Sun Ra Arkestra in Concert on Miami Beach 4/7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sun Ra Arkestra and Morikeba Kouyate Mark 20 Years of the Afro Roots World Music Festival April 7

Event at North Beach Bandshell begins at 7 p.m. and is open to all ages; tickets available online

Miami Beach, FL – March 13, 2018 – The Afro Roots World Music Festivalcomes full circle for its 20th anniversary celebration, featuring  Sun Ra Arkestra in concert on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the North Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33141).  The music begins at 7 p.m.with special guest Morikeba Kouyate. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/2BtQdOq. This year’s edition of the festival, which is curated and run by the non-profit organization Community Arts and Culture (CAC), features more than 50 international and local acts from all over the world, in venues from Jupiter to Key West.

“The whole concept of the Afro Roots Fest initially came together as a tribute to Sun Ra himself,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director of CAC. “I had just seen the film A Joyful Noise and it inspired me so much that I put together a band called the Afro Polyphonic Space Orchestra and created the festival around it.”  Fast-forward twenty years, and the tribute has evolved into a successful yearly musical and cultural community program.

Directed by alto saxophonist Marshall Allen, the Sun Ra Arkestra are musical torch-bearers for the late, great keyboardist and big-band innovator born Herman Poole Blount. The Arkestra carry on the traditions set by the cosmic philosopher, complete with full costumes and the “Songbook from Saturn”. They maintain a busy touring schedule and continue to release albums, beginning with 1999’s Song for the Sun. Learn more at www.sunraarkestra.com.

Kouyate, a native of Senegal and an Afro Roots Fest favorite, is a Kora master and a trained Griot, meaning he maintains a tradition of West African oral history through song. His handmade instrument is a captivating 20-string, harp-like beauty, which he wields powerfully in his melodic storytelling. Click https://youtu.be/n0O4eqU-wcA to view a clip of him at the festival’s 16th incarnation.

Named one of “South Florida’s Ten Best Music Festivals” by the Miami New Times in August,  the festival will continue the celebration of its 20th anniversary with a journey into the Florida Keys for the first time on April 28 at the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District (151 Morada Way, Islamorada, FL 33060.

The Miami Beach show is made possible through the support of the Miami–Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the Miami Beach Cultural ArtsCouncil, and is being presented in part by MDC Live Arts.

For more information, ticket links and the full performer lineup, please visit www.afrorootsfest.com or call 305.672.5202.

###

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.

For more information, please visit www.communityartsandculture.org.

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

Roots / Reggae Week in Jupiter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Upcoming Roots / Reggae Shows at Guanabanas

Jupiter, FL – March 6, 2018 – One version of the old refrain goes “March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion”. At Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, the month of March will definitely roar with the sounds of several high-profile roots / reggae acts, beginning with Iya Terra on March 15, Pato Banton and special guest Roots Shakedown March 17, and The Expanders with Sensamotion and Dubbest March 22. All performances begin at 9 p.m. except the triple header on 3/22, which begins at 8 p.m. No cover, 21 and over are welcome. Guanabanas is located on the Loxahatchee River and near the Jupiter Inlet, at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

“Our crowd is definitely roots / reggae-friendly, and do we have a very special treat lined up for them,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “In about a week’s time, we will have presented one of L.A.’s premiere reggae acts in Iya Terra, British legend Pato Banton with an outstanding local group Roots Shakedown, and another L.A. reggae revivalist mainstay The Expanders, plus a couple of special guest bands.” Cahur is a Jupiter-based guitarist and the head of a music management and promotions company that boasts of a successful 20-year record. In addition, he serves as the lead sound engineer for Guanabanas.

Formed in Los Angeles about four years ago, Iya Terra take a modern approach to creating conscious sound waves that has them bound for infinite possibilities. In 2016, Iya Terra reached new heights as they toured heavily throughout the western U.S. with bands such as The Movement, New Kingston, and Arise Roots. Their third studio album Sacred Sound, released on March 17, 2017, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae chart. The band’s March current tour has them winding through Texas and the Southeast before heading to Utah and Colorado. More details: iyaterra.com.

