Miami’s RumSanders releases debut single “Revolutionary”

Independent hip-hop artist puts drops new track from his EternalFellas imprint ahead of 1983 full-length

Miami, FL – June 29, 2021 – RumSanders is 2021’s breakthrough hip hop artist coming straight out of Richmond Heights, Florida. The rapper’s inaugural single is a dynamic lyrical commentary driven by a bass and piano groove influenced by R&B, soul, reggae and dancehall. It comes in advance of his full-length debut called 1983, which are both being carried by his label called EternalFellas. Click here to preview, stream and download it now.

About “Revolutionary”, the artist offers: “I feel awesome – it’s a beautiful thing, a message that I feel like needs to get across with so much going on. It is the right time to really relate.” He lists Tupac Shakur as his biggest influence (“He’s the head of it all.”) and ran the point for the Southridge High basketball team as an outlet to express his emotions. So, Sanders is no stranger to bright lights and crowds, but his talent for writing lyrics led to a more supreme calling.

Sanders came of age musically in the 90s, starting to write and perform at the age of 10.  Inspired by his mother, a singer named Juliette Middleton who introduced Sanders to the sounds of Prince, Muddy Waters, The Beatles and Bob Marley, and his father Andre Sanders, who turned his life around from the streets to the church and community, Sanders understood the healing power of words.

“Revolutionary” is a high energy, political and passionate expression of society’s problems. Razor sharp lyrics are unapologetic, combined with a beat and optimism rooted in island culture – Sanders’ paternal grandparents were Bahamian – creating a sound that is authentic and addictive. For Sanders, every track tells a story, and he has plenty more to write. 

The track was produced Cei (Clientele), recorded at Cei Studios in Miami, and the lyrics were penned by Sanders. The voice heard at the end is legendary Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton.

For more information, visit facebook.com/RumSanders.

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Mayor Manny Cid unveils original Grisell Gajano mural for 305 Vox Populi podcast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Miami Lakes Town Hall graced with artwork by local artist for collaborative webcast that helps train area students

Miami Lakes, FL, June 22, 2021 – The phrase “Vox Populi – the Voice of the People” has been with Town of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid since his days as a legislative aid in Tallahassee in the 2000s. A refrain often used by a roommate when referring to the public comments section of a bill, it is now the name of his weekly podcast, which is produced with the help of a class of media production students from nearby Mater Lakes Academy. The mayor recently unveiled a stunningly beautiful original piece of mural art by local artist Grisell Gajano that now serves as the backdrop for the video cameras used to produce it.

“I’m a big believer that you constantly have to reinvent yourself, to keep moving forward,” says Mayor Cid. “If not, one becomes stagnant. Last year, I thought ‘What is a good way to share great stories from people in our community, the stories that don’t get shared enough?’” Cid next enlisted the help of Mater’s Digital Marketing Coordinator Luis Perez, and a staff of 10 students got to work producing the show, which streams from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Amazingly, demand for the class has skyrocketed to 100 students for the 2021-22 school year.

“I tried to make it a symbol of our community with all of its colors and flavors, combining them with our ever-present palm trees,” says Gajano. “It’s called Love to reflect the feeling, inclusivity, and the American Sign Language word embedded in the piece.” Gajano has collaborated with the Town of Miami Lakes before, creating an original work that still graces a wall at Royal Oaks Park, a piece called Que Siga la Tradición (Let the Tradition Continue). Says the artist: “Mayor Cid must’ve remembered my work from before because he called and asked if I’d be interested in creating one for the podcast.”

Notable Vox Populi guests include Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, Harry Wayne Casey from KC and the Sunshine Band, North Miami Beach Mayor Anthony DeFillipo, Power 96’s Lucy Lopez, and boxer Ulysses Diaz.Mayor Cid hopes to gain wider distribution on Amazon and Spotify soon, and someday get the show on a local cable channel.

He credits his assistant Joseph Sosa for being the glue guy. “We’re blessed to have this all come together.”  A public school educator and guidance counselor, Gajano has also painted murals in Wynwood and the Leah Arts District. See more of her art here.

For more information, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov.

