St., Miami. Tickets for Live in the Park! starting at $35 can be purchased online at www.wcacenter.org or www.roxyshows.com, by visiting the Westchester box office, or calling 305-226-0030.

“Live in the Park! is a continuation of a music series that began with the ever-popular Disney Cabaret, and we hope will continue to grow and bring exciting performances to audiences at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center.  I’m eager to personally greet everyone who comes out to this beautiful facility and introduce them to the possibilities,” says Charles Sothers, Artistic Director of The Roxy Theatre Group, the organization managing the center.

Named after a favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito plays a mesh of son montuno, guaracha, boleros, nengon and bolero son that will transport listeners to the time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piñeiro ruled the air waves. The group has been joined on stage by world-renowned flutist Nestor Torres, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, and toured with Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club. More information is available at CortaditoSon.com.

Live in the Park! continues on select dates throughout the last quarter of 2022, featuring some of the most exciting names in Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban and Afro-influenced music. The lineup has already included Cuban singer-songwriter Albita, multiple Grammy award winners Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola; still to come are flautist Nestor Torres, mambo heir Tito Puente, Jr., and the series conclusion on Dec. 31 with the Marlow Rosado Orchestra and DJ El Russo ringing in the New Year.

Lineups and show times are subject to change. Please check the Westchester website for updates.

Live in the Park! is a collaboration between Roxy Theatre Group – Westchester’s resident theater managing company – and Broadway Factor, a Miami-based production company. The series is dedicated to the memory of George Cabrera, a Broadway Factor producer, music enthusiast and supporter of Roxy/Westchester’s mission.

Construction of this 11,000 square foot, state-of-the-art black box theater and gallery space was pioneered by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier D. Souto, District 10, and funded by a voter-approved Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond program. County officials inaugurated the $6.8 million cultural arts center in an official ceremony on June 25, 2021.

The Roxy Theatre Group is a non-profit organization devoted to mentoring children and youngsters in all aspects of the performing arts. Roxy recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

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

Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! Medicine Music Concert Returns to Pinecrest Gardens October 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ninth annual medicine music festival featuring Porangui, Pura Fé, Teresa De Jesús, Jesús Hidalgo, and special guests happens in the Banyan Bowl beginning at 6 p.m.

Pinecrest, FL – October 3, 2022 –  Music has long been known to enhance the healing powers of medicine. The Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens (11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156) will once again be the site of the Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! medicine music, featuring live performances by Poranguí, Pura Fé, Teresa de Jesús, and festival’s founder / climate change activist Jesús Hidalgo, plus special guests Gracia María, Giselle World, Delfina Mun, and Chris Orange.  Tickets for the ninth annual edition are on sale now at bit.ly/TodoElMundoDice.

 “We’re excited to once again be partnering with the Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! concert organizers, and look forward to putting on another successful concert in Pinecrest,” says event producer Eric Vazquez. “This year’s edition will include a special prayer for children, teenagers, and for all the new seeds, to ask for and manifest clarity and guidance, and for them to always be accompanied.”

Reared among the three cultures of Brazil, Mexico and the U.S., headliner Poranguí was steeped in various traditional forms of music, healing and ceremony since birth. Drawing from his cross-cultural background and ethnomusicology training at Duke University, Poranguí has over twenty years of international work experience as an artist, musician, educator, filmmaker, consultant, and therapist, utilizing the healing properties of sound and movement to foster our individual and collective wellbeing.

Pura Fé, whose name means “Pure Faith,” was born in New York City and an heir to the Tuscarora Indian Nation. She is an artist, an activist, and much more. Her musical journey, running the gamut from folk to mainstream through an artful use of the blues, reflects the concerns of an artist who grew up in the Motown era, while citing Buffy Sainte–Marie, Charley Patton and Joni Mitchell as her true mentors. Pura Fé has studied and performed ballet professionally and has been in several Broadway musicals and TV commercials.