Born Patrick Murray in Birmingham, England, Pato Banton was pivotal to the rise of reggae in the U.K. during the 80s. Several high-profile guest appearances, including with UB40 and Chrissie Hines led to his solo debut, 1987’s Never Give In. He then had a U.S. college radio hit in 1990 with a cover of The Police’s “Spirits in the Material World”. He eventually hooked up with Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD organization, which took him on tour across the globe, peforming concerts and working with disadvantaged youths. Still actively touring, his latest release came in 2008: Destination Paradise.

The Expanders are a five-piece unit that pride themselves on representing the “golden era” of reggae. They are currently promoting in support of their latest full-length release, 2017’s Old Time Something Come Back Again Vol 2, as well as a brand-new single called “Blood Morning“, issued last month. The band is John Asher (drums, vocals), John Butcher (guitar, vocals), Roy Fishell (organs), Chiquis Lozoya (bass, vocals), and Devin Morrison (guitar, vocals). More info at theexpanders.net.

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 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. The establishment recently launched a new weekend brunch menu featuring Build Your Own Donut and Waffle Bars, $6 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Margaritas, $12 Bottomless Sangria, and more.

For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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

 

Zach Deputy: Gospel-Ninja-Soul

MEDIA ALERT

Zach Deputy Returns to Guanabanas March 10

Jupiter, FL – March 5, 2018 – Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar live music fan favorite Zach Deputy returns to perform at the award-winning live music venue and eatery Saturday, March 10, 2018, beginning at 9 p.m. No cover, 21 and over are welcome. Guanabanas is located on the Loxahatchee River and near the Jupiter Inlet, at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Deputy is currently on a “Zach Frost out of Hibernation” Tour which has taken him through Florida, Texas, the Midwest, the Northwest, California, and now back to the Sunshine State. He’s still playing in support of Wash It in the Water, his fourth album of sunny, soulful new sounds fusing hip-hop, funk, and folky pop with the spirited rhythms of soca and calypso. Zach is a self-described “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul”; his tour will continue into Miami and Key West before hopping to the Caribbean.

“Zach always gets high interest and a high turnout from our loyal music lovers,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “It’s been a while since he’s come through our part of the state, and I am looking forward to his always-captivating and soulful performance.” Cahur, a Jupiter-based guitarist and the head of a music management and promotions company with a successful 20-year record, serves as the lead sound engineer for Guanabanas.

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 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. The establishment recently launched a new weekend brunch menu featuring Build Your Own Donut and Waffle Bars, $6 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Margaritas, $12 Bottomless Sangria, and more.

For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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

Zion I x lespecial: conscious hip hop with a live band

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zion I and lespecial Rock Guanabanas March 9

Bay Area MC and Connecticut backing band form unique musical blend of socially-conscious live hip-hop

Jupiter, FL – February 14, 2018 – Initially paired as a one-off for a music festival, hip-hop emcee and producer Zion I and indie-progressive rock three piece lespecial found much musical common ground and shared strength in performing together.  They have quickly become a mesmerizing, genre-bending live act. The lyrical frontman and his New England power trio will hit the Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar stage on Friday, March 9, beginning at 9 p.m. There is no cover, and 21 and over are welcome. Located at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477, the award-winning venue sits on the east bank of the Loxahatchee River near the Jupiter Inlet.

“I’ve always been a fan of musical mashups,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “When done right, the results can be incendiary, and I believe that fans of all types of genres will not only enjoy the music by the airtight power trio lespecial, but the message and its soulful delivery by Zion I.” Cahur founded and runs Roots Music, Inc., a Jupiter-based, 20-year music management and promotions company, and serves as the lead sound engineer for Guanabanas.

