Community Arts and Culture presents a Hispanic Heritage Celebration with Cortadito September 19

Award-winning Cuban folk group set to perform songs from latest album The Guajiro Triangle and Cuban standards by the Buena Vista Social Club at Florida Keys Brewing Company

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamorada, FL – August 19, 2026 – Miami’s premier Cuban folk music ambassadors Cortadito are set to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance of songs from their latest album The Guajiro Triangle along with songs by the icons Cuban music the Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC) on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036) beginning at 6 p.m. The concert is free and open to all ages and will be held in the Beer Garden behind the main brew house. The event is being presented by the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture (CAC).

“As a group centered on arts and culture, we are looking forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month once again in the beautiful Florida Keys, and I’m excited for the opportunity to perform with Cortadito,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “As always, our thanks go the Florida Keys Brewing Company and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council for their endless support.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder and tresero.

Since its origins fourteen years ago, the award-winning Cortadito has evolved into one of the torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed BVSC. 

The band’s first full length album release features singles like “Guajira En La Madrugada“, with guest vocals by the Havana powerhouse Aymée Nuviola. Other singles include “A Yemayá” (with Nestor Torres), “Lo Que te Cuento es Poco“, and “Aqui Te Traigo Me Son“. All songs have been well received by critics and fans alike, amassing new followers and thousands of views and streams. The band will have vinyl copies, T shirts, and stickers of The Guajiro Triangle for sale at the event.

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery and is located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of their favorite beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers, on draft.

This event is sponsored by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council.

For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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Mut Communications
Michael Mut
786.426.2277
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Celebrate Cuban Son Day on May 8 at the Son Del Mundo Concert

Community Arts and Culture (CAC) presents Cortadito, and special guest Aymeé Nuviola, Ronkalunga, and more at the Miami Beach Bandshell beginning at 7 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami Beach, FL – April 8, 2026 – The Miami Beach Bandshell will come alive on Friday, May 8, with Son Del Mundo, an international musical celebration hosted by Cuban folk ensemble Cortadito. The evening features special guest appearances by Cuban singer and actress Aymeé Nuviola, living Cuban legend Roberto Torres, rising sonero Ronkalunga, Toto Omana, and Sanba Zao.

Additional performances include Morikeba Kouyate and Michelle Fragoso, plus a pre-show Cuban son dance lesson led by Barbaro Ramos of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and a special set of Cuban son classics from around the globe by DJ Le Spam. Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/CACSDM2026; all ages are welcome.

In 2025, the son Cubano was officially inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Celebrated for its vitality and global influence, the genre is recognized as an integral part of Cuban national identity. 

“I’m thrilled to be producing this concert celebrating Cuban Son Day. We are teaming up with an exceptional group of musicians and collaborators to perform this music that we love so dearly,” says Jose Elias, Cortadito’s co-founder and the show’s curator. “The global impact that son has made throughout the world is very significant, and I took that into account in my curatorial process for this show.” 

Cortadito, a traditional Cuban folk band, is a torchbearer for one of the earliest styles of Caribbean dance music known as Son Cubano. A pop culture phenomenon that’s been instrumental in shaping new genres for more than a century. The group’s sound and style of performance is reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club. Last year, Cortadito released a full-length album titled The Guajiro Triangle, featuring guest performances by Nestor Torres and Nuviola, and includes nine original compositions that showcase three different songwriters who represent the past, present, and future of this iconic style. 

Known as “La Sonera del Mundo,” Aymée Nuviola is a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner for her work with Gonzalo Rubalcaba. She began her musical journey early, playing piano at age three and later trained at Havana’s Manuel Saumell Conservatory. Born into a musical family in Cuba’s capital, Nuviola is celebrated for her work in Cuban contemporary jazz and timba, a dance-inspired fusion genre she helped pioneer. She has also recorded with Cuban icons like NG La Banda, Irakere, and, and has released five albums, including her latest, Bonche.