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Michael Mut
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Cortadito Announce Residency at Jerry & Joes Pizza in Hialeah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hialeah, FL – June 16, 2021 – Having grown up nearby in Hialeah, Cortadito founder Jose Elias frequented the Jerry & Joes Pizza location on West 68th Street and 17th Avenue. This has created a full-circle moment for the musician, composer, and co-founder of the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” for 2019, as the band will now be appearing at the restaurant located at 1772 W 68th St, in the El Paraiso Shopping Plaza, once a month through September. The shows are free and open to the public, run 12 noon to 2 p.m., and attendees can enjoy free pizza during the event.

“It’s always great to get a chance to play in my hometown of Hialeah, and now thanks to the good people at Jerry & Joes, even better that it is at one of the places I used to frequent as a kid,” says Elias, who sings and plays the tres in Cortadito. “We look forward to entertaining guests and highly encourage people to support this wonderful local business that has been part of the community for more than 60 years.” The band will be playing just outside the restaurant on the following dates:

June 19
July 17
August 21
September 18

Elias founded the traditional Cuban folk band alongside Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet in November of 2011. An instant success, the duo soon released their debut CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012. They subsequently expanded their roster by adding several notable musicians, and quickly became festival favorites, performing at the Fingerlakes, Shakori Hills, and Miami GrassRoots Festivals, the Florida Folk Fest, the Carnival on the Mile, and others. In 2018, the band released an EP titled Canciones de Julio.

Since 1957 Jerry and Joes has been delivering generations of homemade recipes to the homes of your neighbors. Born in Selerano, Italy (1904), ltalo (Jerry) Barone moved to the United States at the young age of 16. In 1957, Miami residents came to know “The Reef”, located on Biscayne Blvd. Jerry and his lovely wife, Mary found a partner and a friend, Joe. In 1978 Jerry & Joe’s Pizza was purchased by the Cruz family, who still own and operate the restaurants in the same traditional way that Jerry did.

For more information about the restaurant chain, visit JerryandJoes.com. More details about the band can be found at CortaditoSon.com.

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Mut Communications
Michael Mut
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Photo by Luis Olazabal

Jose Elias’ Everglades Songbook Suite to Premiere on Crowdcast for Make Music Miami Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Arts & Culture and Live Arts Miami to facilitate HD webcast on June 21, 2021, 7:30 p.m. ET

Miami, FL – June 9, 2021 – Grammy-nominated musician and composer Jose Elias, co-founder and tres player for Cuban folk band Cortadito, and long-time guitarist of the Spam Allstars and the Nag Champayons, is also a 2016 Artist in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) fellow. The creative and artistic fruit of his time in the River of Grass is called the Everglades Songbook Suite (ESS), and an audio / visual production of the project will be webcast for free during Make Music Miami Day – June 21, 2021 – beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The free screening will originate from www.crowdcast.io.

“This video presentation focuses on the spirit of collaboration,” says Elias. “I invited fellow musicians to join me at the park to perform songs that resonate with the true essence of what the Everglades represents. Thanks to Live Arts Miami and AIRIE we were able to complete the first multimedia phase of the project. It’s only fitting that we chose World Music Day June 21st to present this film, which was brilliant captured by Randy Valdez and Guillermo Rodriguez.”

The ESS is a collection of compositions and soundscapes that celebrates the sights and sounds of the Florida Everglades by juxtaposing a stunning variety of acoustic instruments with field recordings. They were captured by the artist while in residency at Everglades National Park.  A magical and unique portal into our native habitat, the piece focuses on our connection to nature, the flora and fauna of our increasingly threatened, precious ecosystems, and explores the concept of interspecies communication through music and sound art. 

An illuminating project from one of the leading Miami-based voices in contemporary music. ESS is and immersive audiovisual celebration that captures the sights and sounds of this one-of-a-kind jewel in North America, and the world.

ABOUT JOSE ELIAS AND COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
A professional musician for more than 30 years, Elias earned his Grammy nomination with 2005’s Masters of Cuban Son which he performed on as part of Conjunto Progreso. He is also the executive and artistic director for the non-profit organization Community Arts & Culture, which just completed a 23rd season of curating the award-winning and multi-county Afro Roots Fest. He also heads and produces artists for the label Afro Roots Recordings. Learn more at JoseEliasMusic.com.

ABOUT LIVE ARTS MIAMI

Live Arts Miami is one of the city’s oldest and boldest performing arts series: an action-driven, people-centered platform for powerful performances, impactful community programs, and learning experiences that spark dialogue, raise awareness around pressing issues, and open minds and hearts in all who take part. For more information, please visit liveartsmiami.org and follow @liveartsmiami on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.

