Afro Roots Fest to Highlight Multicultural Rhythms in Key West April 27-28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eclectic, traveling music festival celebrates its 25th year with performances by the Nag Champayons + Tomas Diaz and Cortadito

Key West, FL – April 3, 2023 – Audiences can enjoy multicultural musical events in Key West Thursday and Friday, April 27-28, during the annual Afro Roots Fest.

The cultural kaleidoscope is to begin Thursday with two performances by Tomas Diaz and the Nag Champayons at the Green Parrot Bar (601 Whitehead St.).

A Latin Grammy Award nominee, Diaz has appeared with artists ranging from Celia Cruz to Bruce Springsteen. He and the Nag Champayons, known for their “Afrogalactic Tropidelic” sound, join forces to present an unforgettable musical experience.

Shows are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the landmark bar. There is no cover charge and everyone age 21 and over is welcome.

The Studios of Key West (533 Eaton St.) is the setting for a Friday night concert by Cortadito, a Cuban folk and country band known for its mastery of the Afro-Cuban musical form known as Son. Cortadito’s traditional stylings have evoked comparisons to Cuba’s iconic Buena Vista Social Club.

The 8 p.m. show is to take place in the Helmerich Theater. Tickets are $50 per person ($40 for Studios of Key West members) and can be purchased at bit.ly/ARFKW2023.  

The Key West events highlight the 25th season of the Afro Roots World Music Festival, an exploration of cultural experiences through performances, programs and outreach at locations around Florida.

The festival is staged by Community Arts and Culture. Now in its 20th year, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing understanding through the cultivation, preservation and presentation of diverse cultural music and arts offerings.

Festival information: AfroRootsFest.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.

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

Noche Latina Returns to Guanabanas August 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Guanabanas Offers up Cortadito and The NagChampayons for Latin Night August 5

Monthly Latin music series returns with a doubleheader of Miami-based Cuban traditionalism and Afrogalactic / tropidelic funk  

Jupiter, FL – July 12, 2017 – Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar is by now known for its waterfront beauty, open-air seating, delectable menu offerings, and a monthly Latin music night. On any given evening, the area’s best reggae / roots / rock bands can be seen on stage, but for nearly two years now, there is at least one night per month reserved for genres with a little more spice in them. On Saturday, August 5, 2017, beginning with a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour engagement by Cortadito and closing with a 9 to 11 p.m. set by The NagChampayons, Guanabanas’ tropical flavor will be truly and sonically enhanced. The venue is located at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

“I’ve been trying to fit Cortadito in to our Noche Latina series for some time now, and am glad to finally be able to present them to our music lovers,” says Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “They definitely promise to deliver something rich and lively, just like the traditional warm milk and coffee beverage they are named after. The Nags have killed it each time they performed up here – I’m looking forward to them returning with their usual funky fire.”

Cortadito’s focus is on performing the traditional Cuban music of the early 20thcentury. From Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon, and Bolero Son, this dynamic ensemble brings the listener back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world.  The era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing music throughout the globe. From time to time, Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians, which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Cortadito-295653443871468.

The Nag Champayons have raised musical bar down in Miami in terms of creativity, messaging and collaborative efforts with each new release. Their heady and infectious 2016 single “Brazilian LSD” came with a visually stunning video, and served as a follow up to 2015’s masterful Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, a darkly serious and ominous 21-minute environmentally-conscious theme. They continue to play local and regional music festivals, and are currently in the studio recording new music. For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com.

There is no cover for either performance on August 5; 21 and over are welcome after 9 p.m. For more information, please call 561.747.8878 or visit www.Guanabanas.com.

###

ABOUT GUANABANAS

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The award-winning menu features a fusion of Mexican, fresh Florida seafood and traditional fare; a breakfast menu is available Saturdays and Sundays. Guanabanas offers a custom catering menu and signature cocktails. Executive Chef Vinny Trupia oversees the culinary operations and also manages a community garden at the neighborhood resource center El Sol.

The establishment hosts recurring “Give Back Thursdays” to help the needs of the local community organizations, partnering with willing companies to help drive donations and  money where needed, as well as giving away stage space to allow charities to showcase their cause. Past beneficiaries include the Surfrider Foundation, Martin Memorial Hospital, Haiti Relief Effort, the Brave Maeve Foundation, Freedom Flight for WWII Vets by the Martin County Firefighters, Furry Friends, and many others.

