Afro Roots Fest: Afro-Cuban Convening returns to Gainesville April 5 and 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The two-day event features Orisa, rumba, and Abakua concerts, short films, and master workshops with Lazaro Galarraga, Roman Diaz, Sandy Perez, Barbarito Ramos, Angel Guerrero, and Chief Ivor Miller

Gainesville, FL – March 12, 2024 – Afro Roots Fest returns to North Florida on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2024 for a two-day convening, which includes concerts, dance and drum workshops, short music documentaries, and a dance party. Tickets are available at bit.ly/ARF2024Gainesville. This year’s gathering will focus on the lineage and migration of the religious tradition known as Abakua from Calabar, Nigeria to Cuba, which gave rise to the rumba, one of Cuba’s principal musical traditions.

The first day will feature events at the University of Florida School of School of Music (130 Music Building) and the Greater Gainesville International Center (1314 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601), followed by a dance party at Depot Village (404 SE 2nd St, Gainesville, FL 32601). Activities will include Afro-Latin movie shorts about Cuba and Brazil followed by a lecture and discussion, a master African dance and drum, Afro-Cuban percussion with a focus on clave, sekere, bells, congas, and bata, and a master Orisa and rumba dance workshop.

The next evening, the Odara Afro Cuban Allstars will perform two concerts at the Hippodrome Theatre (25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32601). The first show at 7 p.m. presents Orisa and rumba, and the second show at 9 p.m. will focus on the Abakua traditions. Featured artists include a group of Afro-Cuban masters and scholars: Lazaro GalarragaRoman DiazSandy Perez, Barbarito RamosAngel Guerrero, and Chief Ivor Miller. The event will also include a film screening of the documentary “Roman Diaz – Como el Agua” by Onel Mulet, which offers an intimate look at the renowned Cuban master drummer and jazz musician.

A teacher, performing artist, actor, writer, choreographer, and mentor, Galarraga has dedicated his life to his love of Afro-Cuban music, culture, and folklore. Master percussionist, scholar, and composer Diaz is regarded as a “living repository” of Afro-Cuban music. After a 12-year stint with the group with Afrocuba de Matanzas, Perez is now one of the best-known and most talented percussionists from the Matanzas province.

A member of Los Munequitos de Matanzas, Ramos is a colorful master Orisa and rumba dancer. Guerrero is an important Abakua chanter from Pogolotti, Havana. Miller is a scholar focused on Cuban cultural history with a focus on Lukumi-Yoruba initiation systems of Ocha and Ifa (Santería) in Cuban society. Together they will deliver an unforgettable night of music, history, and tradition at the Hippodrome. Additional artists to be featured.

Originating in 1999, the Afro Roots Fest has been noted as one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times in 2017 and crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers have included African music icons Amadou & MariamFatoumata DiawaraSalif KeitaVieux Farka Toure, and Sun Ra Arkestra, among many others. In 2018, the event became a traveling Florida festival presenting concerts in Jupiter, Miami Beach, Miami, Gainesville, and the Florida Keys. 

This program is presented with the generous support of City of GainesvilleUniversity of Florida Center for Arts Migration and Entrepreneurship (CAME), Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Greater Gainesville International Center, the UF Center for Latin American Studies, the School of Theatre + DanceSchool of Music, and the College of the Arts. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville – Alachua County, FL.

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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


Oumou Sangare Headlines Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach March 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mali “Songbird of Wassalou” performs show at Miami Beach Bandshell as part of award-winning, nomadic music festival

Miami Beach – February 6, 2024 – One of West Africa’s most beloved chanteuses Oumou Sangare is coming to the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141) for an exclusive concert during Afro Roots Fest on March 30, 2024, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale for the show featuring selections from her 2023 release Timbuktu at bit.ly/ARFMB2024Sangare; reserved seating is available and all ages are welcome. This is the 26th season of Afro Roots Fest, and additional concerts scheduled in March and April for Miami Beach, Gainesville, Jupiter, and Islamorada. 

In March 2020, shortly after the International Wassoulou Festival (FIWA), an event Oumou launched in 2016 to promote her birth region in southern Mali, the artist traveled to the United States. She’d only planned to stay only a few weeks but then COVID lockdown struck, first in New York, then in Baltimore, a place where she quickly felt at home. “Something in that city drew me in straightaway. I felt so good there that I bought a house!” Once settled into her new abode, she spent her days writing songs with the help of an old friend, Mamadou Sidibé, who has been Oumou Sangare’s kamele n’goni (traditional lute) player since the very beginning of her artistic career.