Those interested in catch the webcast are encouraged to register on the Crowdcast site by clicking bit.ly/ESSMDC. For more information, visit liveartsmiami.org.

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

Browner Sound Unveils the Zurich 69 Swiss Equalizer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Small business now manufacturing and selling classic EQ modeled after a legendary console, in addition to specializing in professional recording equipment repair and restoration

Hialeah, FL – June 8, 2021 – Omar Garcia is a singer-songwriter / multi-instrumentalist who is probably best known for fronting a power-pop outfit called The Brand in the 2000s and 2010s, which drew major label interest and toured the United States and the UK extensively. In 2017, he founded Browner Sound, a Hialeah-based boutique repair shop dedicated to repairing and restoring pro-audio electronics and is now branching out into manufacturing studio preamps, EQ’s, compressors and effects. 

Browner Sound has just started fulfilling orders for the all-new Browner Zurich 69, a classic EQ design based on Swiss consoles of the 70’s and 80’s reimagined for the API 500-series format.  

“As a gear head, I decided to build modern versions of classic equipment so engineers, myself included, can own coveted units that are either unavailable or unaffordable. Over the next year we expect to offer new versions of classic pieces including units inspired by vintage TASCAM, MCI and Studer reel-to-reels, preamps influenced by Quad–Eight, Opamp Labs and Auditronics as well as original designs,” says Garcia. “What usually costs over $900 for a single second-hand preamp to be purchased, restored and adapted for modern use by a technician is now available for $650 from Browner.”

With three versions of the Browner Zurich 69 EQ available, engineers and producers have their choice:

• The “Modern” features a focus on clarity and transparency. This version leverages the same world-class op-amps found in the most famous British consoles. It is an excellent choice for ultra-accurate tracking, mixing and mastering.

• The “Classic” is fitted with the same op-amps found in the original 1970’s Swiss consoles, delivering smooth and warm tones, softening high-end brashness from drum cymbals, electric guitars and digital audio. It is ideal for mix-bus and individual tracking when a vintage vibe is preferred.

• The “Discrete” adds dimensionality and depth, bringing energy to mixes. Loaded with custom 2520-style discrete op-amps, it brings mixes forward with punchy lows, rich mids and silky air.  It is designed for high-impact tracking, mixing and mastering.

All three include a selectable high shelf (8kHz, 10kHz and 12kHz settings), a selectable low shelf (20Hz, 60Hz and 120Hz), and a sweepable mid-range swinging from 150 Hz to 7kHz. Each band offers +/- 15 dB gain and all versions include a 45Hz lowcut filter.

Garcia is a single father of a little boy, and is raising two others with his partner Naomi Lopez, who is also part of the Browner crew. The Brand enjoyed a stint on the popular Vans Warped Tour and released several popular self-made videos, including one for their single “Christmas Day”.

Buyers can save $100 when purchasing any matched pair. For more information, visit www.BrownerSound.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
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info@mutcomm.com

Afro Roots Fest Returns to Islamorada Memorial Day Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Florida Keys Brewing Company and the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District to once again host the award-winning world music concert series

Islamorada, FL, May 11, 2021 — The 23rd season of the award-winning Afro Roots Fest makes a second run to the Florida Keys on Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, 2021 to the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036). The event will feature live music on both days by JUke and Electric Piquete  (Saturday), and Electric Kif and the Nag Champayons (Sunday), beginning at 6 p.m. both days. All ages are welcome and a donation of $10 will earn attendees an official festival swag item.  

“It feels good to finally bring the festival back to Islamorada after a year where much of the musical programming in the Florida Keys was cancelled,” says festival founder and musical curator Jose Elias, who also serves as the executive director for the presenting non-profit organization Community Arts and Culture (CAC). 

“Our thanks go to the Florida Keys Brewing Co., Keys ICE, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.” Elias is also the co-founder and guitar player in the Nag Champayons, one of the festival’s featured performers. 

Here is the complete Islamorada schedule / lineup:

JUke and Electric Piquete (May 29)

Electric Kif and Nag Champayons (May 30)

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 Orange Blossom Jamboree. Learn more at jukepostblues.com.