Guanabanas’ new food truck can be booked for any event by calling 561.747.8878 or emailing foodtruck@guanabanas.com. For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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

Guanabanas Hosts Electric Piquete and the Nag Champayons 2/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guanabanas Hosts Electric Piquete and the Nag Champayons for Noche Latina February 25

Latin funk by Electric Piquete for happy hour and Afrogalactic / tropidelic sounds by Nag Champayons in the evening on tap

Jupiter, FL – February 7, 2017 – In resuming its monthly Noche Latina (Latin night) series, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar is playing host to another double header of Latin music on Saturday, February 25. Electric Piquete will play three sets of Latin funk from 4 to 7 p.m. during happy hour, and the Nag Champayons follow that up with their signature blend of psychedelic and Afro-Caribbean sounds beginning at 9 p.m. Both shows are free and open to those 21 and over.

“Electric Piquete are a definite crowd favorite and they always deliver a funky, fun performance,” says Guanabanas Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “The Nags debut here several months ago elicited a great reaction from our regulars, which made the decision to bring them back an easy one. We are looking forward to it and remain committed to offering the best local Latin sounds to Jupiter music fans.”

Electric Piquete, two-time Miami New Times “Best Latin Band” award-winners, fuse rock, jazz, funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B influences with incendiary results. Last summer they issued their “Singles Collection” digitally and on CD, and released a video for their single “Cut Me Loose”. They also braved Hurricane Matthew to make their debut at the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in North Carolina. More information: www.ElectricPiquete.com.

The Nag Champayons continue to raise the Miami musical bar in terms of creativity, messaging and collaborative efforts with each new release. They put out a heady and infectious new single, and visually stunning video called “Brazilian LSD” in December of 2016, a follow up to 2015’s masterful Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, a darkly serious, ominous 21-minute environmentally-conscious theme. They continue to play local and regional music festivals. For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com

Guanabanas is located at 960 North Highway A1A Jupiter, FL 33477. For more information, please visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878.

###

ABOUT GUANABANAS

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The award-winning menu features a fusion of Mexican, fresh Florida seafood and traditional fare; a breakfast menu is available Saturdays and Sundays. Guanabanas offers a custom catering menu and signature cocktails. Executive Chef Vinny Trupia oversees the culinary operations there.

The establishment hosts recurring “Give Back Thursdays” to help the needs of the local community organizations, partnering with willing companies to help drive donations and  money where needed, as well as giving away stage space to allow charities to showcase their cause. Past beneficiaries include the Surfrider Foundation, Pink Purses, Martin Memorial Hospital, Haiti Relief Effort, Freedom Flight for WWII Vets by the Martin County Firefighters, Jupiter High Surf Team, Friends of Jupiter Beach, Vita Nova House, Furry Friends, and many others.

For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8513.

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

Nag Champayons Drop “Brazilian LSD” December 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nag Champayons Celebrate New Single / Debut Video “Brazilian LSD” at Wynwood Yard December 2

Little Haiti’s Afrogalactic / tropidelic outfit issue new psychedelic garage funk single, equally spaced out video

Miami, FL – November 17, 2016 – With each successive release, the Nag Champayons have raised the Miami musical bar in terms of creativity, messaging and collaborative efforts. On December 2, 2016 the group will once again blow away convention with a heady and infectious new single, and visually stunning video called “Brazilian LSD”. They will celebrate the release with a screening and performance at Wynwood Yard (56 NW 29th St, Miami, FL 33127) during an Art Basel weekend event beginning at 10 p.m. The show is open to all ages, and there is no cover to attend.

The new number describes a flight of fancy triggered by a certain South American psychoactive substance. “Just try and relax,” the seductress Yopo Ono says (played by local photographer Alissa Christine, who also shot stills of the band for the video). From there, the song goes from a percussive Marakatu intro, to the band chanting “no falo português pero muito obrigado”, yielding to the driving, mid-tempo groove that forms the bulk of the song.

“This is a hook I’ve had in my head for some time, one that would occasionally pop up during band improv jams,” says co-founder and bassist Edwin Cardona. “Recently, I’ve heard lots of talk and seen ads about people going to South America for an ayahuasca retreat, and how it’s supposedly better than psychotherapy. In a way, this inspired the concept of the band getting lured into the jungle, and then being psychically transported to another plane of existence by the female shaman, who is played by Yuly Pavon.”

Where the band’s 2015 Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, eight-movement, 21-minute theme was dark, serious, and ominous, this new song is funky, danceable, and playful. It is a sonic and visual, if not tongue-in-cheek, representation of the shamanism that originates and is still present in the Amazon basin.