This period of enforced seclusion gave birth to ten of the eleven songs on Timbuktu. The album weaves intimate sonic connections between traditional West African musical instruments associated with the blues, most notably the kamele n’goni and its distant heirs, the Dobro and slide guitar. “Since 1990, I’ve never had a chance to cut myself off from the world and devote myself exclusively to music,” she says. “I think you feel it in the music, but also in the lyrics which are fruit of all those moments when I was able to withdraw into myself and meditate.”

Timbuktu consecrates this artist who rose up from the ghettos of Bamako, Mali’s capital, to become a global superstar and internatonal feminist icon. The first single “Wassulo Don” was issued March 8, also known as International Women’s Day, on World Circuit Records. The track fuses Oumou’s distinctive Malian sound and voice with elements of blues and rock to create a joyous groove. It’s Oumou’s an expression of hometown pride for Wassulu, an area in the south-western corner of Mali where Oumou’s family originates from.

Since the release of her debut album Moussoulou in 1989, there’s been no respite for the Malian singer. Notable waymarks on her rich and fruitful journey include some of the most definitive recordings in the history of contemporary African music: “Ko Sira” in 1993, “Worotan” in 1996 and “Seya” in 2009, the latter nominated for a Grammy Award. Counting among her many notable fans Alicia KeysAya Nakamura and Beyoncé (who sampled the classic “Diaraby Nene” for her 2019 Lion King release), Sangaré has long since broken through barriers that separate continents and musical styles. 

She also released the singles “Sarama” and “Sira“. Click here to learn more about the artist; high resolution images are available here. Event support provided by Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and the City of Miami Beach.

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com or contact the Miami Beach Bandshell at 786-453-2897.

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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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Headliner for 10th installment of international concert series is Portuguese-Angolan composer, percussionist and singer MonÁxi

Pinecrest, FL October 18, 2023 – The Todo El Mundo Dice AHO (TEMDA) music medicine concert will take place Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Gardens’ Banyan Bowl (11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156), marking the 10 time the international event has been held. The headliner is none other than composer, percussionist and singer of Portuguese-Angolan heritage, MonÁxi. Support acts include Supaman, festival founders Teresa de Jesús and Jesús Hidalgo, plus The Freedom Family Band and live painter Chris Dyer. Tickets are available online through bit.ly/TEMDA2023. Doors open at 5 p.m., music begins at 6. All ages are welcome.

“This year we will be celebrating with great joy and are honored to have the participation of artists from all over the Americas,” says Hidalgo. “Because of the necessary call to strengthen our links to Mother Earth, to return to our center, and to manifest our empowerment as conscious beings at the highest service, and for all our existence, our action prayer will be ‘IT IS NOW’.” Hidalgo is a multi-instrumentalist who will be performing on vocals with his partner de Jesus.

MonÁxi, whose name means ‘Daughter of the Earth” in the Angolan dialect Kimbundo, uses the djembe (African drum) to open doors to concepts that are still rarely embraced by women. Influenced by Afro-jazz, sacred feminine, and world music, she creates a fusion of contagious music that seeks to touch the soul. MonÁxi shortens distances between the various sounds, presenting vibrant, rhythmic and unpredictable songs. Bringing the richness of the blood that runs in her veins and all of Mother Earth’s inspiration, she speaks openly about her emotions and experiences, sharing her deepest feelings with the world.

Born Christian Parrish Takes the Gun to the Native-American Crow Nation, Supaman hails from Seattle, WA. A foster child from humble means, he discovered hip-hop during a very difficult childhood and now employs it, along with a deeply and strongly held religious worldview, to empower his people. Supaman’s travels now revolve around educating people about Native American history and culture through music, which has seen him release five solo records since 2007 and garner numerous awards, like the Aboriginal Peoples Music Choice Award.

Hidalgo is a 2013 Latin Grammy-nominated singer / songwriter who is committed to the care, conservation, protection, and awareness of Mother Earth and our connection with ancestral roots. Partner Teresa de Jesús Padron also hails from Venezuela and considers herself a guardian of Mother Earth. She is a singer / songwriter of the path of consciousness dedicated to facilitating ancestral circular dances, sacred circles, and moon dances. When the couple performs together, they aim to balance the sacred feminine and masculine energies with their experience.

The Freedom Family Band’s patriarch Matt was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Zambia and studied performing arts and sound engineering in South Africa. He subsequently stepped into the fields of sound healing and medicine music. Matriarch Katt was born and raised in Naples, FL, and has been a theater and church choir singer most of her life, which she now dedicates to performing medicine music. Matt and Katt create sacred sounds with native flutes, Japanese flutes, didgeridoo (Australian Aboriginal wind instrument), vocals, guitars, ukuleles, shakers, and jaw harps that open the hearts of all who are present.

