Tom Hutchings Announces Candidacy for Miami Springs City Council Group IV Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Longtime resident, small business owner, and political neophyte challenges former seat holder who resigned to unsuccessfully run for County Commission

Miami Springs, FL – March 21, 2023 – Tom Hutchings isn’t in this race to further his political ambitions. For the father, small business owner, and four decade-plus Miami Springs resident, this is about increasing funding for the police, preserving and enhancing Miami Springs’ famous tree canopy, and making the streets safer for pedestrians and golf cart riders.

“I’m running because I believe in the city and I want to work to keep improving it for the future,” offers Hutchings. Co-owner of A Little Bit of Philly, the popular American eatery in nearby Virginia Gardens, Tom also supports protecting existing green spaces so that they cannot be used for parking lots, and exploring the possibility of building a parking garage off the Circle.

He wants to see speed humps installed on Curtiss Parkway, one of the busiest drags in the entire area and one that bisects the popular golf course, along with additional signage and signal lights at cross walks. Because police resources have been stretched thin serving the 36th Street hotel corridor, Hutchings believes additional funding and personnel are absolutely necessary.

Public service is in Hutchings’ blood. His mother, long-time real estate agent and gift shop owner Joan Hutchings, served on the city council from during the late 1980s – early 1990s. His father, Guy Daniel Hutchings, served in the Army Air Corps / Air Force during World War 2 and the Korean Conflict. The elder Mr. Hutchings went on to become a captain for Eastern Airlines.  

Hutchings hopes his message of preserving the Miami Springs way of life will resonate with enough voters on April 4th to give him an opportunity to serve the community he loves so much. Early voting begins on March 31st.

For more information, visit miamisprings-fl.gov

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


Afro Roots Fest returns to Gainesville for a two-day Afro-Cuban convening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free, all-ages concert at Bo Diddley Plaza follows a full day of song, dance, and drum workshops, and a lecture / artist panel at the University of Florida

Gainesville, FL – March 14, 2023 – The long-running, award-winning Afro Roots Fest is coming back to North Florida on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8, 2023 for a two-day convening that includes workshops, lectures, and a free, family-friendly concert. The first day, clinical component is a ticketed event at the University of Florida School of Theater and Dance (1800 McCarty Drive Gainesville, FL 32603). The next evening, a concert takes place at Bo Diddley Plaza (111 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601) featuring Jacaré Brazil, the UF Afropop Ensemble with special guest Titos Sompa, and the Odara Conjunto Folklorico beginning at 7 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to continue developing this relationship that we have with the University of Florida School of the Arts,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director for presenting organization Community Arts and Culture. “This will be the first time the festival incorporates a more academic approach to our presentations. The caliber of artists that are participating in this program is unprecedented. We look forward to continuing to make this an annual destination event in Gainesville.”

Workshops and lectures include “Songs in Lukumi for Eleggua and Yemaya”, Afro-Cuban Dance classes like Rumba and Orisa for Yemaya, an all-levels percussion class that focus on guiro and bembe, a lecture about the sacred Bata, and an all-cast artist panel with a Q&A. Florida residents can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets by using the promo code “FloridaResident” and presenting a valid Florida ID on the day of event. Preregistration is required – there will be no options to pay for the workshops on the day of. Attendees should allow extra time to park on site and check in, which begin 30 minutes before class.

Jacaré Brazil provides a unique interpretation of Brazilian music through its usage and mixture of various Brazilian instrumental musical genres and rhythms such as the choro, waltz, maxixe, samba-choro, and bossa-jazz. The distinctive blend of musical instruments such as the violin, mandolin, saxophone, guitar, pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine), and voices create nostalgic sentiments with colorful and brilliant textures. Its repertoire celebrates and reminds us of Brazil’s rich music scenario, and is a vibrant part of the World Music and Graduate Program in Ethnomusicology at UF.

Founded in 2021, UF’s African Popular Music Ensemble specializes in the popular music of the African continent, with a special focus on Afrobeat, highlife, soukous, and African jazz. The ensemble, directed by Sarah Politz and Kenneth Metzker – both Affiliate Faculty in the Center for Arts Migration and Entrepreneurship – features students from the School of Music, musicians from the Gainesville community, and selected guest artists. Sompa, the colorful master dancer, choreographer, drummer, and healer was born in Brazzaville, Congo. He founded the band Les Echos Noir, which he still tours with, and is widely credited as a champion of the distinctive Congolese sound.