Zion I’s 2000 debut album Mind Over Matter established the producer and emcee as one of the most forward-thinking artists of the socially-conscious hip-hop movement. He has since collaborated and or toured with the likes of Bassnectar, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Matisyahu, Linkin Park, and Kendrick Lamar, among others. The Huffington Post described his latest release – 2016’s The Labyrinth – “as heartfelt as it is badass.”  He is a timely and engaging force within the independent hip-hop scene.

lespecial are comprised of Jon Grusauskas on guitars, keys, vocals and samples, Luke Bemand on bass, and Rory Dolan on drums and percussion. The three met in Connecticut and began playing together as children, and this life-long musical bond is obvious and aural. lespecial’s influences are diverse: influenced by hip hop, dub, metal and progressive rock. Their latest release cheen – features a collaboration with Zion I called “Sound That We Do”.

The two acts plan to record a joint release this spring. Together, they produce live hip-hop for your head. 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 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. The establishment recently launched a new weekend brunch menu featuring Build Your Own Donut and Waffle Bars, $6 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Margaritas, $12 Bottomless Sangria, and more. For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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

Road to Afro Roots Coral Gables

MEDIA ALERT

Road to Afro Roots Concert Scheduled for February 16 at Books & Books ft. Electric Piquete

Coral Gables, FL – February 7, 2018 – The 20th anniversary celebration for the Afro Roots World Music Festival February 16, 2018 at Books & Books (265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134) with a three-set Road to Afro Roots peformance by Electric Piquete. The music begins at 7:30 p.m.and the show is free and open to the public.

Electric Piquete is a Latin funk / fusion band from Miami 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. They were named “Best Latin Band” by the Miami New Times in 2009 and 2015.

The Miami-based non-profit Community Arts & Culture is hosting our additional warm-up dates in Miami and Miami Beach before presenting the main event of Sun Ra Arkestra and Morikeba Kouyate April 7 at the Miami Beach Bandshell (tickets: bit.ly/2BtQdOq). Papaloko and Morikeba Kouyate will perform at the Studios of Key West on May 19, and more will be announced shortly.

Miami New Times dubbed Afro Roots one of “South Florida’s Ten Best Music Festivals” in August. For more information about the festival, please visit www.afrorootsfest.com or call 786.218.6854.

###

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.

For more information, visit www.communityartsandculture.org.

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

Guanabanas launches new weekend brunch menu February 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guanabanas Launches Weekend Brunch February 3

Award-winning Jupiter waterfront eatery introduces new culinary options available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Jupiter, FL – February 1, 2018 – For Chef Vinny Trupia, the challenge was not easy. How would he improve upon top-notch menu that already includes fresh Florida seafood dishes like the Macadamia Coconut Fresh Catch, signature plates such as the Shrimp & Grits, and a bevy of salads, among them the delectable Avocado Bacon Mango? Enter the weekend brunch, which will be available Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Very few if any establishments offer a full weekend brunch menu,” says General Manager Jon Sullivan. “Since our crowd definitely likes to party all weekend long, we decided the time was right to offer these new options and bring Jupiter a proper Day Party, each Saturday and Sunday.” Guanabanas will continue to serve from its regular breakfast menu from 8:30 to 11 a.m. So don’t fret, one can still enjoy a GuanaBomb (a stepped up version of a classic Southern Biscuits and Gravy) or one of many favorite lunch items as well.

The additional brunch offerings will only add to the extensive menus and options available, and includes:

Build Your Own Donut Bar
Build Your Own Waffle Bar
Paella Bar
Trough of Bacon and Sausage
$6 Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar
$6 Guanabanas Margarita
$6 Mimosas
$12 Bottomless Sangria
Live Music both days

Guanabanas has garnered numerous awards and restaurant industry accolades during its near 10-year history, including “Best Place to Take out of Town Guests” and “Best Waterfront Restaurant” by Jupiter Magazine (2017), “Best Waterfront Restaurant” in 2016 by the Palm Beach Post, a top  10 “Best Waterfront Restaurant” in 2015 by the Broward Palm Beach New Times, and more. The Guanabanas Food Truck began rolling throughout Palm Beach County last year.