Torres, a Cuban singer, percussionist, bandleader, and producer, is best known for the classic song “Caballo Viejo”. Recognized for his contributions to the Cuban son, he’s also credited with creating charanga vallenata, a blend of Cuban and Colombian styles. Active since the 1960s and based in Miami, Roberto continues to perform well into his 80s. He will join Cortadito to perform his signature hit. 

Ronkalunga blends traditional Cuban music (changüí, bolero, and trova) fused with pop, alternative rock, and funk. He will be joining Cortadito to perform his latest hit song, “El Carnicero” and his Nengon “Colorao”, which echoes one of the earliest roots of Cuban son. 

Hailing from Kinshasa, Republic of Congo, Toto Omana is a singer, composer, and lead guitarist whose music combines African Soukous with American R&B, funk, and soul. He speaks over 12 languages, but will be singing in his native Lingala to interpret the music of Le Grande Kalle and Franco Luambo, who were key figures in the son-inspired Congolese Rhumba. 

Lead singer for Lakou Mizik and Haitian roots pioneer Sanba Zao has devoted his life to teaching and preserving his traditions. For this show, he will join Cortadito for a tribute to Trio Selecte and their lead singer, Coupé Cloué, whose music embodied classic melodies of Trio Matamoros and Los Guaracheros de Oriente 

Kouyate is a seventh-generation Jali (Griot) from Senegal and a kora master. He will join Cortadito on various songs, including the classic “El Manisero“.

Michelle Fragoso is a celebrated Cuban pianist and composer, and has performed and recorded with Elias in his previous group, Conjunto Progreso, which was nominated for a Grammy award. He has recently been added to the expanded lineup of Cortadito’s big band and will be performing with the group on all of their originals for the event. 

Barbaro Ramos is a member of the renowned Afro-Cuban ensemble Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, founded in Cuba in the 1950s. He’s a world-renowned dancer who is a new addition to Cortadito’s show and will demonstrate how to dance to Cuban son before the concert. 

The Bandshell, located at 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, is an open-air covered venue; all programs are rain or shine. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the show.

For more information, visit cacmiami.org.

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

Community Arts and Culture presents the 28th annual Afro Roots Fest in Islamorada April 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Florida Keys Brewing Company and MoradaWay Arts and Cultural District to host a day of live music featuring Cortadito, Everglades Songbook Suite, Sanba Zao, and Famato, plus percussion and instrument building workshops

Islamorada, FL – February 18, 2026 – The nonprofit organization Community Arts and Culture (CAC) has by now become synonymous with curating and producing the longest-running world music event Afro Roots Fest. On Saturday, April 4, 2026, the award-winning festival returns to the Morada Way Arts and Cultural district,  and  the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036) beginning at 12 noon with a series of workshops , and featuring Cortadito (Cuba), the Everglades Songbook Suite (U.S.), Sanba Zao (Haiti), Famato (Guinea, West Africa), percussion and instrument-making workshops, vendors, and more. Free event, with a few ticketed workshops, all ages welcome. 

“The flavor of this year’s festival is decidedly Caribbean, with a dash of West Africa, and I am proud to once again present these acts to the global music fans of South Florida,” says Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and producer, Jose Elias. “It’s my pleasure  to continue to bring world music programming to the Florida Keys, and I am looking forward to this year’s event.” Elias is known for his work with  Cortadito, and will perform with his other project, the Everglades Songbook Suite ensemble. 

Since its origins thirteen years ago, Cortadito has evolved into one of the torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band named the Miami New Times’ Best of Miami “Best Latin Act” in 2009, the band focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club. Last year, Cortadito released a full-length album titled The Guajiro Triangle which features guest performances by Nestor Torres and Aymée Nuviola, and includes a fourth single and video titled “Lo Que te Cuento es Poco”.

The vastly resplendent Everglades has inspired countless works of literature and art, including the musical project “Everglades Songbook Suite”, which was created by Elias. A 2016 Artist in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) fellow, Jose wrote music for ESS after spending considerable time at Everglades National Park. The project, which stands as the creative and artistic statement of his experiences, first came to fruition on June 21, 2021 as a short film shot in the Everglades, co-produced with Live Arts Miami and AIRIE. 

