All ages concert features Bahiano (Argentina), Gondwana (Chile), Bachaco (Venezuela), and Inner Circle (Jamaica) plus special guests Gomba Jahbari (Puerto Rico), Mulato (Venezuela), and more
MEDIA ALERT
Miami Beach, FL – September 6, 2022 – The Feel Good Music Fest 2022 is an event that combines live music, gastronomy and nature and hosted at Miami Beach’s premier oceanside home for music, arts, and culture, the Miami Beach Bandshell(7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141).
The 1300 person-capacity theater will feature the Feel Good Music Fest in its 4th edition, previously known as the Miami Beach Reggae Fest, presenting a concert loaded with good music from local, national and internationally-acclaimed music acts on September 18, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. Scheduled to appear are:
Since 2014 the Feel Good Music Fest has sought to include a broader audience as the only festival in the region to showcase top Latin and Caribbean stars steps from the highly sought-after sands and water of Miami Beach. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a day on the water plus a sunset and live music under the stars on Miami’s “Best Venue for Locals” according to the Miami New Times.”
In its previous editions renowned Latin & Caribbean Artists that have graced their stages are Doctor Krapula (Colombia), Gondwana (Chile), LosRabanes (Panama) LagunaPai (Peru), Ojode Buey (Costa Rica), Alika (Uruguay), JohnnyDread (Cuba), Sudakaya (Ecuador), Tarmac (Colombia), ReggaeLou (USA) among others.
In 2022 they continue the tradition of supporting Latin and Caribbean artists to highlight the Diversity of our Community and Feel Good Music Fest welcomes the support of all sponsors, vendors, volunteers and artists who wish to help spread the love and awareness of music in all its forms.
Miami nonprofit to host an eclectic evening of live music and fundraising in Downtown Doral
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Miami, FL – September, 1 2022 – For nearly two decades, Community Arts and Culture’s (CAC) mission has been to foster an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of cultures through the universal language of music. Over the years, the organization has produced a variety of festivals, workshops, and lectures accessible to people all ages and social backgrounds. Ultimately, CAC has been able to fulfill this mission by presenting the arts as a tool for education. The event at The Doral Yard Saturday, September 24, 2022 will celebrate this milestone.
All ages are welcome to a free concert at 8455 NW 53rd St Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166 featuring Cortadito (Cuba), Electric Piquete, (Cuba / Puerto Rico / U.S.A.), and Grupo Barrio Abajo (Colombia) beginning at 5 p.m. The evening will coincide with Coradito’s monthly residency and also serve as a Hispanic Heritage Month and end-of-summer celebration for the local community.
“It has been a wonderful 20 years of sharing the healing power of music,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “For us, the biggest reward has been seeing the joy on people’s faces after they’ve been to one of our events. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the community, and are looking forward to the next 20 years.” Elias also co-founded Cortadito, which is in the midst of a 10th anniversary celebration.
Named after a favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito plays a mesh of son montuno, guaracha, boleros, nengon and bolero son that will transport listeners to the time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piñeiro ruled the air waves. The group has been joined on stage by world-renowned flutist Nestor Torres, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, and toured with Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club. This show will feature special guest Tomas Diaz, and Dr. Chad Bernstein from the famed group Spam Allstars. CortaditoSon.com
The two-time Miami New Times “Best Latin Band” (2009 and 2015) Electric Piquete are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz and spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive, and R&B.They have played virtually all major events in South Florida, as well as several on the major festival circuit, including the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music Arts & Dance, the Orange Blossom Jamboree, and Afro Roots Fest. The band is currently ensconced in the studio recording a full-length album and is celebrating their 15th year together. Learn more at ElectricPiquete.com.