Odara Conjunto Folklorico is an all-star group comprised of all of of the individuals leading workshops on Friday: Yudisleidy Valdes, dancer, Ernesto El GatoGatell, vocals, Roman Diaz, percussion, Sandy Perez, percussion, and Alain Fernandez, vocals. Afro-Cuban music fans can expect an explosive performance of traditional Yoruba chants and rhythms, mixed in with Latin jazz and a fusion of other world music influences.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Miami live music venue Tobacco Road, the Afro Roots Fest has become one of the area’s longest-running music festivals. Named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times in 2017, it was crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers have included Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others.

Since 2018, the event has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate concerts in markets such as Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West. 

Tickets for the workshop day are available online at bit.ly/ARFG2023. Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

For more information, visit 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


10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival Returns NEXT WEEKEND March 10-12, 2023

MEDIA ALERT

Latin-heavy lineup highlights include Marlow Rosado, Dayme Arocena, and Cortadito, along with mainstays Donna the Buffalo and more

Virginia Key, FL – March 1, 2023 – Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days and three stages of family friendly world, roots music and camping at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

Headlining artists include Donna The Buffalo, Marlow Rosado, Daymé Arocena, RAM Haiti, Jorge Glem, The Bones of J.R. Jones, Munir Hosn, Cortadito and many more.

Alongside the broad range of world music and the option to camp at the festival for the weekend, the festival will also host yoga, a sustainability fair, live art, food and craft vendors, music workshops, dance workshops, children’s activities and so much more.

DATE: March 10-12, 2023

TIMES: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. each day

VENUE: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149

WEBSITE: VirginiaKeyGrassRoots.org

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


“A Great Day at Oak Grove Park” Music Festival Coming February 18

Featured artists at free, all-ages concert to include Tabou Combo, Emeline Michel, Inez Barlatier, Cortadito, Spam Allstars, Papaloko, and special guests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


North Miami, FL – January 31, 2023 – 
The nonprofit organizations Miami Light Project (MLP) and Community Arts and Culture (CAC) have partnered with the Miami-Dade County ParksRecreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) to present the inaugural “A Great Day at Oak Grove Park” music festival on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Oak Grove Park (690 NE 159th St, Miami, FL 33162), beginning at 1 p.m. 

The free, all-ages show will feature international, regional, and local talent from Haiti, Cuba, and Miami, including Haitian Konpa superstars Tabou Combo, Haitian songstress Emeline Michel, Haitian composer and griot James Germain, Haitian-American multidisciplinary performing artist Inez Barlatier, award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito, Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban jam / dance band the Spam Allstars, Haitian visionary artist Papaloko, plus some very special special guests.

“Miami Project is thrilled to develop this unprecedented community-based artistic program for Oak Grove Park,” says Beth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director of MLP. “In partnership with many extraordinary artists, and like minded collegial cultural organizations, we seek to transform the ways in which the community interacts with, and experiences Oak Grove Park. Our goal is to celebrate the community and its rich cultural heritage through the presentation of world class dance, music, theater, cinema, photography and visual art.”  

“We are very excited for the opportunity to be working with Miami Light Project,and Miami-Dade County to present this wonderful event,” offers Jose Elias, founder and executive director for CAC, who also performs on electric guitar with the SpamAllstars, and co-founded, sings, and plays the Cuban tres with Cortadito. “Also, I’m happy to announce that this concert will mark the start of the 25th anniversary season of Afro Roots Fest.”

Rhythm is the essence of the “Ambassadors of Konpa”, who exported their infectious sound from Haiti to New York City in 1971, and haven’t stopped thrilling audiences around the globe since. Singing in English, Spanish, French or their native Creole, Tabou serves a hot mix of grooves and textures with roots from around the world: merengue from the Dominican Republic, American funk and soul, French colonial era quadrilles and contra-dances, West African Soukous, added to Haiti’s dance-till-you-drop carnival music, rara, and the hypnotic drums of Haitian voodoo rituals. Learn more at taboucombo.com.  