The track was recorded at City of Progress Studio by Andrew YeomansonAKA DJ Le Spam, who also mixed it, along with the group. Mastering credit goes to Cacolici. Produced by the band, “Brazilian LSD” features Cardona, co-founder Ryan Cacolici (keyboards / mouth harp), Jose Elias on guitar, Ephniko on vocals, drummer / percussionist Kenneth Metzker,percussionist Nery Arrevalo, and vocalist Komakozie.

“This song almost happened backwards – it was there as a jam, but when we played the full arrangement live at the Okeechobee Fest in early spring,  the video concept really came together,” says Cacolici. “Once the vision occurred that night, where the jaguar chases a naked Ed through the jungle, that’s when the lyrics and video concept came together. It’s really the first time we did something with a focused intention.” Although the keyboardist and visual artist has been involved in editing and production before, this is the first time he’s actually produced one all the way through.

The video was shot and edited at 7th Circuit Studio by J Dude, and also features a cameo appearance by 7th Circuit founder Ray Orraca, who plays the part of a shaman. The Dude also contributed to the post-production effects. Cacolici, who art directed the video, continues: “We’ve been focused on the video for the last couple of months, and it was great to incorporate the Moksha Family Arts Collective, which has always been our home turf. We had the Okeechobee experience because of Ray and the 7th Circuit stage, so it was cool to shoot the green screen there and bring him into it.”

The video will be issued on the band’s YouTube Channel – be sure to subscribe to receive an alert when the video is pushed live. The single will be released on CD Baby, iTunes, and Spotify, which will all be accessible through the band’s website December 2nd.

For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com or call 786.280.0727.

###

ABOUT THE NAG CHAMPAYONS

It’s 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 out of the burning of Nag Champa incense during early jams.

They currently feature Ryan Cacolici on keyboards, Edwin Cardona (bass), Jose Elias on guitar, Kenneth Metzker, Nestor Prieto, and Nery Arrevalo (percussion), and Ephinko and and Michael “Komikaze” Rodney on vocals.

The Nags won the Broward Palm Beach New Times‘ award for “Best Band Name” in 2004. Drawing from African, Caribbean, hip-hop, rock and jazz influences, they have consistently amazed crowds with their diversity, quickly rising to the top of Miami’s music and art scene. The group enjoyed a years-long monthly residence at the Hollywood, FL Mystic Kava Bar, calling it “Psychedelic Jazz Practice.”

On the heels of their lauded single “James Brown’s A$$,” the band was invited by the Brooklyn Academy of Music to perform as part of two of their premiere productions, the Si Cuba Festival and the Dance Africa Festival. As part of the Moksha Family Visionary artist collective, the Nags have had the honor to collaborate on stage with notable live painters Alex Grey, Mark Henson and Alex Sastoque.

The Nag Champayons continue to challenge convention; first with their 2012 self-titled EP featuring the acclaimed single “183rd St. Flea Market,” which includes contributions from long-time Nag collaborators El Chino Dread Lion (Yerba Buena) and Itagui from Locos Por Juana, then with their brilliant 2015 concept album Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, and now with their heady and infectious new single and video, “Brazilian LSD”.

For more, visit www.NagChampayons.com or call 786.280.0727.

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

Nag Champayons Debut at Guanabanas for Noche Latina 8/19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nag Champayons Debut at Guanabanas During Noche Latina August 19

Miami-based “Afrogalactic / Tropidelic” band brings eclectic sound to waterfront restaurant and music venue

Jupiter, FL – July 19, 2016 – Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar’s Noche Latina series rolls on this summer with the debut of one of Miami’s most psychedelic groove / jam bands on Friday, August 19, 2016, beginning at 9 p.m.Guanabanas (960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477) and Roots Music will present the Nag Champayons during the monthly celebration of Latin music and heritage in a free show open to those 21 and over. Dubbed after the incense they would constantly burn during early rehearsals, the Nags once won a “Best Band Name” award from the Miami New Times.

The sextet is currently promoting their latest release, “Rising Sounds of a Sinking City”, and are working on a follow-up single, which promises to be wildly psychedelic. They are hesitant to release the name of the new track for fear of “Brazilian shamanistic repercussions,” says bassist and founder EdCardona. “We’re excited to be taking our sound to another county, and to be spreading the Nag vibe in Jupiter.”