Group Barrio Abajo seeks to raise international awareness of the folkloric musical heritage of the Caribbean Colombia by presenting styles such as cumbia, bullerengue, porro, chandé, and more than 30 other unparalleled musical rhythms. Globally, their home country is known for cumbia and vallenato, but these are just two parts of their musically diverse heritage. Barrio Abajo has performed at various editions of Afro Roots Fest, and is a regular favorite at CAC events. Learn more about them at facebook.com/GrupoBarrioAbajo.
The Doral Yard is a community gathering space designed to foster local entrepreneurship and culture offering culinary delights, live entertainment, and events. It is a 20,000-square-foot space divided into two indoor / outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard, which includes an anchor restaurant, Barbakoa by Finka. The Hub encompasses a mini-food hall, co-working space, meeting and event space and a full bar; The Backyard is an outdoor entertainment and culinary space walled by plants and trees with a larger stage for live music and cultural performances, as well as a grassy turf area for gathering and dancing. TheDoralYard.com
In addition, CAC will launch a membership fundraising campaign to celebrate and commemorate their legacy of providing culturally rich programming and education to the global community. There will be various levels of giving that unlock exclusive member perks, advance event notification, and ticket discounts.
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures, and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds.
The organization is celebrating 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming.
Spam Allstars, Cortadito, Johnny Dread, Bad Apples Brass Band, Grupo Barrio Abajo and DJs Ephniko and Kumi are scheduled to perform free, all-ages concerts in three different locations on Miami Beach
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Miami, FL – August 11, 2022 – Community Arts & Culture (CAC) in partnership with the City of Miami Beach present a series of Miami Beach OnStage! performances at three different locations on three different dates. The Miami music and arts nonprofit will team up with the City of Miami Beach’s largest free outdoor performing and visual arts program to produce shows on August 19 in Lummus Park, August 26 in Collins Park Plaza and September 9 at the Normandy Fountain. All of the free concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m. and are open to both adults and children.
“We’re excited and proud to once again be collaborating with the City of Miami Beach to put on another run of Miami Beach OnStage! shows,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “The caliber of artists we will be presenting just keeps on getting better, and we appreciate the opportunity to line them up for music lovers on the beach and from beyond.” Elias plays tres (Cuban string instrument) and guitar with the SpamAllstars and Cortadito.
The following is the performance and location schedule:
August 19: Spam Allstars and DJ Kumi — Lummus Park (1130 Ocean Drive)
August 26: Cortadito and the Bad Apples Brass Band — Collins Park (2100 Collins Ave)
September 9: Johnny Dread, Grupo Barrio Abajo and DJ Ephniko — Normandy Fountain (7802 Rue Vendome)
A Latin Grammy-nominated and nationally and internationally touring band, the Spam Allstars are one of Miami’s most popular, well-known, longest-running and accomplished bands. 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 sixth and most recent full-length album is called Trans-Oceanic. Learn more at SpamAllstars.com.
Named after a favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito plays a mesh of son montuno, guaracha, boleros, nengon and bolero son that will transport listeners to the time when Trio Matamoros and Ignacio Piñeiro ruled the Cuban music world. This dynamic, Miami-based ensemble has been joined on stage by world-renowned flutist Nestor Torres, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, and toured with Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club. This show will be part of the group’s 10-year anniversary celebration. CortaditoSon.com
Born Juan Carlos Guardiola in Philadelphia, Johnny Dread spent his youth on the basketball courts of Miami and received a basketball scholarship to Florida International University (FIU). Shortly after he experienced a “majestic” transition from star athlete to professional musician. He’s since enjoyed a decadeslong run as a successful reggae music singer/songwriter, touring the world and sharing the stage with ErykahBadu, LaurynHill, IsraelVibration, AlphaBlondie, ThirdWorld, TheWailers, SteelPulse, TheMarleys and others.JohnnyDread.com
The Bad Apples Brass Band is a fun and funky New Orleans group based in South Florida. Opening and jamming with bands, including Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama, PapaGrowsFunk, GlenDavidAndrewsBand, JonCleary, Bad Apples Brass Band has brought the Crescent City sound to the area fusing an infectious street beat with the funkiest jazz and the heaviest sounds. Learn more atbadapplesbrassband.com.