Guanabanas is located on the Loxahatchee River and near the Jupiter Inlet, at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477. Journalists interested in setting up a sampling are encouraged to call 561.747.8878.

For more information, please 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

Hialeah Park Fountain Terrace Concert Series Lineup Announced

MEDIA ALERT

Hialeah Park Announces the Fountain Terrace Friday Night Concert Series

Hialeah, FL – January 24, 2018 – The extremely popular Fountain Terrace Concert Series returns to Hialeah Park on Friday nights beginning February 2 and concluding April 27, featuring 13 top local and national acts. The shows are all free and open to the public of all ages. Notably, the Havana Boys return by popular demand for another weekend engagement March 2-4, and America’s Got Talent finalist Yoli Mayor will close out the series on April 27.

“Hialeah Park is proud to present this impressive lineup of artists,” says Frank Fiore, VP of Entertainment & Marketing. “What we strived to do in this series was to include as close to ‘something for everyone’ as we could. The musical genres we will be presenting include jazz, pop, swing, Charanga, hip-hop, reggae, salsa and even opera. To experience artists of this caliber performing in a beautiful ‘under the stars’ environment, free of charge, is something that the Brunetti family and  Hialeah Park take great pride in offering to our patrons.”

Here’s the full lineup:

February 2 – The French Horn Collective: performs an eclectic variety of Gypsy Jazz, and Swing
February 9 – Mr. Haka and the Cuban Hipsters:  the name says it all
February 16 – Apache Dragon: returns to the Fountain Terrace for a second time
February 23 – Norbeto & Marisela Orchestra: traditional Cuban folkloric music and Hialeah Park favorites
*March 2 – Roberto Torres – living Cuban music legend best know for his classic “Caballo Viejo”
March 9 – Itawe of Locos Por Juana: front man from popular Latin reggae / Cumbia act
March 16 – Electric Piquete: award-winning Latin funk / fusion band from Hialeah
March 23 – Yusa: Cuban singer and songwriter whose specialty is a fusion of jazz and trova
March 30 – Ailyn Dallera: Miami’s timba princess and winner of the SING LIKE GLORIA contest
April 6 – Los Herederos:  percussion-heavy Cuban group featuring two members of the Grammy-nominated groups PALO!
April 13 – Ricky Valido: Hialeah’s own Country music star
April 20 – Jose Fajardo, Jr.:  son of the legendary leader of the Cuban orchestra Fajardo y Sus Estrellas and “Flute King” Jose Fajardo.
April 27 – Yoli Mayor: explosively talented singer and songwriter based in Miami, recent finalist on America’s Got Talent

Food trucks will be curated by Cuban Guys, who will also have their mobile unit present. Hialeah Park is located at 100 East 32nd Street, Hialeah, FL 33013. For more information, please visit www.HialeahPark.com.

###

ABOUT HIALEAH PARK 

 Hialeah Park began making history in 1922 as the Miami Kennel Club, the first pari-mutuel greyhound track in America, founded by Missouri cattleman James Bright and aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. In early 1925, the newly renamed Hialeah Park opened for thoroughbred racing over a one-mile dirt track.

Today Hialeah Park is home to a state-of-the-art casino, which began operations in August of 2013. It features 800 Las Vegas-style slot machines, electronic roulette and blackjack, South Florida’s most popular poker room, several restaurants and cocktail lounges, and seasonal quarter horse racing.

Champions Simulcast Center and Sports Bar, on the second floor of the iconic Clubhouse, is open year-round, offering bettors world-class horse racing action from across the United States.

Newly redesigned space is available for weddings, quinces, and special events. The park’s vast outdoor space is also available for events. An official corporate partner of the University of Miami, Hialeah Park is listed as an Audubon Bird Sanctuary and is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places.