Dyer’s art reflects a soul with good intentions who is on a quest for a higher frequency of consciousness. A Peruvian-Canadian, he currently resides in Florida and creates everything from skateboard graphics, to visionary paintings, street art, murals, and NFTs. As a world and dimensions traveler, he experiences different cultures and then re-expresses them into his own vision of Oneness.

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. This year’s lineup gathers a powerful collection of artists on a spiritual mission, and promises to deliver a path-illuminating experience for all.

The host for the evening will once again be veteran radio journalist and co-founder of BOOM magazine Kike Posada. TEMDA will be co-presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the festival – click here to learn more.

For more information about the concert, please visit todoelmundodiceaho.com. High-resolution photos are available upon request.

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

PARA PUBLICACIȮN INMEDIATA

El Festival de Música Medicina Todo El Mundo Dice AHO regresa a Pinecrest Gardens el 18 de noviembre

Pinecrest, FL – 18 de octubre de 2023 – El Festival de Música Medicina Todo El Mundo Dice AHO (TEMDA) se presentará el sábado 18 de noviembre de 2023 en el Banyan Bowl de Pinecrest Gardens (11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156), para conmemorar el décimo aniversario del gran encuentro internacional. El Festival contará con la participación estelar de la cantautora y percusionista de ascendencia portuguesa-angoleña, MonÁxi, y también con presentaciones de Supaman, los fundadores del Festival Teresa de Jesús y Jesús Hidalgo, The Freedom Family Band y el pintor en tiempo real Chris Dyer. Las entradas están a la venta por internet, pulsando en bit.ly/TEMDA2023. Las puertas abren a las 5 p.m. y la música comienza a las 6. Todas las edades son bienvenidas.

“Este año celebramos con gran gusto y tenemos el honor de contar con la participación de artistas de todas partes de nuestra América”, dice el fundador del Festival Jesús Hidalgo. “En esta edición nuestra oración de acción ‘ES AHORA’. Es una llamada necesaria a fortalecer nuestros vínculos con la Madre Tierra, nuestras relaciones, volver a nuestro centro, confiar en la presencia pura, y manifestar nuestro empoderamiento como seres conscientes al más alto servicio, para toda nuestra existencia”. Hidalgo es un multiinstrumentista que actuará como vocalista con su compañera de Jesús.

MonÁxi , cuyo nombre significa “Hija de la Tierra” en el dialecto angoleño Kimbundo, emplea el ‘djembe’ (tambor africano) para presentar nuevos conceptos de empoderamiento para la mujer. Con influencias de Afro-jazz, sagrado femenino y world music, esta artista de raíces africanas crea una fusión de música contagiosa que busca tocar las fibras del alma. MonÁxi acorta las distancias entre los distintos sonidos, presentando canciones vibrantes, rítmicas e impredecibles. A través de su música, expresa abiertamente sus emociones y experiencias, la riqueza cultural que corre por sus venas y su inspiración que viene de la Madre Tierra.

Nacido como Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, miembro de la nación indígena Crow, Supaman viene de la ciudad de Seattle en Washington. Producto de los hogares de crianza (foster homes), Supaman descubrió su amor por el hip hop a temprana edad durante una etapa difícil de su vida. En la actualidad, el artista nativo americano emplea el género para expresar sus creencias religiosas, empoderar a su pueblo y presentar su visión del mundo. A través de sus giras y viajes Supaman busca educar al público sobre las riquezas culturales y la historia de los nativos americanos. Desde 2007 ha lanzado cinco álbumes como solista y ha ganado números reconocimientos entre ellos el Premio People’s Choice de la la Música de los Pueblos Aborígenes.

Jesús Hidalgo es un cantautor venezolano quien fue nominado al Grammy Latino en 2013. Su música refleja su profundo compromiso con el cuidado, conservación, protección y concientización de la Madre Tierra, además de nuestra conexión con las raíces ancestrales. Su pareja, Teresa de Jesús Padrón se considera guardián de la madre tierra. La cantautora venezolana sigue el camino de la concientización, dedicada a facilitar danzas circulares ancestrales, círculos sagrados y danzas lunares. En sus presentaciones la pareja tiene como meta crear un balance entre el sagrado femenino y las energías masculinas, haciendo uso de sus múltiples experiencias.