Group Barrio Abajo seeks to raise international awareness of the folkloric musical heritage of the Caribbean Colombia by presenting styles such as cumbia, bullerengue, porro, chandé and more than 30 other unparalleled musical rhythms. Globally, their home country is known for cumbia and vallenato, but these are just two parts of their musically diverse heritage. Barrio Abajo performed during the 2018 edition of Afro Roots Fest Islamorada. Learn more about them here: www.facebook.com/GrupoBarrioAbajo.
In addition to DJing, Ephniko is also an MC who fronts the six-man audio/visual collective NagChampayons and leads the PataconConspiracy, which fuses hip-hop and raw lyricism with Pan-African and Latin American rhythms to create a worldbeat sound. Nicaraguan born DJ Kumi is an in-demand selector, WDNA Radio host and one half of the duo behind Brainville, a journey into the history of jazz, a so-called Utopic City where SunRa is the mayor and CharlesMingus is the chief of police.
Incorporated in September 2002, Community Arts and Culture, Inc. (CAC) is a Miami-based nonprofit organization that fosters an appreciation and understanding of a vast assortment of arts and cultures through workshops, lectures and artistic performances in local communities for individuals of all ages and social backgrounds.
The organization is celebrating 20 years of serving the community in 2022. The signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 25th season of programming.
With early voting beginning this week and Primary Day in sight, the only candidate with true educational experience makes his case to constituents
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August 8, 2022 – Miami Lakes, FL – Kevin Menendez Macki’s passion is educational leadership. It’s what has driven him since the moment he realized that he wanted to make a career out of mentoring youth. At every level he’s worked, from teacher first at Hialeah Gardens Elementary, then at Joella C. Goode Elementary, and later while serving on the Town of Miami Lakes’ Education Advisory Board, and now as Horeb Christian School principal, Kevin has been thrust into leadership roles at every stage.
“While I have a great deal of respect for my opponents and what they are campaigning on, the fact of the matter is I am the only one who has real-world experience an educator,” says Menedez Macki. “Of all the candidates, only I have truly managed a budget in an educational setting, and I believe that my experience as a teacher and an administrator will greatly benefit the students and parents I’ll be representing in District 4.”
The pillars of his campaign are as follows:
Keeping children safe by activating customized strategies, programs, and resources to ensure physical, mental and emotional safety
Supporting teachers by addressing burnout and turnover rates while providing the support needed to retain them
Enabling parental rights and involvement by pushing for adequate staffing, resources, and two-way communication to ensure they are heard and able to beactive participants in their child’s education
Elevating curriculum through obtaining funds and build learning environments where students thrive, and prioritizing programs for students with special needs and disabilities
Protecting taxpayers by ensuring budgets and resources are used wisely and taxpayers are shielded from wasteful spending
“When elected, I intend to visit each and every school in District 4 and work with administrators, teachers, and resource officers to make certain that their voices are heard and that they are getting everything they need from the district level to succeed,” he adds. “From day one I will work to better the learning environment for all students.”
His campaign has earned the endorsement of Town of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, Vice Mayor Jeffery Rodriguez, and Councilman Tony Fernandez, as well as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia, and Hialeah Annex community leader EddieSantiesteban.
August 8, 2022 – Miami Lakes, FL – Kevin Menendez Macki’s passion is educational leadership. It’s what has driven him since the moment he realized that he wanted to make a career out of mentoring youth. At every level he’s worked, from teacher first at Hialeah Gardens Elementary, then at Joella C. Goode Elementary, and later while serving on the Town of Miami Lakes’ Education Advisory Board, and now as Horeb Christian School principal, Kevin has been thrust into leadership roles at every stage.