Venezuelan Jesús Hidalgo is a Latin Grammy-nominated singer / songwriter and producer who recognizes Mother Earth as an entity with rights worthy of respect. Partner Teresa de Jesús Padron considers herself a guardian of Mother Earth, and a singer / songwriter of the path of consciousness dedicated to facilitating ancestral circular dances, sacred circles, and moon dances. When they perform together, they aim to balance the sacred feminine and masculine energies in their experience.

Gracia María is a woman of prayer who dedicates her life to the service of plant spirits indigenous to her homeland Peru. Washington, D.C. flutist and vocalist Giselle Real-d’Arbelles is a captivating performing artist infusing ritual and indigenous culture into the electronic scene. Born in Argentina, Delfina Mun began to develop herself from childhood in the arts by experimentation with drawing, painting, collage and song. Colombian Chris Orange is a man of prayer who started his music path at the age of 6 where he began with classical piano and singing.

Event support generously provided by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. All ages are welcome, and doors open at 4:45 p.m. For more information, please visit TodoElMundoDiceAho.com or call 305-669-6990.

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

Electric Piquete Returns to Woody’s Backyard Grill to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 17

Award-winning Latin funk band to play three sets at the popular local eatery beginning at 7:30 p.m., no cover, all ages welcome

MEDIA ALERT

Miami Springs, FL – September 6, 2022 – The two-time Miami New Times “Best Latin Band” Electric Piquete will play Woody’s Backyard Grill (600 Payne Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166) on Saturday, September 17, 2022 during a free, all ages Hispanic Heritage Month celebration beginning at 7:30 p.m. The band is set to preview new music from its upcoming full-length release, scheduled for an independent release in the spring of 2023.

The band has played virtually all major events in South Florida, as well as several major music festivals including the GrassRoots Festival of Music Arts & Dance in Pittsboro, NC, the Orange Blossom Festival in Brooksville, FL, and Afro Roots Fest (Key West and Islamorada). 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.

Bringing Woody’s back to the neighborhood was of top priority for new owners Oscar and Jessica Mendez. Their vision lays on the foundation of a community’s family-oriented environment and the concept is based on providing VIP service to every guest, especially those who reside in the beautiful city of Miami Springs. Woody’s is a place to gather with friends and family, while enjoying great food and drinks, live music, and sports, along with exceptional service. 

More information:

ElectricPiquete.com

WoodysBackyardGrill.com

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

Photo by Edwin Cardona

Feel Good Music Fest 2022 is Coming to Miami Beach Bandshell Sunday, September 18

All ages concert features Bahiano (Argentina), Gondwana (Chile), Bachaco (Venezuela), and Inner Circle (Jamaica) plus special guests Gomba Jahbari (Puerto Rico), Mulato (Venezuela), and more

MEDIA ALERT

Miami Beach, FL – September 6, 2022 – The Feel Good Music Fest 2022 is an event that combines live music, gastronomy and nature and hosted at Miami Beach’s premier oceanside home for music, arts, and culture, the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141).

The 1300 person-capacity theater will feature the Feel Good Music Fest in its 4th edition, previously known as the Miami Beach Reggae Fest, presenting a concert loaded with good music from local, national and internationally-acclaimed music acts on September 18, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. Scheduled to appear are:

Bahiano: Argentinian reggae legend

Gondwana: Santiago, Chile Latin reggae band

Bachaco: Venezuela via Miami reggae rock attitude

Inner Circle: Jamaican reggae

Tickets: FeelGoodMusicFest.com/get-tickets

Presented by Feel Good Shops. Learn more at FeelGoodMusicFest.com.

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ABOUT FEEL GOOD MUSIC FEST

Since 2014 the Feel Good Music Fest has sought to include a broader audience as the only festival in the region to showcase top Latin and Caribbean stars steps from the highly sought-after sands and water of Miami Beach. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a day on the water plus a sunset and live music under the stars on Miami’s “Best Venue for Locals” according to the Miami New Times.”

In its previous editions renowned Latin & Caribbean Artists that have graced their stages are Doctor Krapula (Colombia), Gondwana (Chile), Los Rabanes (Panama) Laguna Pai (Peru), Ojo de Buey (Costa Rica), Alika (Uruguay), Johnny Dread (Cuba), Sudakaya (Ecuador), Tarmac (Colombia), Reggae Lou (USA) among others.