Haitian songstress and Red Cross Ambassador Emeline Michel is internationally acclaimed for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms into deeply moving, joyful music delivered with a charismatic live show. Based in NYC, she runs her own production company and is a cherished voice for social issues surrounding women and children worldwide. Michel has appeared at Carnegie Hall, The United Nations, the Festival International de Jazz (Haiti), Ontario’s Luminato FestivalMontreal International Jazz Festival, and other high-profile events. More details: emeline-michel.com

James Germain was born and raised in St. Antoine, Port au Prince, and studied music at the Promusica Academy in Haiti, and Paris, France, at the Conservatoire Claude Debussy and l’Ecole de Jazz du Centre d’Initiation Musicale. His work has been described as replenishing ofthe Haitian spirit through the reinterpretation of traditional songs, Vodou spirituals, and complaints, which are songs that complain about the situation a person is living in. He is an in-demand touring artist who has released several full-length recordings, including 2007’s critically-acclaimed Kreol Mandingue

Born and raised in Miami, FL, Barlatier joined her father’s band, Jan Sebon & Kazak International, at the age of 12. Inez led her own band, Kazoots, and was also a member of Venus Rising: Women’s Drum and Dance Ensemble performing as a drummer, dancer and singer. With her ancestral contralto voice, her music has toured internationally and is inspired by multi-cultural wisdom and rhythms. Barlatier’s children’s show Ayiti, Stories & Songs from Haiti is currently touring schools across the U.S., and has been showcased to 70,000 children here in Miami-Dade County public schools. InezInezInez.com 

Since its origins ten years ago, the evolution of Cortadito has led them to become one of the torch bearers 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. Winners of the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” award in 2019, the band frequently plays regionally, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, as well as Florida Folk Festival, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, and Afro Roots Fest. Learn more att CortaditoSon.com

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

Born Jude Thegenus in Port Au Prince, Papaloko is also a visual artist, and a voice for social justice and Haitian activism. He allows himself to be possessed by a spirit whose purpose is to paint strokes of life onto canvas. Papaloko studied to become a Roman Catholic priest, but his artistic journey led him to music with at first the Rara band Koleksyon Kazak, and then with the vodou pop band Loray Mistik. In 1999, Papaloko founded the Jakmel Art Gallery, Cultural Center and Caribbean Backyard, a center for cultural diversity, awareness, positivity, and creation in Miami. judepapalokothegenus.com

The event is generously being supported by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department. For more information, visit oakgrovefest.com

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

High-resolution images available here

ABOUT MIAMI LIGHT PROJECT
Founded in 1989, Miami Light Project is a not-for-profit cultural organization which presents live performances by innovative dance, music and theater artists from around the world; supports the development of new work by South Florida-based artists; and offers educational programs for students of every age. Since inception, they have reached a diverse cross-section of communities throughout Miami-Dade County with an extensive outreach effort that includes partnerships with other arts organizations, universities and social service agencies. Miami Light Project is a cultural forum to explore some of the issues that define contemporary society. For more information, please visit MiamiLightProject.com.

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.

ABOUT OAK GROVE PARK
Miami-Dade County PROS is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of over 275 parks and more than 40,000 acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves. Outfitted with a swimming pool and the Father Gerard Jean-Juste Community Center, Oak Grove Park has recently been upgraded with a synthetic turf soccer playing field, complete with new sports field lighting, the planned amenities include a field drainage system, WiFi, new bleachers, enhanced landscaping, and ADA accessible updates. Click here to learn more. 

Amadou & Mariam Headline Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach March 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The “blind couple from Mali” play the Miami Beach Bandshell with Cortadito and special guests Afro-Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola and Brazilian percussion collective Miamibloco, plus DJ Le Spam

Miami Beach, FL – February 8, 2023 – Two of Africa’s most popular artists, the Malian husband and wife duo of Amadou Bagayoko and wife Mariam Doumbia, will launch their 2023 North American tour during the opening date of Afro Roots Fest, the award-winning nomadic world music festival now in its 25th year, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141). 