“While I have a great deal of respect for my opponents and what they are campaigning on, the fact of the matter is I am the only one who has real-world experience an educator,” says Menedez Macki. “Of all the candidates, only I have truly managed a budget in an educational setting, and I believe that my experience as a teacher and an administrator will greatly benefit the students and parents I’ll be representing in District 4.”
The pillars of his campaign are as follows:
Keeping children safe by activating customized strategies, programs, and resources to ensure physical, mental and emotional safety
Supporting teachers by addressing burnout and turnover rates while providing the support needed to retain them
Enabling parental rights and involvement by pushing for adequate staffing, resources, and two-way communication to ensure they are heard and able to beactive participants in their child’s education
Elevating curriculum through obtaining funds and build learning environments where students thrive, and prioritizing programs for students with special needs and disabilities
Protecting taxpayers by ensuring budgets and resources are used wisely and taxpayers are shielded from wasteful spending
“When elected, I intend to visit each and every school in District 4 and work with administrators, teachers, and resource officers to make certain that their voices are heard and that they are getting everything they need from the district level to succeed,” he adds. “From day one I will work to better the learning environment for all students.”
His campaign has earned the endorsement of Town of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, Vice Mayor Jeffery Rodriguez, and Councilman Tony Fernandez, as well as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia, and Hialeah Annex community leader EddieSantiesteban.
Kevin Menendez Macki is an educator with 17 years of experience and a tireless passion for his community. To most, he is known as “Mr. Macki,” a teacher and principal that has impacted the lives of thousands of students.
Born and raised in Hialeah, FL, he attended Barry University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida International University in 2015.
He served as a teacher at Hialeah Gardens Elementary from 2005 to 2012, was a professional development liaison and teacher at Joella C. Good Elementary from 2012 to 2016, and is now the principal at Horeb Christian School.
Kevin lives in Miami Lakes with his wife and two young sons. For more information, navigate to kevinmenendezmacki.com.
Born and raised in Hialeah, FL, he attended Barry University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida International University in 2015.
He served as a teacher at Hialeah Gardens Elementary from 2005 to 2012, was a professional development liaison and teacher at Joella C. Good Elementary from 2012 to 2016, and is now the principal at Horeb Christian School.
Kevin lives in Miami Lakes with his wife and two young sons. For more information, navigate to kevinmenendezmacki.com.
New single from the Appetite for Freedom album an homage to classic Westerns and an allegory for her struggles with inner demons
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July 27, 2022 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami-based American singer, songwriter, and professional fire dancer Megan Morrison has just released a video for her “Devil Said Roam” single from the new Appetite for Freedom album. Available on her YouTube channel, the clip was produced and directed by Morrison and Tofik Aliev, and shot on location in Davie and Plantation, FL. Inspired by Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns, it stars the artist portraying a Clint Eastwood-like character.
The song is meant to be interpreted by the listener however they like, and however it fits into their own reality. For Megan, it’s the story of how she battled her demons and at one point was ready to give in to them. But something pulled her out of the depths and pushed her to keep going. There was almost a voice in her head that said, “Your story does not end here.”
“Usually in Western movies there are good guys and bad guys,” says Morrison. “In this short film the line is blurred, which is often true in reality. Who is good and who is bad? There’s almost always a story behind someone’s motive. I want to force people to look at their own narrative.” Megan credits her husband Jason Parente with helping to produce the video, as well as Donn Crothers for production and costuming, among other duties.
The song, co-written and co-produced by guitarist Tony Alarcon, opens with a thunderbolt crack, yields to said Western / Ennio Morricone vibe, then gives to a straight four on the floor mid-tempo rocker, complete with the radio-ready refrain of “You think you’re in love, but I’m not in love.” The song features a rich mixing touch, but is not overly produced, and can be classified as contemporary rock.
Megan continues: “We’ve all dealt with some kind of ‘demon’, be it addiction, anxiety, fear, self-doubt, depression, a toxic relationship, whiskey, food, etc. For me, ‘Devil Said Roam’ tells the story of a woman who was ready to give in to her demons, but not even the Devil itself would take her soul. So, she had no choice but to roam this earth to find herself. Have you found yourself yet? If not, keep looking.”