El patriarca Matt del Freedom Family Band nació en Zimbabwe, se crió en Zambia y estudió las artes escénicas e ingeniería de sonido en Sudáfrica. Posteriormente incursionó en la sanación a través de sonidos y la música medicina. Su pareja, la matriarca Katt es oriunda de la ciudad de Naples en la Florida. Katt se formó como cantante en el teatro y en los coros de iglesia. Ahora se dedica a la música medicina. En sus presentaciones la pareja crea sonidos sagrados a través de instrumentos primitivos como las flautas nativas y japonesas, los didgeridoo (instrumento de viento de los aborígenes de Australia), vocales, las guitarras, los ukeleles y las agitadoras y arpas de mandíbulas, para tocar el corazón de los presentes.

El arte de Chris Dyer es un reflejo de buenas intenciones y de la búsqueda de una frecuencia más alta de conciencia. De ascendencia peruana canadiense, el artista reside actualmente en la Florida y es creador de muchas cosas, desde gráficos de patinetas y pinturas visionarias hasta el arte callejero, murales y NFT (tokens no fungibles digitales). Como viajero de mundos y dimensiones, experimenta diferentes culturas y luego las reexpresa en su propia visión de la Unidad.

TEMDA es un festival de música internacional que reúne diferentes disciplinas artísticas que representan una sólida relación y compromiso con la conservación y preservación de la madre tierra, despertando una nueva concientización y conexión con nuestras sabidurías ancestrales. Fundado hace una década por la pareja y dúo Teresa de Jesús y Jesús Hidalgo, el Festival se ha presentado en Miami, Colombia, Puerto Rico y México. El cartel de este año reúne una poderosa colección de artistas con una misión espiritual que promete ofrecer una experiencia que iluminará el camino para todos.

El anfitrión de la velada será una vez más el veterano periodista de radio y co fundador de la revista BOOM Kike Posada. TEMDA es una co presentación de Community Arts and Culture y el Departamento de Asuntos Culturales del Condado de Miami-Dade. Oportunidades de patrocinio para el festival están disponibles – pulsa aquí para ver más detalles.

Para más información sobre TEMDA, visite todoelmundodiceaho.com. Fotographia de alta resolucion disponible.

Favor de visitar PinecrestGardens.org o llamar al (305) 669-6990 para más detalles sobre el teatro Banyan Bowl.

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CONTACTO PARA LOS MEDIOS
Ramirez Media Strategies
Deborah Ramírez
786-877-2295
debbie@dramirezmedia.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


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


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 SpacesMiami 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” Alfonsorumbero, 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 & MariamSun Ra ArkestraAlsarahFatoumata DiawaraFulu MizikiSalif KeitaVieux Farka ToureToubab 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.

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 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


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


The Feel Good Music Fest 2022 Happens Sunday, September 18

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami Beach, FL – July 26, 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 North Beach Bandshell. It is a historic landmark which has hosted the best concerts since 1961, making it one of the most privileged locations in South Florida.

“We’re honored to bring joy and live entertainment to our community year after year and 2022 is no different,” say Edilberto Morillo and Eliane Mayer, co-founders of the Feel Good Music Fest. “The family keeps growing and the support for Feel Good Music this year has been overwhelming. Miami Beach will be a party like no other where live music and good Vibes are definitely going to resonate for years to come.”

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 popularly known for his unique deep voice style and his Latin American success with Los Pericos in the 90’s and beyond with anthems such as “Parate Y Mira”, “Home Sweet Home”, “Pupilas Lejanas”, and “Runaway”.

Gondwana, formed in 1987 in Santiago, Chile, has remained one of the most successful and celebrated Latin reggae bands in the game. They convey the socially conscious messages of roots reggae in their music in their native language, Spanish, scoring many millions of views on YouTube for singles such as “Piensame”, “Felicidad”, “Sentimiento Original”.

Bachaco, representing Venezuela via Miami with a reggae rock attitude and a Latin twist, 15+ Years and 300+ concerts from Argentina to Canada. They return to Miami with their Live Performance EP which features the hit singles “Loosen Up”, “Sa Sa Sa”, “You Say You Love Me”, and Spanish rendition of Barrington Levy’s “Too Experienced”.

Inner Circle, from Jamaica with 50-year-plus history in the reggae field and immense popularity, this Grammy winning quintet is one of the world’s most respected reggae groups with a long string of successes stretching back to the mid-70′s: “Bad Boys” became a Number One hit in almost every European territory and sold approximately seven million copies worldwide; and “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” exploded across the world.

Doors open at 3 p.m. with a special DJ and local guest performances, and the show starts at 5 p.m. The event is all ages and attendance is limited to 1,000 guests; ticket purchase prior to the event day is highly encouraged to guarantee availability. General admission tickets start at $49.99 and are now on sale at 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