Electric Piquete is a two-time Miami New TimesBest of Miami “Best Latin Band” award-winning Latin funk outfit. The band has played virtually all major events in South Florida, and their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them: from rock to jazz, funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. Though mostly instrumental, the band does feature vocals and rapping on several numbers; a tight rhythm section and heavy percussion supports melodious horn play. More details available at ElectricPiquete.com.

Electric Kif are a Miami-based power quartet that explore the boundaries between rock, jazz fusion and electronic drum & bass. Made up of bassist Rodrigo Zambrano, keyboardist Jason Matthews, drummer Armando Lopez and guitarist Eric Escanes, the “Kif” describe their music as “post-nuclear,” a dynamic mash of hard hitting groove, high octane riffs and cosmic melody. Their powerful live show brings an unparalleled energy and sound to the stage and displays a new experience every night. More: electrickif.com.

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. Visit NagChampayons.com for more information.

For more information, visit floridakeysbrewingco.com or call 305-664-9722. Check www.AfroRootsFest.com for updates; more information about CAC is available at www.CommunityArtsandCulture.org. 

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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 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 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.

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

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

Afro Roots Fest ft. Venezonix, Vanya Allen and DJ Le Spam at Doral Yard Saturday, 5/15, 5:30 p.m.

MEDIA ALERT

Award-winning world music festival in its 23rd year to feature Venezonix, Vanya Allen and DJ Le Spam

Doral, FL – May 5, 2021 – There will be something for all types of music lovers come Saturday, May 15, 2021 as the Afro Roots Fest makes a stop at the Doral Yard and showcases Afro-Venezuelan electronica by Venezonix, soul and R&B from Vanya Allen and the DJ Le Spam Bus Experience All ages are welcome to this free event coming May 15 to Downtown Doral, and attendees are encouraged to wear a mask and keep socially distanced.

Founded by Elastic Bond’s keyboardist / producer Andres Ponce, Venezonix combines traditional Afro-Venezuelan rhythms with futuristic beats; new EP La Que Es is out now. Allen is a performance artist, educator, and linguist from West Palm Beach known known for performing original music and covers in a wide range of genres as a solo artist and with her group, The Bandoh. Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam spins all manner of genres, from Miami funk to soul, salsa to world music, and everything in between. 

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space designed to foster local entrepreneurship and culture, created by the Yard Hospitality and Place Projects teams. Expanding on The Wynwood Yard concept, the venue brings culinary delights, live entertainment, and round-the-clock events to Downtown Doral. 

This event is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Doral Yard.

For more information and for the full festival lineup, visit AfroRootsFest.com. 

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

Jim Camacho Performs Benefit Concert for Luna Star Café May 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami singer / songwriter returns to live action for the first time in more than a year, aims to help popular North Miami listening house / coffee shop / restaurant

North Miami, FL – May 4, 2021 – Miami singer / songwriter Jim Camacho’s first performance since the pandemic turned the world upside down is happening Friday, May 21, 2021 for a good cause. The show will benefit the host venue, the Luna Star Café, located at 775 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161, and the performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. It will feature the artist performing his fan-favorite release / record Beachfront Defeat from cover to cover, plus a career-spanning set with some special virtual guests and surprises.   

“I’m looking forward to my first live show in a long time, and I’m happy to have it at Luna Star,” says Camacho. “It’s a place that has managed to survive this insanity but needs help to stay afloat.” He has performed there numerous times as a solo artist, both unaccompanied and with his Jim Camacho Band. All ages are welcome to the May 21 benefit concert, however, capacity is limited, and tickets will be available at the door on a sliding scale starting at $10. 

Camacho has been tirelessly working on music during the pandemic, finishing a full-length Americana record, a new acoustic album, and a record with his old band The Goods. He has just directed a production of his children’s musical Digging for Bones, for which he wrote the book, music, and lyrics. Also, Jim had been performing weekly livestream concerts on Facebook for a large part of 2020. 

Jim released “When the World Stops Spinning” in August of 2020, serving as testament to the need for resolve and resilience even in the worst of times. The song features musical support from Ana Cristina Cash, Dave Daeger, Ira Dean, Caitlin Evanson, Justin Johnson, RickLonow, Jodi Marr, Mike Webb and Justin Moses, and was produced by John Carter Cash at The Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, TN.  It followed “Going on Faith”, which was issued in the spring. 