In 2022 they continue the tradition of supporting Latin and Caribbean artists to highlight the Diversity of our Community and Feel Good Music Fest welcomes the support of all sponsors, vendors, volunteers and artists who wish to help spread the love and awareness of music in all its forms.

FeelGoodMusicFest.com  

IG: @FeelGoodMusicFest

FB: facebook.com/FeelGoodMusicFest

Official video teaser here

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

Community Arts and Culture Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Doral Yard on September 24, 2022

Miami nonprofit to host an eclectic evening of live music and fundraising in Downtown Doral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami, FL – September, 1 2022 – For nearly two decades, Community Arts and Culture’s (CAC) mission has been to foster an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of cultures through the universal language of music. Over the years, the organization has produced a variety of festivals, workshops, and lectures accessible to people all ages and social backgrounds. Ultimately, CAC has been able to fulfill this mission by presenting the arts as a tool for education. The event at The Doral Yard Saturday, September 24, 2022 will celebrate this milestone.

All ages are welcome to a free concert at 8455 NW 53rd St Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166 featuring Cortadito (Cuba), Electric Piquete, (Cuba / Puerto Rico / U.S.A.), and Grupo Barrio Abajo (Colombia) beginning at 5 p.m. The evening will coincide with Coradito’s monthly residency and also serve as a Hispanic Heritage Month and end-of-summer celebration for the local community.

“It has been a wonderful 20 years of sharing the healing power of music,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “For us, the biggest reward has been seeing the joy on people’s faces after they’ve been to one of our events. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the community, and are looking forward to the next 20 years.” Elias also co-founded Cortadito, which is in the midst of a 10th anniversary celebration.

Named after a favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito plays a mesh of son montuno, guaracha, boleros, nengon and bolero son that will transport listeners to the time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piñeiro ruled the air waves. The group has been joined on stage by world-renowned flutist Nestor Torres, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, and toured with Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club. This show will feature special guest Tomas Diaz, and Dr. Chad Bernstein from the famed group Spam Allstars. CortaditoSon.com

The two-time Miami New Times “Best Latin Band” (2009 and 2015) Electric Piquete are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz and spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive, and R&B.They have played virtually all major events in South Florida, as well as several on the major festival circuit, including the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music Arts & Dance, the Orange Blossom Jamboree, and Afro Roots Fest. The band is currently ensconced in the studio recording a full-length album and is celebrating their 15th year together. Learn more at ElectricPiquete.com.

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. Learn more about them at facebook.com/GrupoBarrioAbajo.

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space designed to foster local entrepreneurship and culture offering culinary delights, live entertainment, and events. It is a 20,000-square-foot space divided into two indoor / outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard, which includes an anchor restaurant, Barbakoa by Finka. The Hub encompasses a mini-food hall, co-working space, meeting and event space and a full bar; The Backyard is an outdoor entertainment and culinary space walled by plants and trees with a larger stage for live music and cultural performances, as well as a grassy turf area for gathering and dancing. TheDoralYard.com

In addition, CAC will launch a membership fundraising campaign to celebrate and commemorate their legacy of providing culturally rich programming and education to the global community. There will be various levels of giving that unlock exclusive member perks, advance event notification, and ticket discounts. 

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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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

Community Arts and Culture Curates Three Miami Beach OnStage! Concerts in August and September

Spam Allstars, Cortadito, Johnny Dread, Bad Apples Brass Band, Grupo Barrio Abajo and DJs Ephniko and Kumi are scheduled to perform free, all-ages concerts in three different locations on Miami Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami, FL – August 11, 2022 – Community Arts & Culture (CAC) in partnership with the City of Miami Beach present a series of Miami Beach OnStage! performances at three different locations on three different dates. The Miami music and arts nonprofit will team up with the City of Miami Beach’s largest free outdoor performing and visual arts program to produce shows on August 19 in Lummus Park, August 26 in Collins Park Plaza and September 9 at the Normandy Fountain. All of the free concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m. and are open to both adults and children.