The supporting act Cortadito, Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club and the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” for 2019, will bring their traditional folk sound and invite a few special guests on stage, while acclaimed DJ Le Spam spins before and between acts. The host for the show is legendary broadcaster George Collinet, who voices the Peabody award-winning Afropop Worldwide syndicated world music radio program. Advance tickets are $41.50 and now available online at bit.ly/ARFMB2023. All ages welcome.

“Twenty-five years is certainly a long time, and I feel honored and blessed to have been able to present such a diverse range of acts throughout the journey,” says Afro Roots Fest founder and Cortadito vocalist, tres player, and bandleader Jose Elias. “I am grateful for all of the support, especially from our friends at the Rhythm Foundation, and I am very excited about having Amadou & Mariam open what promises to be another amazing Afro Roots concert season.”

For the past forty-odd years, Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming, discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music, and African music, all around the world. They have collaborated with Damon Albarn of Blur, Manu Chao, Santigold, TV On The Radio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The duo have played the world’s biggest festivals, from Coachella to Glastonbury, and opened for huge bands such as Coldplay and the Scissor Sisters. Their latest release is called La Confusion from 2017, for which they are just now getting to tour for due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“From the very beginning, we have always wanted to mix our own music with great, talented musicians,” says Amadou. “We wanted to break barriers and open our ears to a new sound, to bring Malian music to a lot of people around the world in a form they would understand and enjoy. “We love what we do,” adds Mariam, “and we seek to make people happy with our music, help humanitarian causes and share positive messages about the good work being done by people in every corner of the world.” 

Since its origins ten years ago, the evolution of Cortadito has led them to become one of the torch bearers 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.

Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this dynamic ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as “The Guajiro Triangle” by group co-founder and producer Elias, which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing their musical influences.

Aymée Nuviola is a Cuban-born singer, songwriter, national recording artist and actor. Known for her witty improvisations and “rumbera” stage presence, Nuviola’s fans know her as “La Sonera del Mundo” (The Singer of the World). Last year, she was honored to be the first Latina invited to sing during a special Tropical music segment on the 64th Grammy Awards telecast.

In November, 2022, she won her second Latin Grammy, for Live at Marciac, her first duo album, recorded with jazz pianist and childhood friend Gonzalo Rubalcaba. As an actor, Nuviola is best known for playing the adult Celia Cruz in the Spanish soap opera “Celia,” which aired on Telemundo and Netflix and was viewed in 45 countries.

Founded by Brian Potts in 2017, Miamibloco 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 Brazilian Social, as well as beginner and intermediate percussion workshops and classes throughout the Magic City. The organization’s performance group, Bateria Saideira, will join Cortadito on stage. 

Director of Community Operations Suom Francis offers: “At Miamibloco everyone has an instrument and each one is as important as the next for collective sound. Experiencing these subtle empowering lessons consistently instills a sense of self-worth, and locates us inside our community in a way that is accessible, less charged, or intimidating.” 

Miami based DJ Le Spam, founder of Spam Allstars, is also 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. His expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami-bass, Haitian, jazz, and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world as the guitar player for Capitol recording artist Nil Lara and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band Spam Allstars.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Tobacco Road, the Afro Roots Fest has become one of the area’s longest-running music festivals. Named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times, it was crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers have included Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others. Since 2018, the event has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate concerts in markets such as Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West.

Produced by Sean Barlow, Afropop Worldwide began its life 35 years ago as a weekly program on National Public Radio. Still the standard for both the curious and the connoisseur, it takes listeners on audio journeys to dynamic music capitals around the globe, and has introduced listeners to Ladysmith Black MambazoCesaria EvoraGilberto GilBaaba MaalKanda Bongo Man, and many, many others. Fans of the program are invited to a special meet-and-greet with Mr. Collinet at 6 p.m. on the day of show. 