Raised in Maine and Massachusetts, Megan Morrison is classically trained and influenced by classic rock, gospel and soul. Megan studied at the UniversityofMassachusetts in Amherst, and HunterCollege in NYC. She pursued a career in musical theater on Broadway, but these days her siren-like pipes are a transcendent voice for the recovery community.
Morrison’s fire dancing skills led her to guest appearances in music videos by Pitbull, ElvisCrespo, Fuego, and onstage with Jessie J. Her new album Appetite for Freedom is dedicated to her parents, husband, and everyone on Earth, “because we all struggle with something and we all have the power to change, despite the adversity we may face.”
If Lana Del Rey, Matt Bellamy (Muse) and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) had a love child, the product would be Megan’s voice. Her style of singing ranges from sultry sweet to in-your-face battle cries and the songs she writes have a purpose.
All ages concert at the North Beach Bandshell features Bahiano (Argentina), Gondwana (Chile), Bachaco (Venezuela), and Inner Circle (Jamaica) plus special guests Gomba Jahbari (Puerto Rico), Mulato (Venezuela), and more
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Miami Beach, FL – July 26, 2022 – The Feel Good Music Fest 2022 is an event that combines live music, gastronomy and nature and hosted at Miami Beach’s premier oceanside home for music, arts, and culture, the North Beach Bandshell. It is a historic landmark which has hosted the best concerts since 1961, making it one of the most privileged locations in South Florida.
“We’re honored to bring joy and live entertainment to our community year after year and 2022 is no different,” say Edilberto Morillo and Eliane Mayer, co-founders of the Feel Good Music Fest. “The family keeps growing and the support for Feel Good Music this year has been overwhelming. Miami Beach will be a party like no other where live music and good Vibes are definitely going to resonate for years to come.”
The 1300 person-capacity theater will feature the Feel Good Music Fest in its 4th edition, previously known as the Miami Beach Reggae Fest, presenting a concert loaded with good music from local, national and internationally-acclaimed music acts on September 18, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. Scheduled to appear are:
Bahiano: Argentinian reggae legend popularly known for his unique deep voice style and his Latin American success with Los Pericos in the 90’s and beyond with anthems such as “Parate Y Mira”, “Home Sweet Home”, “Pupilas Lejanas”, and “Runaway”.
Gondwana, formed in 1987 in Santiago, Chile, has remained one of the most successful and celebrated Latin reggae bands in the game. They convey the socially conscious messages of roots reggae in their music in their native language, Spanish, scoring many millions of views on YouTube for singles such as “Piensame”, “Felicidad”, “Sentimiento Original”.
Bachaco, representing Venezuela via Miami with a reggae rock attitude and a Latin twist, 15+ Years and 300+ concerts from Argentina to Canada. They return to Miami with their Live Performance EPwhich features the hit singles “Loosen Up”, “Sa Sa Sa”, “You Say You Love Me”, and Spanish rendition of Barrington Levy’s “Too Experienced”.
Inner Circle, from Jamaica with 50-year-plus history in the reggae field and immense popularity, this Grammy winning quintet is one of the world’s most respected reggae groups with a long string of successes stretching back to the mid-70′s: “Bad Boys” became a Number One hit in almost every European territory and sold approximately seven million copies worldwide; and “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” exploded across the world.
Doors open at 3 p.m.with a special DJ and local guest performances, and the show starts at 5 p.m. The event is all ages and attendance is limited to 1,000 guests; ticket purchase prior to the event day is highly encouraged to guarantee availability. General admission tickets start at $49.99 and are now on sale at FeelGoodMusicFest.com/get-tickets.