In 2022 , the project received the support of the Kennedy Center to produce a pop up concert event at the Long Pine Key Amphitheater inside the park, then later in Key West  at the Studios of Key West. The performance included artists from around the world and served as a collaborative effort which featured different composers as well.

Born Louis Lesly Marcelin, Sanba Zao is a master drummer and Haitian roots music legend. He was also a professor at L’Ecole National des Arts, Haiti’s national arts school, and has devoted his life to teaching and promoting the culture and music of Haiti. Marcelin ran an elementary school called the Bazilo Ecole Communautairei, which was one of the first to reopen after the 2010 earthquake that devastated his home country. Sanba Zao has also sings and tours with Lakou Mizik and performed with other Haitian groups such as Group Sa, Foula Jazz, and Djakata.

Famato is a West African musical ensemble based in Gainesville, FL that plays traditional music from Guinea, particularly from the Mandinka tribe. The group’s name is a Sanso word that means “come and see”, and is led by Aboubacar “Amo” Soumah, a master drummer from Guinea, West Africa. They play instruments such as the Djembe drum and the balafon combined with vocals.

Anchoring the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, FBKC is the Upper Keys first microbrewery. They always have a great selection of favorite beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers, on draft. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. Take a tour of the brewery, enjoy a flight of beers, check out the local artwork, play games, or just relax and listen to some world music. Located at Mile Marker 88, the Tasting Room is open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Workshops include Percussion for Peace Workshops led by master artists Soumah and members of Sanba Zao, as well as community partner Power of Percussion. Families and youth can participate in instrument-building workshops through The Inheritants Project, CAC’s Miami-based Afro-Indigenous youth music and dance initiative. This, along with programming by musical instrument maker Eddie Osborne will run from noon to 4 p.m., with the live music going from 4 to 9:30 p.m. 

Event support is provided by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, FKBC, the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, Keys NICE, Walking Together, and Keys Arts. Future events to be presented by CAC include a Son Del Mundo concert scheduled for May 8 and the Asere Social Club coming June 26. 

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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

Community Arts and Culture celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Son Del Mundo concert events at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. September 13 and 14

Community Arts and Culture celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Son Del Mundo concert events at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. September 13 and 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Islamorada, FL – August 19, 2025 – Miami’s premier Cuban folk music ambassadors Cortadito will celebrate the release of their new album The Guajiro Triangle and honor Cuban music icons the Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC) on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036) beginning at 6 p.m. 

The following afternoon, Fusión Vayu will represent Colombian folk music in all of its colorful variations, with selections from DJ Supa Kundukta beginning at 3 p.m. Both concerts are free and open to all ages, to be held in the Beer Garden, and are presented by the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture (CAC). 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to showcase our hispanidad, and we’re excited to be presenting Cortadito and Fusión Vayu to Latin music fans in and around Islamorada,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “We thank the Florida Keys Brewing Company and our fans in Monroe County for their continued support.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder and tresero.

Since its origins thirteen years ago, the award-winning Cortadito has evolved into one of the torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed BVSC. 

The band has just released a third album single called “Guajira En La Madrugada“, written by the late Alberto Pantaleon Hernandez and features guest vocals by the Havana powerhouse Aymée Nuviola. The first two album singles, “A Yemayá” (with Nestor Torres) and “Aqui Te Traigo Me Son” have been well received by critics and fans alike, amassing new followers and thousands of views and streams. The band will have vinyl copies of The Guajiro Triangle for sale at the event.

Cortadito was recently featured on NPR’s Alt Latino podcast and is gaining momentum in various foreign markets like Mexico, Colombia, France, and Spain. The September 13th show will be the first stop of their regional tour which also includes dates in Central Florida and North Carolina.

Comprised of members of Group Barrio Abajo, Fusión Vayu plays the folkloric music of the Caribbean Colombia by using traditional percussion instruments and flutes, with modern instruments, presenting styles such as 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.

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery and is located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of their favorite beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers, on draft. 