The event is generously being supported by the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Rhythm Foundation, and Urban Resource. For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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Amadou y Mariam inauguran el Afro Roots Fest de Miami Beach el 14 de marzo

La “pareja no vidente” de Malí tocará en el Miami Beach Bandshell junto a Cortadito y sus invitados y DJ Le Spam

Miami Beach, FL – 8 de febrero de 2023 – Amadou y Mariam, dos de los artistas africanos más populares del momento,empezarán su gira por Norteamérica, desde Miami. Esta pareja musical proveniente de Malí y conformadapor los esposos Amadou Bagayokoy Mariam Doumbia, será la encargada de inaugurar la nueva edición del Afro Roots Fest, reconocido evento musical que cumple 25 años.  Amadou y Mariam prenderán los motores del festival que arranca el martes 14 de marzo a las 6 p.m. en el Bandshell de Miami Beach (7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33141).

El grupo telonero Cortadito, la versión miamense de Buena Vista Social Club yelegido por el Miami New Times como “El mejor grupo latino de 2019”, traerá su sabroso y tradicional repertorio de música cubana, con algunos invitados especiales, mientras el aclamado DJ Le Spam soltará su mezcla musical, antes del show y entre los recesos. El anfitrión de la noche será el legendario locutor de radio George Collinet, director de Afropop Worldwide, programa de world music sindicado y ganador del premio Peabody. Los boletos cuestan $41.50 y pueden comprarse en  bit.ly/ARFMB2023.  Público de todas las edades es bienvenido.

“El haber organizado el festival Afro Roots por 25 años ha representado una gran oportunidad para nuestra organización y para mí personalmente como músico y como productor”, expresa José Elías, el fundador del festival, vocalista y tresero de Cortadito. “Estamos tan contentos de tener a Amadou y Mariam inaugurando su gira por EEUU desde el sur de Florida. Hace 15 años nuestros amigos de Rhythm Foundation los presentaron aquí y creo que es la primera vez que se presentan en el Bandshell de Miami Beach. Ciertamente será una noche muy especial”.

Durante 40 años Amadou y Mariam han sabido combinar de manera inteligente su vida musical y conyugal para convertirse en los más famosos embajadores de la música de Mali y África alrededor del mundo. El dúo maliense ha colaborado con artistas de la talla de Damon Albarn de la banda Blur, Manu Chao, Santigold, TV On The Radio,y the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. La pareja ha tocado en grandes festivales del mundo desde Coachella hasta Glastonbury, y han alternado con conocidas bandas como Coldplay y The Scissor Sisters. Su último disco se llama La confusión, grabado en 2017, el cual están promocionando actualmente debido a la pandemia del coronavirus.

“Desde que empezó nuestra carrera, siempre quisimos combinar nuestra música con la de otros talentosos artistas”, comenta Amadou. “Quisimos romper barreras y abrirnos a nuevos estilos musicales para llevar nuestros ritmos a la mayoría de gente alrededor del mundo”.  “Amamos lo que hacemos”, agrega Mariam, “buscamos hacer feliz al público, promover causas humanitarias y compartir mensajes positivos sobre las cosas buenas que hace la gente en cualquier lugar del mundo”.

Desde que debutaron en la escena musical hace una década, Cortadito se ha convertido en estandarte de un fenómeno de la cultura popular cubana que data de hace dos siglos. Esta banda que cultiva la música folclórica de Cuba se ha concentrado en explorar y desarrollar la esencia del Son y su sonido nos hace recordar el grupo Buena Vista Social Club.

A través de sus múltiples interpretaciones de música tradicional y canciones originales este conjunto dinámico conduce a la audiencia por una experiencia auditiva denominado el “Triangulo Guajiro” por su co fundador y productor José Elías, haciendo referencia a las tres ciudades, Miami, La Habana y Santiago que conforman su influencia musical.

Aymée Nuviola es conocida como “La Sonera del Mundo” por sus habilidades en la improvisación y su domino de los escenarios. La cantante, compositora, pianista y actriz nacida en Cuba posée un Grammy y dos Latin Grammy. El año pasado Aymée tuvo el honor de ser la primera mujer latina invitada a cantar durante un segmento especial dedicado a la música tropical durante la ceremonia televisada de la sexagésima cuarta entrega de los premios Grammy.

En noviembre del mismo año, la artista cubana obtuvo su segundo Latin Grammy con el álbum “Live in Marciac”, grabado en dúo con el conocido pianista internacional Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Como actriz, Aymée Nuviola es mejor conocida por interpretar a Celia Cruz en la telenovela “Celia” que fue transmitida por Telemundo y Netflix, y se vio en 45 países.