“As a live music and jam band fan, I’m truly looking forward to having the band perform here at Guanabanas,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “It didn’t take me long after listening to the band and watching performance videos during the vetting process to determine that they are special. I believe all those who attend are in for a special treat.”  The Noche Latina series is the brainchild of Cahur; preparations are underway for the 1st anniversary celebration involving Miami’sElectric Piquete and the Spam Allstars on October 22, 2016.

Speaking of which, the Spam Allstars, the “Miami sound” genre-defining band who returned from a cultural exchange trip to South Africa just a couple of weeks ago, play Guanas this Saturday, July 23. Founded and led by musician, producer and audiophile Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam, the Latin Grammy-nominated outfit plays the longest-running weekly musical residency in Little Havana and are favorites of the Jupiter area live music aficionados. More details: www.SpamAllstars.com.

Cuban sensation Danay Suarez‘s debut at Noche Latina earlier this year was a runaway success, with a capacity crowd hanging on her every word. A good amount of her fans traveled from out of the area just to catch her show there. She returns to Guanabanas Saturday, September 17. Learn more about the sultry singer-songwriter here: danaysuarez.bandpage.com.

For more information, visit www.NagChampayons.com or call the venue at561.747.8878.

###

ABOUT GUANABANAS ISLAND RESTAURANT

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. All performances, unless otherwise noted, begin at 9 p.m. and are free and open to the public. 21 and over are welcome Fridays and Saturdays; Sunday performances are all-ages.

For more information about the venue, please visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878.

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

Guanabanas Noche Latina Summer Lineup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Guanabanas Announces Noche Latina Summer Concert Lineup

 

Series at Jupiter waterfront restaurant, bar and music venue continues, presenting a variety of local and international Latin music acts

 

Jupiter, FL – May 31, 2016 – Launched as a monthly event last year just after Hispanic Heritage month, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar’s Noche Latina, has become a more frequent theme for the Jupiter eatery and nightlife spot. Located at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477, Guanabanas will be presenting six Latin music concerts this summer, featuring some of South Florida’s finest Latin bands, and even a very prominent reggae / Latin band from Chile; more to be announced.

 

The schedule is as follows:

 

Friday, June 3 – Moska Project

Saturday, June 11 – Lanzallamas

Friday, June 24 – Gondwana

Sunday, July 3 – Electric Piquete (4 p.m.)

Saturday, July 23 – Spam Allstars

Friday, August 19 – Nag Champayons

 

“Reaction to our Latin music night continues to get stronger each time we host it,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “We’re excited about our current lineup, which promises something for every type of Latin music fan: funk, reggae, roots, fusion.”  Cahur’s decision to launch a Latin music night was based in part by the diversity of South Florida and the emergence of Latin American culture in the area.

Moska Project is a six-piece Latin roots rock band based in Jupiter that plays a fusion of reggae and Afro-Cuban music. They have been writing and performing original material since 2002, touring the East Cost of the U.S. and sharing the stage with artists such as 311, G-Love, Yellowman, just to name a few. They will be celebrating the release of their collection of new material titled Cuatro on June 3. Find out more at www.MoskaProject.com.

The five-piece modern Afro-Latino folkloric group known as Lanzallamas combines salsa, cumbia and electronic elements into an original and hypnotic sound. Led by singers / percussionists Fabio Patiño and Cintia Lovo, the group has appeared at the Finger Lakes, Shakori Hills and Virginia Key GrassRoots Festivals, as well as at several other Miami-based music and arts events. Additional details are available here: www.Lanzamusica.com.

Formed in 1987 during a time of extreme political oppression, Chile’s Gondwana has become one of South America’s most well-known bands. The chart-topping group’s “reggae & roll” sound is inspired equally by Bob Marley and The Police; their debut performance at Guanabanas on June 24 will also be hosted by Lance-O from Kulcha Shok Muzik. Learn more about them at www.Gondwana.cl.

Founded in 2007, Electric Piquete is an award-winning Miami-based Latin funk band that has been featured on CNN and played countless South Florida venues and music festivals. Twice named “Best Latin Band” by the Miami New Times (2009 and 2015), the band is currently working on a new soul / funk single featuring vocalist Maco Monthervil, to be released this summer. Learn more at www.ElectricPiquete.com.

The Spam Allstars, long a favorite of Guanabanas’ regular music-loving crowd, in large part define current day “Miami sound”, combining elements of electronic music with funk and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The Latin Grammy-nominated outfit is led by musician, producer and audiophile Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam. They maintain a weekly residency in Little Havana which has run for more than a decade and actively tour Florida and the U.S.  More details: www.SpamAllstars.com.