Since 2014 the Feel Good Music Fest has sought to include a broader audience as the only festival in the region to showcase top Latin and Caribbean stars steps from the highly sought-after sands and water of Miami Beach. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a day on the water plus a sunset and live music under the stars on Miami’s “Best Venue for Locals” according to the Miami New Times.”
In its previous editions renowned Latin & Caribbean Artists that have graced their stages are Doctor Krapula (Colombia), Gondwana (Chile), LosRabanes (Panama) LagunaPai (Peru), Ojode Buey (Costa Rica), Alika (Uruguay), JohnnyDread (Cuba), Sudakaya (Ecuador), Tarmac (Colombia), ReggaeLou (USA) among others.
In 2022 they continue the tradition of supporting Latin and Caribbean artists to highlight the Diversity of our Community and Feel Good Music Fest welcomes the support of all sponsors, vendors, volunteers and artists who wish to help spread the love and awareness of music in all its forms.
Democratic candidate running to represent western Miami-Dade and Collier Counties, including parts of Doral, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Gardens, and Naples
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Miami, FL – July 5, 2022 – Outspoken advocate, educator, wife, and mother of two boys Christine Olivo is running for U.S. Representative for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. She brings forth a burst of new energy and leadership into the political fold. A first generation Haitian-American born and raised in Miami, FL, Olivo officially qualified as candidate for Florida’s 26th Congressional district on June 14 and is now the official Democratic Party nominee.
“I am excited to be the only candidate that is ready to deliver real solutions for the working class, and as the only pro-choice candidate in this race, I have been preparing for this role my entire life,” says Olivo. “All of my achievements are a credit to the power of the living God, and I believe that with God all things are possible.” Olivo is running because she believes FL26 needs a representative who will prioritize the economy, access to healthcare, and fight for a living wage.
Christine was a high school standout at Monsignor Edward Pace High School with a 5.0 GPA. She served as a youth group leader in her junior and senior years, while becoming inducted into the National Honor Society. She was elected Senior Class President and captain of the dance team. Christine earned an associate degree from Miami-Dade College, continued her studies at Florida International University, then completed both her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and earned an MBA from Barry University.
In 2010, Christine began working as a youth director for the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in North Miami, where she saw first-hand the challenges these young kids faced. There she steered them in the right direction and helped them rise above their challenges. She proudly served one year in AmeriCorps and taught the “BART-Becoming A Responsible Teen” sex education program to inner-city children. At AmeriCorps, Christine taught an ongoing parenting class to help assist and unify families on communicating effectively. She’s currently a math and science teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Christine was elected in August of 2020 as her local Democratic Committeewoman. Her goal now is to be a voice for the future and challenge the establishment to rally behind policies that move our society forward. In December of 2020, Christine was recognized by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s most prominent and influential black women. She has just received the Balancing Life’s Pearls of Wisdom Star award for being an advocate for the people.
Tri-lingual in English, Spanish, and Creole, Christine grew up in the area’s melting pot that allowed her to fully understand and appreciate South Florida’s vast array of cultures. She adds: “When elected I hope that I can restore the middle class. Nowadays you’re either rich or poor. We cannot thrive without a strong middle class.”
New collection of modern hard rock songs an ode to recovery and the spirit of hopefulness
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June 20, 2022 – Miami Beach, FL – Just ahead of Independence Day 2022, Miami-based American singer, songwriter, and professional fire dancer Megan Morrison is back with a searing new collection of songs appropriately called Appetite for Freedom. Now sober and with a clear and hyper-focused mind, Megan has redirected a lot of her emotions and life experiences into her songwriting. With this new set of songs, she hopes to raise awareness about mental health and addiction by sharing her story and delivering an encouraging message through her music.
“Appetite for Freedom tells a personal story of redemption and rebirth. I started writing these songs after ending a long battle with addiction, depression, and anxiety,” says Morrison. “I decided I wanted to tell a story of how my addiction felt and the joy I received once I was able to break free. I want listeners to be able to relate and hopefully feel inspired by my story.”