Fundada por Brian Potts en 2017, Miamibloco convierte la música y los ritmos brasileños en la pega cultural que une a las diversas comunidades de Miami. Su misión es ayudar a las personas a conectarse, aprender, crecer y prosperar para lograr un Miami más alegre y equitativo a través de la interpretación artística y la educación. El grupo presenta sus eventos dSociales Brasileños”, así como talleres y clases de percusión para principiantes e intermedio en Miami. Su grupo de performance, Batería Saideira, acompañará a Cortadito en la tarima.

El director de operaciones comunitarias Suom Francis afirma lo siguiente: “En Miamibloco todas las personas tienen un instrumento y cada uno es igual de importante para el sonido colectivo del grupo. Experimentar estas sutiles lecciones de empoderamiento infunde un sentido de autoestima y nos ubica dentro de nuestra comunidad de una manera que es accesible, menos cargada o intimidante”.

El DJ miamense Le Spam, fundador de Spam Allstars, es conocido por su excéntrica colección de discos en acetato. Tras nacer en Montreal y criarse en Londres y Bogotá, este DJ estuvo expuesto a una gran variedad de ritmos y culturas que se expresa en la música que programa. Su extensa colección de acetatos incluye Latin, funk, Miami-bass, Haitian, jazz, y mucho más. El DJ empezó a coleccionar discos mientras tocaba la guitarra para el cantautor Nil Lara y hacía giras mundiales junto al artista. Su colección se extendió, cuando empezó a hacer giras con su propia banda Spam Allstars.

Desde sus inicios en 1998 en el desaparecido y afamado club de Miami, Tobacco Road el Afro Roots Fest se ha convertido en uno de los festivales de mayor longevidad en el sur de Florida. Denominado como uno de los “10 Mejores Festivales de Música por Miami New Times, fue coronado como el Mejor Festival en la edición especial “Best of Miami” en 2019. Artistas que se han presentado en el Afro Roots Fest en el pasado incluyen  a Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, y Roberto Torres, entre muchos otros. Desde 2018 el festival se ha extendido con otras presentaciones y fechas a distintas ciudades como Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada y Cayo Hueso.

Producido por Sean Barlow, Afropop Worldwide comenzó hace 35 años como un programa semanal en National Public Radio. El programa transporta a los oyentes a lugares dinamicos de musica alrededor del mundo y ha presentado a su publico a artistas globales de la talla de Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cesaria Evora, Gilberto Gil, Baaba Maal, Kanda Bongo Man y muchos otros. Los seguidores del programa están invitados a conocer al señor Collinet a las 6 p.m. el día del show.

El Festival Afro Roots cuenta con el apoyo de Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, la ciudad de Miami Beach, el Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Rhythm Foundation, y Urban Resource.

Para más información, visitar AfroRootsFest.com.

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

MEDIOS EN ESPAÑOL

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10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival Returns to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park March 10-12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Latin-heavy lineup highlights include Marlow Rosado, Dayme Arocena, and Cortadito, along with mainstays Donna the Buffalo and more

Virginia Key, FL – January 12, 2023 – The GrassRoots Organization is thrilled to announce the return of the 10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance. Taking place March 6-12, 2023 at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149), GrassRoots brings Americana, Latin, folk, roots and world music all together on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The week-long camping music & arts festival begins with four days of daily, unique musical workshops, dinner and dances leading into a three-day, three-stage family-friendly camping music and arts festival.

Hosted by festival founders and Americana stalwarts Donna the Buffalo, the 10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival will also present music from Latin Grammy Award winning Puerto Rican salsa keyboardist and conductor Marlow Rosado, Afro-Cuban singer, composer and director Daymé Arocena, Haitian Vodou rock and roots legends RAM Haiti, and Latin Grammy Award Winning Venezulean roots cuatro player Jorge Glem (C4 Trio), along with Cortadito, The Bones of J.R. JonesMunir HossnEva Peroni (Monsieur Periné), Richie StearnsPepe Montes Conjunto, Machaka, Tand, The ResolversCosmic Collective and many more.