“We’re excited and proud to once again be collaborating with the City of Miami Beach to put on another run of Miami Beach OnStage! shows,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “The caliber of artists we will be presenting just keeps on getting better, and we appreciate the opportunity to line them up for music lovers on the beach and from beyond.” Elias plays tres (Cuban string instrument) and guitar with the Spam Allstars and Cortadito.

The following is the performance and location schedule:

  • August 19: Spam Allstars and DJ Kumi — Lummus Park (1130 Ocean Drive)
  • August 26: Cortadito and the Bad Apples Brass Band — Collins Park (2100 Collins Ave)
  • September 9: Johnny Dread, Grupo Barrio Abajo and DJ Ephniko — Normandy Fountain (7802 Rue Vendome)

A Latin Grammy-nominated and nationally and internationally touring band, the Spam Allstars are one of Miami’s most popular, well-known, longest-running and accomplished bands. Part Afro-Cuban, part hip-hop, part funk, part electronica, they were founded by musician, producer and musicologist Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam. The group’s sixth and most recent full-length album is called Trans-Oceanic. Learn more at SpamAllstars.com.

Named after a favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito plays a mesh of son montuno, guaracha, boleros, nengon and bolero son that will transport listeners to the time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piñeiro ruled the Cuban music world. This dynamic, Miami-based ensemble has been joined on stage by world-renowned flutist Nestor Torres, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, and toured with Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club. This show will be part of the group’s 10-year anniversary celebration. CortaditoSon.com

Born Juan Carlos Guardiola in Philadelphia, Johnny Dread spent his youth on the basketball courts of Miami and received a basketball scholarship to Florida International University (FIU). Shortly after he experienced a “majestic” transition from star athlete to professional musician. He’s since enjoyed a decadeslong run as a successful reggae music singer/songwriter, touring the world and sharing the stage with Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Israel Vibration, Alpha Blondie, Third World, The Wailers, Steel Pulse, The Marleys and others. JohnnyDread.com

The Bad Apples Brass Band is a fun and funky New Orleans group based in South Florida. Opening and jamming with bands, including Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama, Papa Grows Funk, Glen David Andrews Band, Jon Cleary, Bad Apples Brass Band has brought the Crescent City sound to the area fusing an infectious street beat with the funkiest jazz and the heaviest sounds. Learn more at badapplesbrassband.com.

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 performed during the 2018 edition of Afro Roots Fest Islamorada. Learn more about them here: www.facebook.com/GrupoBarrioAbajo.

In addition to DJing, Ephniko is also an MC who fronts the six-man audio/visual collective Nag Champayons and leads the Patacon Conspiracy, which fuses hip-hop and raw lyricism with Pan-African and Latin American rhythms to create a worldbeat sound. Nicaraguan born DJ Kumi is an in-demand selector, WDNA Radio host and one half of the duo behind Brainville, a journey into the history of jazz, a so-called Utopic City where Sun Ra is the mayor and Charles Mingus is the chief of police.

Special thanks to the City of Miami Beach for the event support. For more information, visit CommunityArtsandCulture.org and mbartsandculture.org/onstage.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) 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. The signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CommunityArtsandCulture.org.

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

Menendez Macki Reiterates Why He’s the Clear Choice for School Board District 4

 With early voting beginning this week and Primary Day in sight, the only candidate with true educational experience makes his case to constituents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 8, 2022 – Miami Lakes, FL – Kevin Menendez Macki’s passion is educational leadership. It’s what has driven him since the moment he realized that he wanted to make a career out of mentoring youth. At every level he’s worked, from teacher first at Hialeah Gardens Elementary, then at Joella C. Goode Elementary, and later while serving on the Town of Miami Lakes’ Education Advisory Board, and now as Horeb Christian School principal, Kevin has been thrust into leadership roles at every stage.

“While I have a great deal of respect for my opponents and what they are campaigning on, the fact of the matter is I am the only one who has real-world experience an educator,” says Menedez Macki. “Of all the candidates, only I have truly managed a budget in an educational setting, and I believe that my experience as a teacher and an administrator will greatly benefit the students and parents I’ll be representing in District 4.” 