DJ Supa Kundukta will be spinning a variety of music from Hispanic countries throughout the  Antilles and the Americas on Sunday.This event is sponsored by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. 

For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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

Afro Roots Fest Islamorada Returns to Florida Keys Brewing Company April 4 to 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Arts and Culture’s 27th annual event to feature acts celebrating the music of the Caribbean islands and the Americas

Miami, FL – March 12, 2025 – One of South Florida’s longest-running music festivals is coming back to Islamorada April 4 through 6, bringing a full weekend’s worth of world music to the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036). The free, all ages concerts will feature Cuban and Colombian folk, Central American and Caribbean reggae, Latin funk, and world music selections. Festival merch items will be on sale, and an optional $10 suggested donation will go to support the organization that produces this free event.   

“I’m grateful to once again be able to bring the Afro Roots Fest to the beautiful Florida Keys ,” says Community Arts and Culture Executive Director Jose Elias. “I invite everyone to come enjoy the ambiance, craft beer, and music from around the globe.” Afro Roots Fest Islamorada is brought to you with the support of The Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Keys ICE, and the Florida Keys Brewing Company. 

Cortadito, Miami’s leading ambassadors of Cuban folk music, has captivated audiences in Islamorada over the past year with their electrifying live shows. They released the first single from their highly anticipated album The Guajiro Triangle on February 7th, and are set to release their second single prior to their upcoming festival performance. Audiences can expect to hear a mix of new material from their album, along with beloved Cuban standards, including iconic songs from the Buena Vista Social Club.

Electric Piquete is an award-winning Latin funk band from Hialeah who put out new music in September of last year, dropping their first full-length recording called Azabache, a collection of new and mostly instrumental music which is now streaming on all platforms and available on CD through Bandcamp. The first single and video is titled “Chunk“, a mid-tempo funk number mixed by Carlos “El Loco” Bedoya (Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Enrique Iglesias. The band is getting ready to issue a second single titled “Guayabera”, and accompanying animated lyric video later this month.

Afro-Latino Reggae artist Philip Montalbán blends Mestizo, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous cultures of Miskito, Rama, and Garifuna influences in his music. Born and raised in the Bluefields region of Managua, Nicaragua, Philip is an international recording and touring artist whose most recent release is the infectious single called “Miami”.

Group Barrio Abajo plays the folkloric music of the Caribbean Colombia by using traditional percussion instruments and flutes, with modern instruments, presenting styles such as 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.

Jean P. Jam AKA Pokito is a Haitian artist that offers up a special blend of world beat music called “Deep Roots” that combines African, Soca, Caribbean, and reggae influences into one groovy amalgamation. DJ Supa Kundukta (Super Conductor) is the DJ stage name for Elias and he will be spinning a special selection of Afro Beat and world grooves, along with funk, soul, and R&B classics. 

The full schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 4, 6 p.m. | Pokito

Saturday, April 5, 6 p.m. | Cortadito and Grupo Barrio Abajo

Sunday, April 6, 2 p.m. | Electric Piquete, Philip Montalban, DJ Supa Kundukta

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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

Community Arts and Culture Presents a Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Islamorada 11/3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami nonprofit partners with the Florida Keys Brewing Company for event featuring live music and a sugar skull-making workshop

October 15, 2024 – Miami-based nonprofit Community Arts and Culture (CAC) is once again presenting a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Highway Islamorada, FL 33036). The free, family-friendly event will feature live music by Fabi World and Mariachi Veracruz Miami, as well as face painting, and a sugar skull-making workshop. The concert is free and tickets for the face painting and a sugar skull-making workshop are $15 for kids and $25 for adults. 

“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy an afternoon of music, legacy, and love,” says event producer Renee Chavez. 

Mexican musician and composer Fabi Patiño fronts his world beat and rootsy groove trio that also features Nay Roze on violin and vocals, and Gilma Espina on percussion and vocals. Originally from Oaxaca Mexico, Fabi has become an ambassador of the Miami music legacy across the globe.