Situated just minutes from downtown Miami on Virginia Key, the secluded and serene Historic Virginia Key Beach Park features sandy beaches and miles of nature trails abutting the pristine, calm waters along the Atlantic Ocean; perfect for music, camping and fun with friends and family.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places originally as the Coloreds Only beach for Miami-Dade County, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park began revitalization in 1999. As a committed partner since the first Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival in 2012, the non-profit GrassRoots Organization and its numerous volunteers have contributed each year to building working replica structures of the originals that existed during the parks heyday including six small rental cabins, a Tea House, and replicas of the Historic Lifeguard & First Aid Office and Historic Mini Train Ticket Booth and Beach Shack.

Alongside the broad range of world music, the festival will also host a Sustainability Fair, Yoga, Live Art, Music Workshops, Dance Workshops, Children’s Activities and more. Tickets and camping passes are on sale now at virginiakeygrassroots.org.

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


10th Annual Dan Hosker Music Continuum Returns to Tarpon River Brewing December 11

MEDIA ALERT

Scholarship fundraiser in memory of Dan Hosker to again benefit his Boston alma mater Bishop Fenwick

Fort Lauderdale, FL – November 29, 2022 – The extremely talented and beloved South Florida musician Dan Hosker succumbed to injuries suffered after a tragic roadside accident on August 11, 2012. In the wake of this devastating loss, his sister Chris HoskerO’Brien founded a memorial scholarship to benefit promising music students at his Danvers, MA high school, Bishop Fenwick. Life-long friend and Holy Terrors bandmate Rob Elba assumed the mantel of one of the annual benefit’s main organizers, and this year, the 10th anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Tarpon River Brewing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

The fundraiser, previously held at venues such as Sticky BunChurchill’s Pub and Las Rosas, and webcast on Live Apparatus, returns to live action at 280 SW 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33301, near downtown Fort Lauderdale and will feature a raffle and live performances by HumbertMark Dubin & The Honest LiarsRussell Mofsky & FriendsPiper & NightingaleThe New Riders of the PookiesmackersRat BastardDJ Skidmark, and others. Every performing act will be playing a song written by another local band or artist.

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Tarpon River Brewing is a unique gastropub with a full line of craft beer made on site, and a mouth-watering, beer-inspired food menu. For more information, and the full lineup visit the Facebook event page.

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


Miami’s RumSanders releases new single “Live 2 Learn”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent hip-hop artist drops new track from his EternalFellas imprint about seizing the day and cherishing life

Miami, FL – October 28, 2022 – Richmond Heights, Florida rapper RumSanders is back with another hip hop joint called “Live 2 Learn” on EternalFellas Entertainment. The single comes on the heels of his 2021 debut release “Revolutionary” and picks up where the original left off. This one was inspired partly by crimes against blacks, particularly this past spring in Buffalo, NY. The single is now streaming online.

“We gotta live for one another is the message, but at the same time, you gotta do you to help the next,” says Sanders. “So, all in all, enjoy life, because it’s precious. My inspiration for this song comes from me living the life I thought I would, but thought maybe I’d never see.” Tupac Shakur is his biggest artistic influence, and Rum’s a former Southridge High basketball standout.

Sanders’ mother, singer Juliette Middleton, introduced him to the sounds of PrinceMuddy WatersThe Beatles, and Bob Marley. His father Andre Sanders, who turned his life around from the streets to the church and community, taught him about the healing power of words. Writing and performing since age 10, the artist came of age musically in the 1990s.

“Live 2 Learn” opens with a powerful chorus and carries the message of living for the now. A funky bass line carries the groove, and a sweet guest vocal performance by Jessemine lifts the song into the musical stratosphere. Harkening to the traditional Miami bass sound, a video is in the works for the track. Rum would like to someday create short films.

The single was created and produced by the artist at his Cutler Bay-area home studio. The voice heard at the beginning is actor Denzel Washington playing Malcolm X in the 1992 Spike Lee biopic.

For more information, and to shop the new EternalFellas Entertainment clothing store, visit facebook.com/RumSanders.

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


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 MavericksFor SquirrelsMary KarlzenHoly TerrorsCharlie 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 MiamiDade 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