Fans can enjoy Cuban folk by Cortadito, Afro-Venezuelan grooves from Venezonix, and world music by FABI, beginning at 4 p.m.
Jupiter, FL — April 5, 2021 — The Road to Afro Roots travels through Jupiter, FL on Saturday, April 17 with a special afternoon and evening of live music by Cortadito, Venezonix, and FABI WORLD MUSIC with special guest Rajesh Bhandari. All ages are welcome before 9 p.m. and there is no cover. Enjoy multiple sets of live music on the Loxahatchee riverfront at Guanabanas Island Restaurant and Bar, located at 960 U.S. Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL, 33477.
Now in its 23 season, the award-winning Afro Roots Fest features concerts scheduled throughout Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties this month and next.
Fans welcome to a socially-distanced layout including performances by Vieux Farka Toure, Philip Montalban, Fulu Miziki, Richard Bona, Weedie Braimah and more TBA
Miami Beach, FL — March 30, 2021 — Last year, the pandemic forced Miami-based non-profit Community Arts and Culture (CAC) to scrap all scheduled Afro Roots Fest performances due to safety concerns and restrictions. It’s annual Miami Beach concert became a “Virtual Fest” that was live streamed and watched by thousands in dozens of countries world-wide. This year, the show will once again welcome fans in person, and feature a lineup of regional and international acts, and most importantly, welcome live music fans back safely.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the North Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141), beginning at 7 p.m. The master of ceremonies will once again be world music legend Georges Collinet, host of the award-winning Afropop Worldwide syndicated radio program, which is heard locally on WDNA. Tickets are available online by clicking here.
“We are excited to get back to presenting live music to a live audience, and look forward to having Roosevelt Collier with special guests Richard Bona and Weedie Braimah, and Philip Montalbán entertain folks live, and Vieux Farka Toure and Fulu Miziki do so virtually,” says Executive and Artistic Director Jose Elias. “This event could not have been possible without the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, the Rhythm Foundation, the Broadmore Hotel, and Afropop Worldwide.”
Soft spoken by nature, South Florida-bredCollier does his hollering on the pedal steel guitar. Brought up in the “sacred steel” tradition of the House of God Church, Roosevelt built his reputation alongside his uncles and cousins in The Lee Boys, known for their spirited, soul-shaking live performances. Seated front and center, “The Dr.” leaves an indelible mark on listeners, flooring audiences with his lightning-fast slide work on the pedal steel.
Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. Vieux was initially a drummer / calabash player at Mali’s Institut National des Arts, but secretly began playing guitar in 2001. As a passionate champion for the people of Mali and The Sahel, Vieux founded the charity Amahrec Sahel in 2012. Vieux is also the director of The Ali Farka Touré Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of Ali’s legacy and the cultural growth of Mali.
Afro-Latino reggae artistMontalbánis an Afro-Nicaraguan singer / songwriter who blends Mestizo, Afro-Caribbean and the indigenous cultures of Miskito, Rama, and Garifuna influences together musically. His albums range from showcasing a mix of Creole English and Spanish to his presenting specific Miskito words in song lyrics. He is an intense, serious songwriter noted for his thoughtful songs of love, harmony, and hope that call for Africans everywhere to unite.
Fulu Miziki is a multidisciplinary ensemble of musicians from Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) founded by Old Pisko Crane. For several years, Pisko envisioned an orchestra made from materials found in trash cans and dumps. The instruments vary constantly in search of new sounds. Fulu Miziki’s artists make their own performance costumes, masks and instruments. Their distinct sound supports a Pan-African message of artistic liberation, peace and a deep concern about the ecological situation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the whole world. For Fulu, everything can be reclaimed and re-enchanted.
The following night, Sunday May 2, there will be a special event at Smart Bites To Go (791 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33127) featuring live music by Xperimento and Pan Afrik, and hosted by DJ Lance-O. Also on hand will be a show called “Travels with Afropopo Worldwide and Georges Collinet“, a lively multimedia experience of video, images, music and stories from the Peabody Award-winning radio show’s field work in Zimbabwe, Congo, Egypt and Mali.
Collinet himself will also be on hand to meet and greet fans, and discuss his 50 year’s experience as broadcast personality and film-maker, as will Afropop’s founding producers, Sean Barlow and Banning Eyre.