Self-described as “Afrogalactic / tropidelic”, the Nag Champayons have long set the standard for improvisational and multi-ethnic musical brilliance in Miami. The band released a tidal wave of new music in 2015 with Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, an eight-movement, 21-minute theme weaving together sonic textures from Africa to Colombia, then Stateside via Cuba, all converging into a frenzied psychedelic finale. Visit www.NagChampayons.com for more information.

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. All performances, unless otherwise noted, begin at 9 p.m. and are free and open to the public. 21 and over are welcome Fridays and Saturdays; Sunday performances are all-ages.

 

For more information about the venue, please visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878.

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Miami-Flavored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance Rich in Miami Flavor

Twenty-fifth edition of summer concert features four local acts and takes place in upstate New York July 16-19

Miami, FL – July 1, 2015 – This year’s lineup of the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance will feature mainstays like Donna the Buffalo, KeithFrank & Soileau Zydeco, Marco Benevento, Jim Lauderdale, and Big Mean SoundMachine. Also scheduled to appear: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, JohnBrown’s Body and Jimkata. Notably, a musical cadre from the South Florida area will also make the trek north: Lanzallamas, the Nag Champayons, Telekinetic Walrusand Nery Arevalo.

Originally an AIDSwork benefit concert thrown together in 1990, the Finger Lakes Festival of Music & Dance is now half-way into its third decade of existence. The event will take place over the course of four days at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds(2150 Trumansburg Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886) and could be the perfect summer getaway from the South Florida heat. The nearby Finger Lakes Wine Country and the area’s renowned Rieslings may be of interest to travelers, as are the great opportunities for fishing and hiking along the myriad streams and gorges.

Lanzallamas is a five-piece modern Afro-Latino folkloric group that combines salsa, cumbia and electronic elements into an original and hypnotic sound. Led by singers / percussionists Fabio Patiño and Cintia Lovo, the group has appeared at the Finger Lakes, Shakori Hills (NC) and Virginia Key GrassRoots Festivals before, as well as at several other Miami-based music and arts events.

The Nag Champayons are an Afrogalactic, tropidelic six-piece who just releasedRising Sounds of a Sinking City, an eight-movement, 21-minute theme weaving together sonic textures from Africa to Colombia, then Stateside via Cuba, all done in a screaming 60s psychedelic rock style. The band features keyboardist / graphic designer Ryan Caccolici, bassist Edwin Cardona, guitarist Jose Elias, drummerKenneth Metzker, vocalist Komikaze. This year will mark the group’s debut at Finger Lakes.

Experimental / psychedelic / hip-hop / electronica act Telekinetic Walrus features the colorful cast of characters Y Diz, the Time–Zoo Keeper, Corinne Stevie, Faun 5000,Buffalo, as well as Komakozie. They are currently embarked on the “Drive Through Tour 2015” in support of their recently released recording Spaceship with the Heavy Bass Bump.

Nery Arevalo is an El Salvador-born, Miami-based percussionist who has played with the James Montgomery Blues Band, the Fabulous Charmers, and currently, with the Nag Champions and Morikeba Kouyate and Friends.

Single day and four-day admission tickets are available online now atwww.GrassRootsFest.org. For more information, call 607.387.5098.

###

ABOUT GRASSROOTS
The original Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance began in 1990 as a benefit concert to support a local AIDS organization in Ithaca, NY.  Encouraged by the success of that night, a decision was made to create an annual festival dedicated to raising money for the fight against AIDS, while supporting arts and education. With the help of countless volunteers, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival has become an internationally-recognized event with a focus on traditional and contemporary roots music and dance from all over the world.  For four days every July, the festival hosts more than 60 performing groups on four stages at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Central New York near the university town of Ithaca.

Twelve years later, the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance was launched on a 75-acre farm in rural North Carolina near the triangle cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Twice a year, in April and October, thousands of people attend the event to revel in great music, sweat it out on the dance floor, celebrate the arts, and build community. The site has since become the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, a non-profit organization created to strengthen the community through music, arts and education.

The festival winters at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, just off the coast of Miami, FL. This year’s edition was the fourth such year of the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, featured local and national acts and was the most successful one yet.

For more information, visit GrassRootsFest.org  or call 607.387.5098.