Raised in Maine and Massachusetts, Morrison is classically trained and influenced by classic rock, gospel and soul. She studied at the UniversityofMassachusetts in Amherst, and HunterCollege in NYC, and pursued a career in musical theater on Broadway. These days her siren-like pipes are a transcendent voice for the recovery community. If Lana Del Rey, Matt Bellamy (Muse) and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) had a love child, the product would be Megan’s voice. Her style of singing ranges from sultry sweet to in-your-face battle cries and the songs she writes have a purpose.
From the jarring, operatic, orchestral opening salvo “Introitus – a New Hope” through the uplifting closer “Fill Me Up”, where a heavy synth wash gives way to a pulsating opening and even quotes President John F. Kennedy’s American University June 1963 speech, this album, in a word, rocks. In between, one finds the inspirational, uplifting heaviness of the title track and the electronic drive of “9 Lives”.
Another highlight is “Devil Said Roam”: a thunderbolt crack to open yields to a momentary spaghetti-Western, Ennio Morricone vibe, then gives to a straight four on the floor mid-tempo rocker, complete with the radio-ready refrain of “You think I’m in love, but I’m not in love.” The set possesses a warm, rich production touch, but is not overly produced, and stands as a solid representation of contemporary rock.
Co-producer, co-writer, and guitarist Tony Alarcon shares an equally riveting back-story. Born and raised in Miami Beach, he is also a licensed and practicing psychotherapist who was once co-owner of the venerable Miami Beach hotspot Jazid. From the time he picked up the guitar at age 12 to present day, the multi-talented musician has performed and recorded with Young Turk (Geffen), JimiDred, InnaSense, DavidSeigel (T.I., SouljaBoy), Mod Sun, Ky-mani Marley, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe), and A.B. Quintanilla (Kumbia Kings). He also founded the venerable alt rock vets Lo-Fi.
Morrison’s fire dancing skills led her to guest appearances in music videos by Pitbull, ElvisCrespo, Fuego, and onstage with Jessie J. She dedicates this new album to her parents, husband, and everyone on Earth, “because we all struggle with something and we all have the power to change, despite the adversity we may face.” The album is available to stream and download at meganmorrison.fanlink.to/AppetiteforFreedom. Click here for photos and the album cover in high resolution.
Megan will celebrated the official release of Appetite for Freedom with a free listening party at Mama Tried (207 NE 1st Street, Miami, FL 33132) on Sunday, July 3, 2022.
Festival travels to Islamorada May 28 and 29, featuring Johnny Dread, Suenalo, Javier Garcia, and Bad Apples Brass Band
May 17, 2022 – Islamorada, FL –The award-winning Afro Roots Fest is to take center stage over Memorial Day weekend in Islamorada, with shows scheduled Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29. The Memorial Day weekend concerts in Islamorada are to take place at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. (FKBC), 81611 Old Highway. Attendees can expect a tasty blend of craft beer and melodic offerings from some of Florida’s top world-music talents.
Saturday evening’s show, beginning at 6 p.m. at the popular brewery, is to spotlight the Caribbean-influenced world beat mastery of Johnny Dread, paired with the Latin-infused rhythms of Javier García. Sunday’s musical schedule begins at 4 p.m. Audiences can sway to the sounds of the nine-piece Latin funk band Suenalo, a critically acclaimed South Florida favorite, and the funky New Orleans style of the Bad Apples Brass Band.
Both shows are to take place in the beer garden and admission is free. The festival is presented by Miami-based nonprofit organization Community Arts and Culture, and supported by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Keys ICE, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, and FKBC.
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, please visit CommunityArtsandCulture.org.