For more information, and the full festival lineup and schedule, visit AfroRootsFest.com.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC has a track record of community collaborations which have earned the support of many other organizations and sponsors, such as the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Moksha Arts Collective, Miami-Dade College, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and the Rhythm Foundation. These harmonious relations help CAC fulfill their co-presenting mission to the community.
In 2018, Executive and Artistic Director Jose Elias was recognized by the Knight Foundation as a Knights Art Champion, which allowed him to donate $10,000 to CAC for the production of the 2019 season of events. In 2019, Afro Roots Fest was named “Best Music Festival” by the Miami New Times in weekly’s “Best of Miami” edition. Organizers produced a “Virtual Fest” successfully live streamed from the North Beach Bandshell for the first time ever in September of 2020. An all-new membership program launched in March of 2021, just in time for the latest season of events, the 23rd overall. .
Award-winning world music concert series drops multiple Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach County dates in April and May
Miami, FL – March 3, 2021 – Faced with an unprecedented situation in 2020, the Afro Roots Fest was forced to recalibrate and reinvent itself, culminating in a first-of-its-kind “Afro Roots Virtual Fest”. This year, fortune seems to favor a return to form of sorts, and the Miami-based non-profit organization behind the music, Community Arts and Culture (CAC), has now announced the lineup of events and artists for its 23rd season of events.
“We are happy and excited to be able to get back to in-person Afro Roots events,” says festival founder and musical curator, and CAC Executive Director Jose Elias. “We look forward to continuing to share some exciting local, regional, and international world music acts, but are intent on doing it safely and according to all coronavirus safety recommendations.” Elias is also the co-founder and tres player in the Cuban folk group Cortadito and the guitarist in the Nag Champayons, two of the festival’s featured performers.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Road to Afro Roots Jupiter Saturday, April 17, 4 p.m. Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar – 960 Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477 Acts: Cortadito Venezonix FABI World Music More info
Afro Roots Fest Key West Wednesday, April 21 – Friday, April 23, 5:30 and 9 p.m. each day The Green Parrot – 601 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 Acts: Cortadito with special guest Tomas Diaz (April 21) GuerraGrooves (April 22) FABI World Music with special guest ITAWE (April 23) More info – Day 1 More info – Day 2 More info – Day 3
Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach Co-presented by the Rhythm Foundation Saturday, May 1, 7 p.m. North Beach Bandshell – 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141 Acts: Roosevelt Collier with special guests Richard Bona, Weedie Braimah, and more TBA Vieux Farka Toure (virtual performance) Philip Montalban Fulu Miziki (virtual performance) Tickets:bit.ly/ARFMB2021
Afro Roots Fest Miami Sunday May 2, 6 p.m. Smart Bites To Go – 791 NW 20 St, Miami, FL 33127 Acts: Xperimento PanAfrik DJ Lance O More info
Afro Roots Fest Doral Saturday, May 15, 5:30 pm Doral Yard – 8455 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166 Acts: Venezonix Vanya Allen DJ Le Spam More info
Afro Roots Fest Islamorada Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, 6 p.m. each day Florida Keys Brewing Company – 81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 Acts: Electric Piquete and JUke (May 29) ElectricKif and Nag Champayons (May 30) More info – Day 1 More info – Day 2
This year’s festival is being generously underwritten by: the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Guanabanas Island Restaurant and Bar, the Green Parrot, the Broadmore Hotel, Smart Bites to Go, Afropop Worldwide, the Florida Keys Brewing Company, Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, and Keys ICE. Sponsorship opportunities are available – interested parties can email info@CommunityArtsandCulture.org.
Concert goers can prep for events by shopping the Afro Roots Fest online store and purchasing branded masks at www.CommunityArtsandCulture.org/store. Music from selected performers is available for downloading through the organization’s Afro Roots Recordings online music store: www.AfroRootsRecordings.com.
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC has a track record of community collaborations which have earned the support of many other organizations and sponsors, such as the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Moksha Arts Collective, Miami-Dade College, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and the Rhythm Foundation. These harmonious relations help CAC fulfill their co-presenting mission to the community.