Mariachis play the traditional music of Mexico, always in full dress and with much gusto. Mariachi Veracruz Miami brings joy and passion to every performance and are highly in demand on the South Florida music circuit.  

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery and is located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of their favorite beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers, on draft.

Event support is provided by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, FKBC, and the Morada Way Arts and Culture district. For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE

Community Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world music, lectures, and workshops to underserved communities. For decades, CAC has been enriching lives and promoting cultural understanding through its diverse programs and events.

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

Community Arts and Culture Presents a Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Doral 11/2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Miami nonprofit partners with youth organization at The Doral Yard for event featuring live music and a sugar skull-making workshop


Doral, FL – October 14, 2024 – Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life. Community Arts and Culture (CAC) is presenting an evening of live music from Dr. Calavera, Mariachi Veracruz Miami, and the Hialeah Senior Rock Ensemble, dance numbers by Kwa Senbo Danse Vodou, musical selections by DJ Le Spam, face painting, and a sugar skull-making workshop at The Doral Yard (8455 NW 53rd St Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166) on Saturday, November 2, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m.

“We’re pleased to once again be celebrating the Day of the Dead in Downtown Doral along with the CAC,” says event producer Renee Chavez. “I invite everyone to join us in honoring our ancestors with an evening of family-friendly, and culturally enriching fun.”

Dr. Calavera is a group dedicated to preserving the legacy of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, the beloved Argentine ska / Latin rock legends. Mariachi Veracruz Miami is a traditional Mexican folk band who bring joy and passion to every performance. The Hialeah Senior Rock ensemble is comprised of student musicians who interpret classic tunes from the 60s through the 00s, and are led by Director Gus Mayorga.

Andrew Yeomanson AKA DJ Le Spam is a musicologist, composer, and producer. He’s best known for founding and leading the Latin Grammy-nominated Spam Allstars and for his immense record collection. Kwa Senbo Danse Vodou is a local troupe of Haitian dancers.

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space offering culinary delights, live entertainment, and events in Downtown Doral. The 20,000-square-foot space is divided into two indoor/outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard. There are two full liquor bars and several dining and desert options available.

Event support provided by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, The Children’s Trust, and The Doral Yard. All ages welcome, no cover; a $10 suggested donation is encouraged for the facepainting and workshop.

For more information, visit cacmiami.org.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE

Community Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world music, lectures, and workshops to underserved communities. For decades, CAC has been enriching lives and promoting cultural understanding through its diverse programs and events.

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

Community Arts and Culture Presents a Tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito pays homage to the Buena Vista Social Club October 19 at Florida Keys Brewing Co.

Islamorada, FL – October 2, 2024 – Community Arts and Culture (CAC)has for decades brought world music performances, lectures, and workshops to underserved communities. In the spirit of educating the public and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the Miami-based nonprofit will present a free, all-ages event featuring the Cuban folk group Cortadito this month in Islamorada.

The band plays the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036) on Saturday, October 19, during a very special tribute to Cuban music icons the Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC) beginning at 6 p.m. Cortadito will perform classics from the Grammy-winning BVSC album, along with original music from their upcoming full-length release Guajiro Triangle.

“We’re excited about celebrating nuestra hispanidad and sharing our music with the people of Islamorada for Hispanic Heritage Month,” says band co-founder and tresero Jose Elias.

Since its origins twelve years ago, Cortadito has evolved into one of the torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed BVSC. 

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery and is located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of their favorite beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers, on draft.

Event support is provided by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, FKBC, and the Morada Way Arts and Culture district. For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

###

ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE

Community Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world music, lectures, and workshops to underserved communities. For decades, CAC has been enriching lives and promoting cultural understanding through its diverse programs and events.

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

Community Arts and Culture Presents a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in Doral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito to perform at the Doral Yard October 11

Miami, FL – September 23, 2024 – Community Arts and Culture (CAC) is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with a free event featuring the Cuban folk group Cortadito. The event will take place at The Doral Yard (8455 NW 53rd St Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166) on Friday, October 11, beginning at 8 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating our Cuban roots and sharing our music with the people of Doral for Hispanic Heritage Month,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “We appreciate the opportunities presented by The Doral Yard, and grateful to the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs for their support.” Elias is also the co-founder and tresero for Cortadito.