With entrances at 100 East 32nd Street and 2200 East 4th Avenue, Hialeah Park is easily accessible from all major Miami highways. The landmark venue is conveniently located just minutes by car from Miami International Airport, South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and Doral.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Michael Mut Frank Fiore
Mut Communications
Founder		 Hialeah Park
VP of Entertainment
786.426.2277 305.885.8000, ext. 7446
info@mutcomm.com ffiore@hialeahpark.com

* Please note the March 2nd date has been updated; it was previously held by The Habana Boys.

7th Annual Virginia Key Grassroots Fest Feb. 21-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7th Annual Virginia Key Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance Returns to Virginia Key Beach Park and the City of Miami February 21-25, 2018

Miami, FL — January 17, 2017 — The Virginia Key Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance is pleased to announce the lineup for their 7th annual event taking place February 21 – 25, 2018 at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and throughout the City of Miami.  With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the festival will host camping at the island starting Tuesday and nightly events at different venues around the city of Miami Wednesday through Friday before moving all programming to the island Saturday and Sunday.

Featuring a stellar and diverse array of talent this year’s lineup includes Grassroots favorites Big Mean Sound Machine, Locos Por Juana, Uma Galera and The Blind Spots alongside a large array of Miami-based talent including Elastic Bond, Fabi World Music Experience, Tamboka and Electric Piquete among many others.

“We feel very fortunate and grateful to once again share Grassroots Festival’s values of bringing world music and culture to new audiences while creating environments that inspire creativity and foster community building with the vibrant musical community of Miami,” says festival visionary and long time curator Jordan Puryear. “This year we are excited to partially return the focus to the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park with camping all week and by staging the legendary Grassroots Festival Dance Tent to host music all weekend Saturday to Sunday after immersing attendees in the colorful nightlife of Miami during the week.”

Along with music, the festival also showcases non-profit political, social and environmental activist organizations along with wellness workshops, yoga and beach activities on Saturday and Sunday.

For tickets and more information head to virginiakeygrassrootsfest.com.

VIRGINIA KEY GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL LINEUP

 

Big Mean Sound Machine
Locos Por Juana
Uma Galera
Bella’s Bartok
Elastic Bond
Cortadito
Fabi World Music Experience
Ephniko
Tamboka
Electric Piquete
Lobo Marino
Nag Champayons
Afrobeta
JUke
The Blind Spots
Medicine Hat Band
Tenzin Chopak
Jose Albizo & Soulroots Jazz
Pepe Montes Conjunto

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

Russ Friedell
Russ@mammothmusicgroup.com
607-437-9326

Michael Mut
info@mutcomm.com
786-426-2277

Deadphish Debut at Guanabanas 1/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Deadphish Orchestra Debut at Guanabanas January 25

Colorado-based jam band pays homage to two of the finest in the genre during a free show in North Palm Beach

 

Jupiter, FL – January 9, 2018 – Question: what do you get when you mix the earthy, folksy, bluesy approach of the Grateful Dead with the funky prog of Phish? Answer: the Deadphish Orchestra! Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar will host the powerhouse improvisational quartet from Colorado on Thursday, January 25, beginning at 9 p.m. There is no cover, and 21 and over are welcome. Guanabanas is located on the Loxahatchee River and near the Jupiter Inlet, at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Above all, DPO are made up of four good friends who are also entrepreneurs, featuring three former members of the Phish tribute band Phix, who toured extensively in the 2000s: Paul Murim, guitar / vocals, Ted Tilton (keyboards / vocals), Brian Adams, bass / vocals, and Chris Sheldon (drums / vocals). By the band’s formation in 2009, they had all played the music of both the Dead and Phish together, but the challenge they decided to take on then was to merge the two.