In 2018, Executive and Artistic Director Jose Elias was recognized by the Knight Foundation as a Knights Art Champion, which allowed him to donate $10,000 to CAC for the production of the 2019 season of events. In 2019, Afro Roots Fest was named “Best Music Festival” by the Miami New Times in weekly’s “Best of Miami” edition. Organizers produced a “Virtual Fest” successfully live streamed from the North Beach Bandshell for the first time ever in September of 2020.
The first-ever virtual edition of the annual world music festival features an evening of performances by Alsarah, Spam Allstars, Johnny Dread, Cortadito, Venezonix, and more
Miami Beach, FL — August 20, 2020 — The Miami New Times’ 2019 “Best Music Festival” has now gone totally virtual. After enduring several cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19, the 22nd Afro Roots Fest concert season will culminate and conclude with a multinational livestream concert featuring Sudanese chanteuse Alsarah and several of Miami’s new and legacy artists on Saturday, September 12, 2020, beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Webcast live from the North Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141) and emceed by Afropop Worldwide‘s legendary host Georges Collinet, other acts will include Spam Allstars, Johnny Dread, Cortadito, and Venezonix.
Alsarah is a singer, songwriter, and bandleader born in Khartoum, Sudan. She relocated to Yemen with her family, then to Brooklyn, NY, where she has lived since 2004. The East African retro-pop group Alsarah & the Nubatones were born out of many dinner conversations between Alsarah and percussionist Rami El Aasser about nubian “songs of return”, modern migration patterns, and the cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt.
Local favorite musicologist and spinmaster Andrew Yeomanson AKA DJ Le Spam founded Spam Allstars 23 years ago. The early days included hilarious spoken word records, mixed with a variety of instruments, and the lovely scent of Spam frying live on stage as a special snack to share with his non-vegan guests. More than two decades later, the band has a core group of musicians who have been performing an average of 150 shows per year, across the U.S. and with some very special trips to Europe, Canada, South America and South Africa.
They held a weekly residency at the legendary Little Havana club called Hoy Como Ayer, where the band forged what many have called a new Miami sound. Their “electronic descarga” is a reflection of the musicians and their cultures, training, and musical influences.
Johnny Dread quite simply transcends Reggae music and travels into a unique blend of world beat rhythms. His musical influences are as diverse as his rasta / Cuban-American background. With his undeniable rebel soul, he infuses Caribbean-influenced beats, Afro-Cuban, and rock sounds into every one of his songs. This combination provides the audience with contagious rhythms and powerful, soul-wrenching melodies.
He has taken the stage in international festivals, concerts and benefits with leading artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Israel Vibration, among others. A self-taught drummer, he has captivated audiences from around the world and has accumulated a loyal fan base all over the United States, Europe and South America.
Cortadito is a group that has simply revitalized Son Montuno, the late nineteenth-century country music from the mountainous regions of Eastern Cuba. Their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. Jose Elias founded the group alongside Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet in November of 2011 after a 12-year stint with Conjunto Progreso that garnered him a Grammy nomination for his participation in the album Masters of Cuban Son. The duo was an instant success and were invited to perform at the Fingerlakes Grassroots festival in Trumansberg, NY.
They released their first CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012, which featured one original composition by each of the artists, including “Delicias Caribeña” (Elias) and “Te Lo Perdiste” (Rodriguez). They released Canciones de Julio in 2018 and were named “Best Latin Act” by the Miami New Times in 2019. The band occasionally backs legendary Cuban musician and Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa.
Venezonix presents a fusion of Afro-Venezuelan rhythms with electronic music and technology led by Andres Ponce (agpa), co-founder of acclaimed Nacional recording artists ElasticBond. Their upcoming EP La Que Es features collaborations with Betsayda Machado and Parranda el Clavo, as well as a selection of genre-bending explorations mixing traditional Venezuelan instruments with futuristic beats and synthesizer textures.
The livestream will also include a Community Spotlight segment celebrating some of Miami’s cultural ambassadors. Scheduled to appear are: African instrument-maker and author Eddie Osborne (Ancestral Memories), the Circle of Brotherhood, Concerned African Women, and more to be announced.