The pillars of his campaign are as follows:

  • Keeping children safe by activating customized strategies, programs, and resources to ensure physical, mental and emotional safety
  • Supporting teachers by addressing burnout and turnover rates while providing the support needed to retain them
  • Enabling parental rights and involvement by pushing for adequate staffing, resources, and two-way communication to ensure they are heard and able to be active participants in their child’s education
  • Elevating curriculum through obtaining funds and build learning environments where students thrive, and prioritizing programs for students with special needs and disabilities
  • Protecting taxpayers by ensuring budgets and resources are used wisely and taxpayers are shielded from wasteful spending

“When elected, I intend to visit each and every school in District 4 and work with administrators, teachers, and resource officers to make certain that their voices are heard and that they are getting everything they need from the district level to succeed,” he adds. “From day one I will work to better the learning environment for all students.”

His campaign has earned the endorsement of Town of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, Vice Mayor Jeffery Rodriguez, and Councilman Tony Fernandez, as well as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia, and Hialeah Annex community leader Eddie Santiesteban.

For more information, visit kevinmenendezmacki.com.

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ABOUT KEVIN MENENDEZ MACKI

August 8, 2022 – Miami Lakes, FL – Kevin Menendez Macki’s passion is educational leadership. It’s what has driven him since the moment he realized that he wanted to make a career out of mentoring youth. At every level he’s worked, from teacher first at Hialeah Gardens Elementary, then at Joella C. Goode Elementary, and later while serving on the Town of Miami Lakes’ Education Advisory Board, and now as Horeb Christian School principal, Kevin has been thrust into leadership roles at every stage.

“While I have a great deal of respect for my opponents and what they are campaigning on, the fact of the matter is I am the only one who has real-world experience an educator,” says Menedez Macki. “Of all the candidates, only I have truly managed a budget in an educational setting, and I believe that my experience as a teacher and an administrator will greatly benefit the students and parents I’ll be representing in District 4.” 

The pillars of his campaign are as follows:

  • Keeping children safe by activating customized strategies, programs, and resources to ensure physical, mental and emotional safety
  • Supporting teachers by addressing burnout and turnover rates while providing the support needed to retain them
  • Enabling parental rights and involvement by pushing for adequate staffing, resources, and two-way communication to ensure they are heard and able to be active participants in their child’s education
  • Elevating curriculum through obtaining funds and build learning environments where students thrive, and prioritizing programs for students with special needs and disabilities
  • Protecting taxpayers by ensuring budgets and resources are used wisely and taxpayers are shielded from wasteful spending

“When elected, I intend to visit each and every school in District 4 and work with administrators, teachers, and resource officers to make certain that their voices are heard and that they are getting everything they need from the district level to succeed,” he adds. “From day one I will work to better the learning environment for all students.”

His campaign has earned the endorsement of Town of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, Vice Mayor Jeffery Rodriguez, and Councilman Tony Fernandez, as well as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia, and Hialeah Annex community leader Eddie Santiesteban.

For more information, visit kevinmenendezmacki.com.

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ABOUT KEVIN MENENDEZ MACKI

Kevin Menendez Macki is an educator with 17 years of experience and a tireless passion for his community. To most, he is known as “Mr. Macki,” a teacher and principal that has impacted the lives of thousands of students.

Born and raised in Hialeah, FL, he attended Barry University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida International University in 2015.

He served as a teacher at Hialeah Gardens Elementary from 2005 to 2012, was a professional development liaison and teacher at Joella C. Good Elementary from 2012 to 2016, and is now the principal at Horeb Christian School.

Kevin lives in Miami Lakes with his wife and two young sons. For more information, navigate to kevinmenendezmacki.com.  

Born and raised in Hialeah, FL, he attended Barry University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida International University in 2015.

He served as a teacher at Hialeah Gardens Elementary from 2005 to 2012, was a professional development liaison and teacher at Joella C. Good Elementary from 2012 to 2016, and is now the principal at Horeb Christian School.

Kevin lives in Miami Lakes with his wife and two young sons. For more information, navigate to kevinmenendezmacki.com.  

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