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

header-grf

frontpageimage

 

unnamed (2)

“Rising Sounds of a Sinking City” coming 6/23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nag Champayons Release Rising Sounds of a Sinking City June 23, Celebrate at Bardot June 24

 Little Haiti-based group to issue concept album drawing on styles and cultures ranging from Africa to Miami, celebrate June 24 at Bardot

Miami, FL – June 9, 2015 – Self-described “Afrogalactic / tropidelic” locals the Nag Champayons have long set the standard for improvisational and multi-ethnic musical brilliance in Miami. Now the band is set to unleash a tidal wave of new music with Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, an eight-movement, 21-minute theme weaving together sonic textures from Africa to Colombia, then Stateside via Cuba, all converging into a frenzied psychedelic finale.

The release will be available for download on June 23, and as a physical disc on CD Baby or in-store at Sweat Records, Radioactive Records, or any of the three Mystic Water Kava Bar locations (Hollywood, Ithaca, San Diego). The CD will also be available at the band’s release party at Bardot (3456 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127) the very next night, June 24; doors open at 10 p.m., there is no cover and 21 and over are welcome. The night will also feature sets by DJ Ackdaddy.

“Rising Sounds takes the listener on a heady musical trip following the dusty winds blown off the western coast of Africa, spiraling into a massive tropical storm crossing the Atlantic, picking up strength in the Caribbean, and finally surging on to the already-disappearing coastline of Miami, which is the Sinking City,” says group co-founder and keyboardist Ryan Cacolici. He also designed the album cover and art based on the photography of fellow co-founder / bassist Edwin Cardona. The songs themselves, track titles and visuals are metaphors for the progressive styles and cultures explored in the music and a commentary on the environmental crises of pollution and rising sea levels.

The Nags use the classic rock staples of electric six and 12-string guitars and Hammond organ contrasted with traditional African percussion instruments like Garifuna, balofone, shekers, djembe, wache and udu, and syncretize them with humid trumpets, synthesizers, electro bass drops, and masterful human beatboxing by vocalist Komakozie (also a member of Telekenetic Walrus). The recording additionally features a Yoruban call-and-response by Tomas Diaz (Spam Allstars) and Sonyasi Feldman, Spanglish lamentations of Colombian MC Ephniko and vocals by Juliet Maisha.

The band will tour in promotion of Rising Sounds this summer, travelling from Key West all the way up to the Trumansburg, NY version of GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance taking place next month.

For more information, visit www.NagChampayons.com or call 786.218.6854.

PART I      @ 00:00   INTRO > Ominous Currents  (Crossing the Atlantic)
PART II     @ 01:40   Tropical Storm Surge I  (Africa to Caribe)
PART III    @ 05:00   Canal Town  (Ciudad de Tilapia Tóxicas)
PART IV    @ 08:30   Tropical Storm Surge II  (Caribe to Miami)
PART V     @ 12:20   The Sharks Have All Surrounded Our Island Beds
PART VI    @ 15:10   Rising Sounds  (Music Creates Ascension)
PART VII   @ 16:18   High Tide Downtown  (The Bay Comes Crashing In)
PART VIII  @ 18:10   OUTRO > Last Transmission from New Atlantis

###

ABOUT NAG CHAMPAYONS

It’s 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 out of the burning of Nag Champa incense during early jams. They currently feature Ryan Cacolici on keyboards, EdwinCardona (bass), Jose Elias on guitar, Kenneth Metzker and Nestor Prieto (percussion) and Michael Komikaze Rodney on vocals.

The Nags won the Broward Palm Beach New Times‘ award for “Best Band Name” in 2004. Drawing from African, Caribbean, hip-hop, rock and jazz influences, they have consistently amazed crowds with their diversity, quickly rising to the top of Miami’s music and art scene. The group enjoys a monthly residence at the Hollywood, FLMystic Kava Bar, dubbing it “Psychedelic Jazz Practice.”

On the heels of their lauded single “James Brown’s A$$,” the band was invited by theBrooklyn Academy of Music to perform as part of two of their premiere productions, the Si Cuba Festival and the Dance Africa Festival. As part of the Moksha Family Visionary artist collective, the Nags have had the honor to collaborate on stage with notable live painters Alex Grey, Mark Henson and Alex Sastoque.

The Nag Champayons continue to challenge convention; first with their 2012 self-titled EP featuring the acclaimed single “183rd St. Flea Market,” which includes contributions from long-time Nag collaborators El Chino Dread Lion (Yerba Buena) and Itagui fromLocos Por Juana, and now with their new concept album Rising Sounds of a Sinking City.

For more, visit www.NagChampayons.com or call 786.218.6854.

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

 

RISING-SOUNDS_CD_front_fb