Collinet, a native of Cameroon in West Africa, is one of the best-known and best-loved broadcasters on the African continent. Based in the U.S. for more than 25 years, Collinet’s French and English language music programs broadcast to Africa via the Voice of America have entertained millions of devoted fans. Afropop Worldwide is a Peabody award-winning radio program and online magazine dedicated to music from Africa and the African diaspora.
Viewers will be able to tune in to the free webcast on www.AfroRootsFest.com as well as on the festival Facebook page, which is located at fb.me/AfroRootsFest. The festival is being co-presented with the Rhythm Foundation, and is made possible through the generous support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council, the Broadmoor Hotel, and Afropop Worldwide.
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC has a track record of community collaborations which have earned the support of many other organizations and sponsors, such as the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the non-profit organization La Fortuna, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Moksha Arts Collective, Miami–Dade College, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and the Rhythm Foundation. These harmonious relations help CAC fulfill their co-presenting mission to the community.
In 2018, Executive and Artistic Director Jose Elias was recognized by the Knight Foundation as a Knights Art Champion, which allowed him to donate $10,000 to CAC for the production of the 2019 season of events. In 2019, Afro Roots Fest was named “Best Music Festival” by the Miami New Times in the weekly’s “Best of Miami” edition. Most recently, the organization partnered with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to present an Afro Roots Recordings Artist Showcase, as part of the Arts Across America program.
The organization is now selling Afro Roots-branded merchandise online at CommunityArtsandCulture.org/store, and soon plans to release original music through its musical imprint Afro Roots Recordings.
All ages are welcome to a free evening of Puerto Rican Bomba by Zona de Bomba beginning at 9 p.m.
South Miami, FL – February 18, 2020 – At two years past two decades, Afro Roots Fest shows no signs of slowing down. Similarly, the Road to Afro Roots pre-festival series rolls on in South Miami on Leap Day. The Miami music and arts non-profit organization Community Arts and Culture (CAC) continues its 2nd decade plus of concerts on Saturday, February 29, 2020 with a free show at The Tonic (5701 Sunset Dr Suite 194, South Miami, FL 33143) beginning at 9 p.m. Afro Roots Fest, was named “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 Miami New Times “Best of Miami” edition.
Zona De Bomba sources explosive material from the Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba, which runs on the power of only two hard-hitting instruments; percussion and voice. This diverse collective that includes representation from Puerto Rico and Cuba, is led by Charley Rivas,whose goal is to transform the performance of Bomba into one that’s representative of the group’s collective musical experience.
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC has a track record of community collaborations which have earned the support of many other organizations and sponsors, such as the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the non-profit organization La Fortuna, Guanabanas Island Restaurant &Bar, the FloridaDepartment of State’s Division of CulturalAffairs, the City ofMiami Beach, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Moksha ArtsCollective, Miami–Dade College, the MonroeCounty Tourist Development Council, and the Rhythm Foundation. These harmonious relations help CAC fulfill their co-presenting mission to the community.
In 2018, Executive and Artistic Director Jose Elias was recognized by the KnightFoundation as a Knights Art Champion, which allowed him to donate $10,000 to CAC for the production of the 2019 season of events. In 2019, Afro Roots Fest was named “BestMusic Festival” by the Miami New Times in weekly’s “Best of Miami” edition.
Community Arts and Culture presents a celebration of international foods, local craft beers, and a taste of Miami’s music scene at the Murray Nelson Cultural Center
Key Largo, FL – June 11, 2019 – The 2019 Afro Roots Fest concludes at Mile Marker 102 in Key Largo on Saturday, June 29, 2019. For the first time ever, the beloved music festival will team up with local favorite Arthur’s Caribbean Kitchen, who will create a special menu presenting a taste of international cuisines from Africa to the Caribbean. The event will also offer craft beer tastings by South Florida standouts the TheTANK Brewing Company and the Florida Keys Brewing Company, in addition to featuring live music by Elastic Bond, JUke, the Nag Champayons, plus the DJ Le Spam VW Bus Experience. The result? An evolving Afro Roots Fest offering deep satisfaction for music fans and foodies alike.
“We are thrilled to conclude the 21st edition of the festival with the addition of a culinary twist,” says Jose Elias, festival founder and executive director of Community Arts and Culture (CAC). “The event will celebrate the diversity of Miami’s local music scene, with something for fans of all genres, be it Latin funk, rock, blues, or psychedelia.” Elias has organized Afro Roots Fest for 21 years, the last two enjoying multi-county runs, including stops in the Florida Keys.