“It’s no secret that jam bands play well to the loyal Guanabanas music fan,” says Talent Buyer Matt Cahur. “Deadphish are clearly one of the top of the Grateful Dead / Phish tribute acts around, so we expect the show to be an incredibly amazing experience for the audience.” Cahur also heads Roots Music, Inc., a Jupiter-based, 20-year music management and promotions company. He and the Guanabanas host an annual Jerry Garcia concert on or near the late guitarist’s birthday

DPO will be touring the state of Florida during the month of January, with scheduled stops including Jacksonville, Dunedin, Miami, Key West, Boca Raton, and St. Petersberg, in addition to Jupiter. They maintain an extensive digital library of audio and video recordings of their incendiary live shows. To access the collection and for more information about the band, please visit www.DeadPhishOrchestra.com.

Interestingly, the band does a fair amount of wedding gigs. They can cover everything that influenced the Dead, from Motown, blues, folk and jazz, as well as the standard repertoire of the two main bands that make up the DNA of DPO. They even custom learn songs they don’t already know, outside of the realm of jam / improv.

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 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

Road to Afro Roots Begins in Jupiter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Afro Roots World Music Festival Launches 20th Anniversary Celebration at Guanabanas 

Free Road to Afro Roots Kickoff Concerts represent festival’s first events in Palm Beach County, feature Sanba Zao, Cortadito and the Nag Champayons


Jupiter, FL – January 8, 2018 – Fine China may be the traditional 20th anniversary swag, but this year, Community Arts and Culture will be giving fans the gift of world music in three counties. The Afro Roots World Music Festival will launch its 20th edition Friday, January 26th at Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar (960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477), featuring two days of live world music. This year’s edition of the festival will feature more than 50 international and local acts from all over the world, in venues located as far south as Key West.

Haiti’s Sanba Zao will perform Friday, January 26, beginning at 9 p.m.; Cuban folkloric masters Cortadito plays 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, January 27, with Miami’s Afrogalactic / Tropidelic funksters the Nag Champayons performing that same day at 9 p.m. All three performances are free and open to the public, with 21 and over welcome to the evening sets.

Named one of “South Florida’s Ten Best Music Festivals” by the Miami New Times in August, Afro Roots will also showcase Sun Ra Arkestra and Morikeba Kouyate April 7 at the Miami Beach Bandshell (tickets: bit.ly/2BtQdOq), Papaloko at the Studios of Key West on May 19, and more to be announced.

“20 years is an incredible milestone and our intention to produce a festival that pushes the boundaries begins with a very special back-to-back production in North Palm Beach,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director of the Miami-based non-profit Community Arts & Culture, the organization responsible for the Afro Roots Fest. “From there, Afro Roots will travel all the way to the Florida Keys throughout the course of the next six months, making stops in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties as well.”

“We’re excited about bringing the world music experience to our music fans here in the Jupiter area,” says Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “Given the popularity of our Noche Latina series, the past successes of Cortadito and the Nags here at Guanabanas, and the always-positive reception to our roots and reggae events, I believe Afro Roots Fest will be a smash.” Cahur also heads Roots Music, Inc., a Jupiter-based, 20-year music management, production and promotions company.

Master drummer and Haitian roots music legend Sanba Zao, born Louis Lesly Marcelin, is also a professor at L’Ecole National des Arts, Haiti’s national arts school. He has devoted his life to teaching and promoting the culture and music of Haiti, and to this end, runs an elementary school called the Bazilo Ecole Communautairei, which was one of the first to reopen after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Sanba Zao has also worked with Group Sa, Foula Jazz, and Djakata.

Cortadito’s specialty is performing traditional Cuban music from the early 20th century. The group transports listeners back to a time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world.  They faithfully perform standards in the stylings known as Son Montuno, Guaracha, Bolero, Nengon, and Bolero Son. Cortadito is occasionally 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 are Miami’s standard bearers in terms of psychedelic music, showcasing their unique creativity, messaging and collaborative since their inception in 2003. A heady and infectious single “Brazilian LSD”, issued in 2016, 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 process of readying new music for release. For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com.

For more information, please visit www.afrorootsfest.com or call 786.218.6854.

###

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.

For more information, visit www.communityartsandculture.org.

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