Since its origins twelve years ago, the evolution of Cortadito has led it to become one of the torchbearers of a pop culture phenomenon that is two centuries strong. A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sOwn), their sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club. 

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space offering culinary delights, live entertainment, and events in Downtown Doral. The 20,000-square-foot space is divided into two indoor/outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard. There are two full liquor bars and several dining and desert options available.

Cortadito is a local favorite and has enjoyed a monthly residency at the indoor / outdoor mini food hall and live entertainment venue for three years now. They are set to deliver two sets of original music and traditional Cuban numbers in the style known as son montuno.

Event support is provided by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, FKBC, and the Morada Way Arts and Culture district. For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURE

Community Arts and Culture is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing world music, lectures, and workshops to underserved communities. For decades, CAC has been enriching lives and promoting cultural understanding through its diverse programs and events.

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

Living Cuban Legend Eliades Ochoa Headlines Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach March 16

Buena Vista Social Club star performs ticketed event at Miami Beach Bandshell as part of ongoing, nomadic music festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami Beach – January 16, 2024 – Tickets are on sale now for a very special concert featuring one of the founders of Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club, singer / guitarist / songwriter Eliades Ochoa. The concert will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141), beginning at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome and reserved seats are available online at bit.ly/ARFMB2024Ochoa. Afro Roots Fest is in year 26, with additional concerts scheduled in March and April for Miami Beach, Gainesville, Jupiter, and Islamorada. 

Ochoa will be performing songs from his new album Guajiro, out now on World Circuit Records, which was produced by Demetrio Muñiz and features guest appearances by Rubén Blades, Joan As Police Woman, and Charlie Musselwhite. Guajiro cements his reputation as one of the most vital artists to come out of Cuba in the last century. Eliades is well known and loved worldwide as one of the original members of BVSC, having famously lent his vocals to that album’s iconic opener “Chan Chan”. In the wake of the super group’s phenomenal reception, Ochoa has released nine albums, won four Latin Grammys, and received a Grammy nomination for 2010’s Afrocubism.

The rugged features, the signature hat, the cowboy boots, and the iconic ‘man in black’ image. The songs from the school of life are imbued with the sort of hard-earned, country-tinged wisdom that can’t be bought. You don’t have to look or listen too hard to understand why Eliades Ochoa is often called “Cuba’s Johnny Cash”. Yet if parallels abound, his new album also shows him to be a singular voice with his own unique style and sound, rooted deep in the Cuban tradition but with an appeal that is as timeless as it is universal.

“We’re thrilled to be able to launch this year’s Afro Roots Fest with an artist as iconic as Eliades Ochoa,” says Jose Elias, founder and artistic director for the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture. “He’s one of the remaining voices of the Buena Vista Social Club and someone whose contributions to the world of Cuban music have been very significant.”

Afro Roots Fest got its start at the now-defunct Tobacco Road in 1999. It has historically celebrated the widespread influence that Africa continues to have on music and furthers the mission of Community Arts and Culture, which present the arts as a tool for education. It is as much about root African culture as it is about the syncretism of it with Western cultural traditions. Past performers have included Amadou & Mariam, Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others.

Established in 2002, Community Arts and Culture is a 501(c)3 Miami-based nonprofit organization that strives to intergenerationally celebrate and inspire the community through the cultivation, preservation, and presentation of cultural music and arts. Through music-based workshops, lectures, performances, and after-school youth programs, CAC provides under-served areas of South Florida with an accessible platform to participate in cultural programs and experiences.

March 30 will see the debut of the “Songbird of Wassalou” Oumou Sangare from Mali, also at the Miami Beach Bandshell. More details about additional Afro Roots Fest dates and artists are coming soon. Event support provided by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, and the Rhythm Foundation. 

Eliades will be available for interviews the week prior to the show; high resolution images are available here.

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com or contact the Miami Beach Bandshell at 786-453-2897.

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