Also, there will be a variety of arts and craft vendors, plus a Moksha Virtual Reality Gallery curated by the Moksha Arts Collective. The festival will kick off at 3 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Cultural Center (102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037). All ages are welcome. Admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation.
Free transportation to and from the event aboard the Afro Roots Jam Bus will be available from The TANK Brewing Company (5100 NW 72nd Ave, Bay A-1, Miami, FL 33166). It will depart at 1:30 p.m. and return by 10 p.m. Seating is limited so those interested must RSVP on the festival Eventbrite page.
NacionalRecords recording artists Elastic Bond were established in Miami in 2006. Originally a loose studio collaboration between Venezuelan producer-musician Andrés Ponce and Honduran singer-songwriter SofyEncanto, the band now fuses funk, hip-hop, soul and Latin into a sound self-described as psychedelic tropical soul written and performed in Spanish and English. Their latest release is 2017’s Honey Bun, a collaboration with Grammy-winner Adrian Quesada as co-producer. www.ElasticBond.com
JUke is a four-piece, “post-blues,” hybrid with a high motor and bottomless soul. Spearheaded by frontman / harmonica player / singer Eric Garcia, the band’s content touches on non-traditional subject matter while simultaneously keeping the crowd moving with a smile on their faces. They are jam festival favorites, appearing at events such as Wanee, Hulaween, AURA, Magnolia Fest, and the OrangeBlossom Jamboree.
Miami’s Afro Galactic / Tropidelic funksters the Nag Champayons blend African, Caribbean and North American influences into a unique and extremely danceable sound. Their most recent release is the single and video for “Brazilian LSD”, which 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. For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com.
Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam spins all manner of genres, from Miami funk to soul, salsa to world music and everything in between. He has held many high-profile DJ residencies, and spun at countless private and corporate events. Le Spam also records and produces music from his City of Progress Studio in North Miami and leads the Latin Grammy-nominated and nationally and internationally-touring band the Spam Allstars, are one of Miami’s most popular and longest-running bands.
The event is being made possible with the generous support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, and the Friends of Key Largo Cultural Center.
High resolution images and videos are available. For more information, please visit www.AfroRootsFest.com or call 305.853.8800.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
In addition to the joint venture with the Little Haiti Community Center called Let the Children Have Music, and the ongoing World Music Tuesdays series at the Wynwood Yard, CAC co-produces the Roots in the Schools program, which brings music to Miami-area schools.
Community Arts and Culture presents a series of events designed to highlight Cuba’s contribution to world music at The Green Parrot and The Studios of Key West, featuring The Spam Allstars, Cortadito, and Electric Piquete
Key West, FL – March 20, 2019 – As it did for the first time last year, the Afro Roots Fest concert series will head down U.S. 1 for a stop at Mile Marker 0 April 18 through 20, 2019. Afro Roots Key West will serve as a celebration of Cuba’s importance not only to the world of music, but to the Conch Key’s prominent role in the history of Cuba, featuring a music documentary, live music, even cigar-rolling.
The festivities will open Thursday the 18th with Miami Latin-funk band Electric Piquete’s debut at The Green Parrot (601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040) at 9 p.m. On Friday, April 19, a screening of the documentary Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World at The Studios of Key West (533 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040) will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Finally, Cuban folk act Cortadito celebrates Cuba with a performance also at TSKW on Saturday, 8 p.m., and then the Spam Allstars perform at the official closing party at the Green Parrot beginning at 10 p.m.
“Key West is inextricably woven into the fabric of Cuban colonial history, similar to how African influences are embedded in Cuban music,” says Jose Elias, festival founder and executive director of Community Arts and Culture (CAC). “We look forward to celebrating these historical and musical parallels at some of the island’s premiere spots in The Studios of Key West and the Green Parrot.” Elias is Cortadito’s co-founder and tres player, and also performs with the Spam Allstars.