A livestream will be simulcast on the artist’s Facebook page, and donations will be taken electronically as well through this GoFundMe page. 

For more information, visit www.JimCamacho.com.

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ABOUT JIM CAMACHO 

As co-founder (with his brother John) of the legendary Miami band The Goods, Camacho first attracted national attention through a series of albums that allowed the band to work with legendary producer Tom Dowd, sharing stages with the likes of PearlJam, The Smithereens, Cracker and Matthew Sweet, and reaping any number of accolades in the process. Since then, Camacho’s enjoyed a prolific solo career that’s included a number of memorable albums and EPs. In addition, his music featured in films, documentaries and television soundtracks, and high profile live performances that have taken him to any number of prestigious musical venues, including the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, New York’s Radio City Music Hall and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. He’s played the West Coast and the U.K. and has also had the distinction of touring with Alicia Keys, John Legend, Linda Perhacs, and Zascha Moktan. 

Camacho has also made his mark in the theatrical world with efforts that have included such well-received original productions as “Fools’ Paradise”, “Guru”, “MOUSE KING”, “The Cavie Islanders and the Troll”, “Mickey Herman Saves the $#&@ World” and, most recently, “Digging For Bones” – all critically acclaimed musicals, many that found him, Directing, and writing the book, music and lyrics.

Indeed, Camacho’s prolific prowess extends to spotlighting other artists as well. His YouTube series “Adventures in Songwriting” initiated in 2019, finds him working with a series of special guests and then writing a song in tandem within the program’s 30 minute timeframe. The songs were released as an EP that included collaborations between Camacho and such seminal South Florida talents as Fernando Perdomo, Charlie Pickett, Elsten Torres, Rob Elba, and the bands Ex–Norwegian and Deaf Poets. The Miami Herald’s Howard Cohen described the special release show as “Good fun and a testament to the power of inspired songwriting.”

For more information, visit www.JimCamacho.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
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Skunkape Headquarters Hosts Swamp Rally April 24 and 25 at Trail Lakes Campground

MEDIA ALERT

Event will feature motorcycles, live music, food and beer vendors, Skunkape merchandise, and more

Ochopee, FL – April 13, 2021 – The legendary Skunkape Headquarters is hosting their inaugural Motorcycle Swamp Rally on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2021 at the Trail Lakes Campground (40904 Tamiami Trail US 41, Ochopee, FL 34141), from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The free, family-friendly event will be held at the 30-acre camping site nestled between Miami and Naples on the Tamiami Trail / U.S. Highway 41.

Featured on NationalGeographic and the SmithsonianMagazine, the Skunkape Headquarters is run by renown skunkape expert Dave Shealy, offers guided tours, houses a zoo, and sells officially licensed merchandise, including the new line of BBQ and hot sauces. The Airboat Club is conducting a fundraiser for their non-profit, as is Everglades Conservation and Sportsman’s Club, who are raising funds for their conservation efforts in the Big Cypress Preserve.

Numerous food, beer, and arts and crafts vendors will be present at the event, including Viking Customs Motorcycle Repair Shop, Red Woman CBD, Iona’s Frybread, Victoria Osceola’s Seminole Arts & Crafts, Buffalo Tiger Airboat Rides, and renown python hunter Dustin Crum aka “Wildman” from Discovery Channel’s show “Guardians of the Glades”.

The live entertainment schedule is as follows:

April 24th:

Southern Stampede | Noon – 3 p.m.

Raiford Starke | 3 – 6 p.m. 

April 25th:

Third Wheel (pictured below) | Noon – 3 p.m.

Southern Stampede | 3 – 6 p.m. 

DJ Monsta host of Bike Night Broward will MC and DJ between the bands.

For event camping and vendor spots, call 800-504-6554 or visit www.evergladescamping.net. There is a larger rally / event planned in for October.

For more information about the Skunkape, visit skunkape.info. 

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

Agape Featuring Nadia Harris Release “Time is Now / From Illusion to Realization and Letting Go” Video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Director Erick Paredes’ short film serves as a psychedelic reminder not to wait for the perfect time

Miami, FL – April 1, 2021 – Released on December 6, 2020, the dystopian, environmental psychedelia “Time is Now” is a culmination of a vision that began nearly a decade ago. Animator and director Erick Paredes, who heads the label Sustainable Music, also produced and composed the music heard in the film, recorded along with the band Agape, which is spearheaded by Paredes and singer / songwriter Nadia Harris. Although the run time is just over 17 minutes, the short film is three separate music videos woven together and serves as a poignant commentary about current events such as the theme of manipulation by the mass media. However, hemmed together, the three are a complete manifestation.