Free, all-ages show features Jesus Hidalgo, Philip Montalban, Gilmar Gomes, The Resolvers, Miamibloco and DJ Le Spam
May 9, 2022 – Hollywood, FL – The award-winning, multi-county Afro Roots Fest will be experiencing a series of firsts on Saturday, May 21, 2022: first concert in Broward County, City of Hollywood premiere, and maiden event at the Hollywood ArtsPark (1 North Young Circle, Hollywood, FL 33020). The free, all-ages internationally flavored show begins at 4 p.m. and features Jesus Hidalgo (Venezuela), Philip Montalbán (Nicaragua), Gilmar Gomes, (Brazil), The Resolvers (US), Miamibloco (Brazil), and DJ Le Spam (UK / Venezuela).
“We are happy to finally be bringing our world music concert series to Broward, and especially to the wonderful venue that is the ArtsPark,” says Miami nonprofit organization Community Arts & Culture (CAC) Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “This concert would not be possible without the generous support of the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the City of Hollywood, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, and the Florida Keys Brewing Company.” CAC has successfully produced 24 seasons of Afro Roots Fest concerts so far.
Jesus Hidalgo is a medicine music composer and singer, an activist for the rights of mother nature and the rights of animals, and a guardian of the ancestral legacy from Venezuela. He is a messenger of spiritual music, and music with a conscience, and his intentions are to harmonize mind, body, and soul. He was nominated for a “Best New Artist” Latin Grammy in 2013, and founded the ¡Todo el Mundo Dice AHO! concert series, which will return to Miami later this fall. More information can be found at JesusHidalgoMusic.com.
Afro-Latino Reggae artist Montalbán amusingly refers to the term African / English / Spanish to describe his long-standing presence in the music touring industry and to refer to the African and / or Caribbean presence largely located on the Atlantic coast in his home of Nicaragua. Based in a transnational figuring of ethnicity and music, the Afro-Nicaraguan musician calls what has been explained / profiteered / idealized as globalization as “the world getting closer.”
A multi-instrumentalist, producer, visual artist and percussionist based in Miami, Gilmar Gomes was raised on the music style of reggae Samba in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. He’s toured the world and collaborated with artists like Angelique Kidjo, Santana, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Harry Belafonte, Rihanna, Shakira, Prince, Gilberto Gil, Meshell Ndegeocello, the Dave Matthews Band, and Yerba Buena. He’s also a part of the super-group Forro in the Dark. More info: ffm.bio/gilmar.
The Resolvers define “Big Band Reggae” by combining classic Jamaican roots and lively New Orleans stylings. Siblings Ojay and Sahara Smith (son and daughter of international reggae artist Ernie Smith) exchange lead vocal roles with Israeli born bandleader and guitarist Ron Eisner, while their rock-solid rhythm and bombastic horn sections set the pace. The Resolvers have shared the stage with The Wailers, Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Kymani Marley, Inner Circle, English Beat, Yellowman, Matisyahu, Lee ‘Scratch‘ Perry and Mishka. Get more details at TheResolvers.com.
Miamibloco is a Samba percussion community committed to creating intergenerational creative spaces through playing and teaching people of all ages and musical abilities. They believe that the unique non-verbal communication (hand signals) needed to play in their group is a valuable tool that brings a wide range of people together and allows them to understand each other. They conduct interactive workshops throughout Miami – learn more about the group at Miamibloco.squarespace.com.
Miami-based DJ Le Spam, founder of Spam Allstars, is a producer, music archivist, and musician also known for his eclectic vinyl collection. Born in Montreal, and raised in London and Bogota, he was exposed to a variety of music and cultures from an early age. He specializes in rare and hard to find music. His expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami-bass, Haitian, jazz, and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world as the guitar player for Capitol recording artist Nil Lara and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band Spam Allstars. SpamAllstarsBiz.com
This year, Afro Roots Fest held events in Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Miami Beach, Homestead, and Key West. After Hollywood, the 2022 season wraps with a two-day event in Islamorada at the Florida Keys Brewing Company.
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.
The award-winning Afro Roots Fest is a multi-county and multi-event concert series organized by CAC. This year, the festival has added new stops in Gainesville and Hollywood, gained new partners,and added a series of music and dance workshops.