Electric Piquete is best known for its fiery originals and inventive interpretations of Latin and jazz standards. A powerfully-tight drums / bass / guitar / keys / congas rhythm section sets the groove for a fiery horn section, taking listeners on an Afro-Caribbean journey of sound. Named “Best Latin Band” by the Miami New Times in 2009 and 2015, the band is a veritable melting pot of influences that range from rock to jazz and spiced with everything in between: funk, fusion, old-school salsa, progressive and R&B. They will be joined by special guest Tomas Diaz on vocals and percussion. Show is free and open to 21 and over. Learn more at www.ElectricPiquete.com.
Directed by CynthiaBiestek and RubenGomez, the 2018 musical documentary Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World follows the path of a poor country musician from Eastern Cuba who rises to the challenge of spreading his beloved traditional music to the whole world, along the way finding success as a member of the legendary Cuban group the Buena Vista Social Club. $10 tickets to the screening at The Studios of Key West are available online here, followed by a Q&A with Biestek and a reception.
Cortadito specializes in performing Cuban music from the early 20th century, transporting listeners to a time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world. The band, who recently released a new EP of music called Canciones de Julio, faithfully performs standards in the traditional stylings called Son Montuno, Guaracha, Bolero, Nengon, and Bolero Son. In 2018, Cortadito served as the backing band for the Buena Vista Social Club legend Ochoa himself. Learn more at www.CortaditoSon.com. Get tickets to their event, which also includes a complimentary traditional Cuban rum drink called a mojito, plus cigar-rollers here: bit.ly/ARKW19.
The Spam Allstars are not only one of Miami’s most popular, well-known, and longest-running and accomplished bands, but they have been nominated for a Latin Grammy and toured nationally. 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 latest release is their sixth full-length called Trans-Oceanic (2016). Learn more at www.SpamAllstars.com; 21 and over welcome to their show at Green Parrot.
The events are being made possible with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Ambrosia Key West, The Studios of Key West, and The Green Parrot.
High resolution images and videos are available. For more information, please visit www.AfroRootsFest.com or call 305.296.0458.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
In addition to the joint venture with the Little Haiti Community Center called Let the Children Have Music, and the ongoing World Music Tuesdays series at the Wynwood Yard, CAC co-produces the Roots in the Schools program, which brings music to Miami-area schools. For more information, please visit www.communityartsandculture.org.
April 6 Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach Concert a Celebration of Women in World Music
Community Arts and Culture, MDC Live Arts, and the Rhythm Foundation present Noura Mint Seymali, Fatoumata Diawara and the African Watoto Dance Theatre at the North Beach Bandshell April 6
Miami Beach, FL – January 16, 2019 – The Afro Roots Fest concert planned for Miami Beach will be all about the feminine spirit of world music, featuring a double bill of African chanteuses and a team of local dancers. Mauritanian Griot Noura Mint Seymali and Malian singer / guitarist FatoumataDiawara will perform at the North Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141) on April 6, 2019, as will the African Watoto Dance Theatre. This is the first official concert of the Afro Roots Fest’s 21st season; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are now available for $28 online through bit.ly/ARFMB19, and will be $35 at the door; all ages are welcome.
“For 20 years, Afro Roots Fest has brought the finest in traditional and contemporary African music to South Florida,” says Jose Elias, festival founder and executive director of Community Arts and Culture (CAC). “This year, you can add futuristic to the repertoire as the festival will showcase two extraordinary female artists in Noura Mint and Fatoumata. We are excited about having the Watoto dancers present once again.”
Seymali is one of Mauritania’s foremost musical emissaries, and is known for applying the ancient musical traditions of the griot with a savvy contemporary aesthetic. Faithful to her Moorish roots, her sound is led by the raw music of the azawan, a word in Hassaniya that refers to the ensemble of traditional instruments in Moorish culture; the ardine, tidinit, guitar, and t’beul. She has recently collaborated with DamonAlbarn, BaabaMaal, Tinariwen, SpoekMathambo, OumouSangare and ShabazzPalaces, and appeared at major music festivals throughout the globe.