“The first thing I would like the audience to get from it is an introduction to the band and the project,” says Paredes. “Our message is that of one love and harmony, which are the highest feelings and vibrations we have experienced though music and in life. It has always been about being ourselves and embracing our truth and essence. It is about empowering ourselves and others through the creative process, sound, and the arts. Our message.” The idea of making music videos has been an integral part of the band’s creative process from the start, and this project is a continuation of that ethos.

Time is Now is equal parts Spy vs. Spy and Brave New World, is heavy on the HegelianDialectic, and touches on themes of social engineering, propaganda, mind control, and the old socio-political tactic of divide and conquer. What begins as a black and white study on surveillance and digital privacy, ends in a stunningly beautiful, shamanistic release set on the River of Grass. Along for the trip, the viewer travels through Toronto, a favela in Brazil, and winds up in the Florida Everglades. By it Paredes suggests the game is rigged and urges viewers to break free. The downtime afforded by the pandemic allowed for the project to be completed.

The first song and clip featured in the film is “She Really Likes It” begins at the 2:40 mark and represents the “illusion” part of the voyage. This video and segment of the film was directed by Ryan Furlong in Toronto. The song is shot in black and white (reminiscent of film noir) and also in color. The video starts by Nadia ingesting an “A” administered by a Jester/Joker like figure who we see through the whole film. The video has this Alice in Wonderland feel and explores the theme of whether “she really likes it”, which at first seems like a sexual suggestion, but a deeper meaning is revealed at a closer listen and within the context of the film.

The clip ends with a scene leading to the next video that encompasses current events, such as the isolation everyone is feeling due to the pandemic and echoing the social unrest of last summer’s Black Lives Matter and other protests. The music highlights the vocal talents of Harris, while the up-tempo / retro / mod-ish song also showcases the multi-national band that is Agape.

The dub / reggae of the second song in the trilogy of “If Love” at 7:15 marks switch to color and manifests the “realization” part of the journey. The visuals feature the children of Projeto Final Feliz and Dreams Can Be Foundation, and is dedicated to the memory of Marcelo Yuka, the late legendary Brazilian drummer who collaborated with Paredes who along with Christine Clauser helped to facilitate the shoot in Brazil. This segment also echoes the theme of surveillance, and at the end triggers a cinematic “system error” and ushers in the “letting go” passage at 13:33, and was directed by Ryan Furlong.

The viewer, now free from psychological programming and the confines of the past, is welcomed to the final “Row” segment by a vivid color explosion. This musical and visual culmination, set to an electronic dub exploration, celebrates the diversity and vastness of life, and the sanctity of indigenous culture, exploring the Everglades landscape via Tigertail Airboat Tours.

The visuals and the music again work to great effect to discernably transports the observer through a moving canvas. This segment and the collaboration with Executive Producer Houston Cypress was born of the process of Paredes trying to secure passage on an airboat and access to Miccosukee tribal lands. The results were not just the video for “Row”, but the partnership that eventually produced the trilogy, and a 2013 award at the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. 

Paredes continues: “At the end of all of these ideas and subject matter, the trilogy culminates with ‘Row’, where the premise is to look within, towards the center. To question and let go of the game that is and has been clearly rigged, and to look towards nature and our ancestral guides for harmony, balance, and health for the individual and the whole.” He offers that the piece is a blessing to all. 

Time is Now is a warm up to bring to attention to the release of a series of new singles and videos the band is cooking up, an invitation for viewers to join them in an evolving story that is happening now, and reflects the times. “We would like to build and vitalize our following in anticipation of our next song and video, which is called “Love Me Like I Am”, and explores identifying the cycles of trans generation abuse and trauma we all carry.”

Paredes is planning to celebrate the release here in South Florida once conditions allow for a safe gathering of large groups. He is also planning to mint and sell a very limited quantity of NFT art from the imagery found in the film to continue funding this evolving body of work, and help with the preservation of the Everglades. More details are forthcoming.

For more information and to view the film now, visit sustainablemusic.com. 

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Michael Mut
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