Born to Malian parents in Ivory Coast, Diawara is also a social activist and actor with an acclaimed movie credit (Timbuktu, 2014). Her music combines electric guitar lines with the ancient African strings of the Kora and kamel ngoni, and a drum kit blended with the timeless rhythms of traditional percussion. She’s touring in support of her latest release called Fenfo (meaning “something to say”), which is Grammy-nominated and features original songs that cover such timeless subjects as respect, humility, love, migration, family, and how to build a better world for our children. The release made the New York Times and President BarackObama’s “Best of 2018” list, as well as the year-end lists in MOJO, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, and fRoots. She has also enjoyed several recent high-profile collaborations (Albarn, HerbieHancock, SnarkyPuppy, LedZeppelin’s JohnPaulJones) and festival appearances.
The African Watoto Dance Theatre is comprised of dancers from many genres of the African diaspora. The company’s repertoire includes original choreography in traditional West African dances, and Afro-fusion of modern and contemporary, Haitian folklore, Caribbean, Congolese Soukous, and storytelling. The company promotes the African arts specifically for the local communities that do not have access to an authentic cultural experience.
This event is being co-presented with MDC Live Arts and the Rhythm Foundation, and is made possible with the support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, the Doris Duke Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council.
High resolution images and videos are available. For more information, please visit www.CommunityArtsandCulture.org or call 305.672.5202.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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. In addition to the joint venture with the Little Haiti Community Center called Let the Children Have Music, and the ongoing World Music Tuesdays series at the Wynwood Yard, CAC co-produces the Roots in the Schools program, which brings music to Miami-area schools. For more information, please visit www.communityartsandculture.org.
ABOUT MDC LIVE ARTS Miami Dade College (MDC) is proud to be the home of MDC Live Arts: Miami’s most eclectic performing arts series. Created in 1990 as Cultura del Lobo, MDC Live Arts has a celebrated history of bringing extraordinary national and international performing artists to Miami. The annual series presents today’s most exciting artists and designs meaningful engagement between these artists, the students of MDC, and the greater community. MDC Live Arts seeks artists from across the globe who push boundaries and honor traditions relevant to Miami’s diverse community, and aims to offer audiences opportunities to discover new ideas, perspectives and forms of expression More details: mdclivearts.org.
ABOUT RHYTHM FOUNDATION Founded in 1988, The Rhythm Foundation, is a not-for-profit cultural organization that is a foremost presenter of international music in the US. The Rhythm Foundation has presented concerts, festivals and events featuring over 800 established and innovative artists from around the world. Special focus is given to those cultures connecting to South Florida audiences. In 2015 The Rhythm Foundation began year-round management of the North Beach Bandshell amphitheater for the City of Miami Beach. Learn more at www.rhythmfoundation.com.
Afro Roots Fest’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Concludes in Key Largo on June 2nd
Concert at Murray Nelson Center near mile marker 102 to feature diverse array of four local and international world music acts
Key Largo, FL – May 16, 2018 – Following three days of events in Key West, the 20th Afro Roots World Music Festival travels back up U.S. 1 to the Murray Nelson Center (102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037) for it’s final concert Saturday, June 2, 2018. Live acts will include SanbaZao(Haiti), TotoOmana (Congo), LosHerederos (Cuba) and the 305 Street Band (Miami). Tickets – available online at http://bit.ly/ARWMFKL – are $20, children 12 and under are free, and seniors, students and military personnel with ID are $10. Please note that the full price will be charged without ID at the door. The event runs 3 to 11 p.m.
“It’s been an amazing six-month celebration and we are excited about our final event in Key Largo,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director of Community Arts and Culture (CAC). “Sanba Zao is a dynamic performer and it’s only fitting that he closes our show in Key Largo, being that he headlined our first show back in January in Jupiter.” Elias is a guitarist with the SpamAllstars, and plays the tres in his group Cortadito. He is also a producer and Grammy nominated musician and recording artist.
Born Louis Lesly Marcelin, Sanba Zao is a master drummer and Haitian roots music legend. He is also a professor at L’Ecole National des Arts, Haiti’s national arts school, and has devoted his life to teaching and promoting the culture and music of Haiti. Marcelin runs an elementary school called the Bazilo Ecole Communautairei, which was one of the first to reopen after the 2010 earthquake that devastated his home country. Sanba Zao has also sings and tours with Lakou Mizik, and performed with other Haitian groups such as Group Sa, FoulaJazz, and Djakata.
Toto Omana is a singer / songwriter / guitarist from Kinshasa, Republic of Congo. Influenced by Franco and OK Jazz, his music combines African Soukous with American R&B, funk, and soul. Toto speaks more than 12 languages, and sings in Swahili, Mandingo, English, Spanish, and French. Toto appeared as a guest on the Grammy-nominated group, Conjunto Progreso’s recordMaster Sessions Descarga & Son.He’ll release a full-length set on Afro Roots Recordings in 2019, which will be produced by Elias.
Los Herederos, winners of the 2016 Miami New Times award for “Best Latin Band”, are the brainchild of Cuban percussionist and vocalist Philbert Almenteros. They perform in a very stripped down drum and chant format comprised of percussion-heavy rumba, guaguanco, and yambu numbers, which are all deeply rooted Afro-Cuban stylings. Philbert’s great grandmother was one of the founding members of the world-renowned Afro-Cuban folklore group Clave y Guaguanco.
The 305 Street Band are a brass-heavy ensemble probably best known for their on-court performances with the NBA as the MiamiHEATStreetBand. They perform pop, Latin, hip-hop, R&B, and everything in between, as well as dance to every song, performing intricate routines and even providing crowd interaction, from sing-a-longs, to limbos. The band is led by DavidBurgos, a trumpet player and member of another prominent Miami group, Elastic Bond.
In addition to the live music performances, there will also be dance and percussion workshops earlier in the day for all age, as well as arts and crafts vendors, as well as food and beverages available for purchase.
This 20th iteration of the festival, which is curated and by the non-profit organization CAC, features more than 50 international and local acts from all over the world, and is being held at venues from Jupiter to Key West.
Brought to you by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, and with the support of the Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center and The Tank Brewing Company. For more information, please visit www.AfroRootsFest.com or call 305.294.4641.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC also produced the A Day at the Beach Concert Series, which enjoyed a five- year run, in addition to co-producing the Roots in the Schools program, which brings music to Miami-area schools.
Afro Roots Fest Travels to Islamorada for 20th Anniversary Celebration April 28
Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District hosts all-day event featuring live music, African dance and percussion workshop, instrument show and tell, vendors and more
Islamorada, FL – April 10, 2018 – The Afro Roots World Music Festival travels to the Florida Keys for the first time in its 20-year history this month. Islamorada’s Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District will be the scene of the celebration on Saturday, April 28, 2018, and will feature live music by the Nag Champayons, Cortadito, Grupo Barrio Abajo, and myriad family-friendly activities designed to enrich and entertain. The district is located at 151 Morada Way, Islamorada, FL 33036. Event is open to the public of all ages; suggested donation is $10.
“Although some of the effects of Hurricane Irma are still visible throughout the Florida Keys, the area is open for business and we intend to celebrate joyfully and accordingly,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director of Community Arts and Culture (CAC). “The Keys are a national treasure and we are excited and proud to be bringing the Afro Roots Fest to Islamorada April 28. We look forward to sharing the wonderful African diaspora with residents and out-of-the-area travelers alike.”
Miami’s Afro Galactic / Tropidelic funksters the Nag Champayons blend African, Caribbean and North American influences into a unique and extremely danceable sound. Cortadito specializes in performing Cuban Son Montunomusic similar to the Buena Vista Social Club, effectively transporting listeners back to a time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piniero ruled the airwaves. Grupo Barrio Abajo aims to raise international awareness of the folkloric musical heritage of the Caribbean Colombia; styles such as cumbia, bullerengue, porro, chandé and more than thirty other unparalleled musical rhythms.
This year’s edition of the festival, which is curated and run by the non-profit organization CAC, features more than 50 international and local acts from all over the world, in venues from Jupiter to Key West. Up next are two very special events scheduled for Key West May 17 through 19, and Key Largo on June 2.
The event is being made possible through the generous support of the Florida Keys Tourism Development Council, Keys ICE (Islamorada Community Entertainment), the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, and the Florida Keys Brewing Company.
For more information, the full performer lineup and ticket links, please visit www.afrorootsfest.com or call 305.916.5521.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based non-profit 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.
CAC also produced the A Day at the Beach Concert Series, which enjoyed a five- year run, in addition to co-producing the Roots in the Schools program, which brings music to Miami-area schools.
