CAC: The Inheritants Project Celebrates Dia de Los Muertos at Florida Keys Brewing Company on November 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami-based non-profit hosts a traditional ancestral tribute event in the brewery beer garden

Miami, FL, October 17, 2023 – Community Arts & Culture (CAC) presents a special Dia de Los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 3 at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. (FKBC) beginning at 5 p.m. The event location is 81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, and will feature a traditional sugar skull-making workshop, and performance by the Ameyal Afro-Mexican Folkloric Ensemble, complete with a procession, followed by all genres of live Afro-Mexican music, dance. The event is free for all ages, registration / tickets are required for the sugar skull workshop.  

“Dia de Los Muertos is a day that traditionally reunites the living and the dead, and we are very excited to come together with the Islamorada community on this special day,” says event organizer Renee Chavez. “We look forward to coming back to the Florida Keys and honoring our ancestors in a community celebration.” Chavez is a long-time CAC staffer who coordinates children’s programming and the annual River Serenade, which will take place on Saturday, November 4 at Morningside Park in Miami. Kayak rentals are available by clicking here. 

FKBC is the gateway to the Morada Way Arts District in Islamorada and was founded with the hopes of bringing great beer to the island chain and beyond. All of their island-themed beers are brewed with top-quality ingredients to make the best beer possible. The tasting room faces the Old Highway, but there is a private residence for rent on the second level, and an expansive beer garden out back complete with an outdoor stage. Learn more at FloridaKeysBrewingCo.com.

Ameyal is dedicated to fomenting and spreading popular Mexican culture by sharing its cultural heritage’s richness through four pillars: pre-Hispanic dance, traditional music, folkloric ballet, and cultural dissemination. Their intention is to create a welcoming epicenter that supports all stakeholders in the community during the cultivation of Mexican artistic expression. To learn more about them, navigate to Ameyal.org.

The celebration in Islamorada is free and open to the public; tickets for the workshop are available online. The event is generously supported by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, FKBC, and Hot Dog on a Stick.

For more information, visit communityartsandculture.org/day-of-the-dead. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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 celebrated 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 26th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

CAC: The Inheritants Project Celebrates Dia de Los Muertos at The Doral Yard on November 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami-based non-profit organization hosts a family-friendly celebration featuring a sugar skull-making workshop, procession, and live music, dance, and art

Miami, FL, October 16, 2023 – Community Arts & Culture (CAC): The Inheritants Project will be back with another Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Doral Yard (8455 Northwest 53rd Street Doral, FL 33166) on Thursday, November 2, beginning at 5 p.m. The festivities will include a sugar skull workshop, a traditional multicultural procession, and all genres of Afro-Mexican live dance and music by Ameyal beginning at 6 p.m.

“Our thanks go once again to such amazing community partners the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Youth Enrichment Program, The Children’s Trust, Music Access Miami Foundation, The Doral Yard, and Hot Dog on a Stick for helping us to celebrate our ancestors and facilitating our mission to maintain traditional cultural arts in urban spaces throughout Miami-Dade,” says event organizer Renee Chavez. “We look forward to coming back to Doral to honor and celebrate our ancestors in the community.” 

Chavez is also a long-time CAC staffer who coordinates children’s programming and the annual River Serenade, which will take place on Saturday, November 4 at Morningside Park in Miami.

Ameyal Afro-Mexican Folkloric Ensemble is dedicated to fomenting and spreading popular Mexican culture by sharing its cultural heritage’s richness through four pillars: pre-Hispanic dance, traditional music, folkloric ballet, and cultural dissemination. The intention is to create a welcoming epicenter that supports all stakeholders in the community during the cultivation of Mexican artistic expression. To learn more about them, navigate to Ameyal.org.

The Doral Yard is a community gathering space created by the Yard Hospitality and Place Projects teams to foster local entrepreneurship and culture. Expanding on The Wynwood Yard concept, the venue brings culinary delights, live entertainment, and round-the-clock events to the downtown area. A 20,000-square-foot space is divided into two indoor/outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard, which includes a full liquor bar, a grassy turf area for gathering and dancing, and a stage; the outdoor space is fully covered. Visit DoralYard.com for more details.

This year, Catherine Hollingsworth and Emilio Hernandez are the special guest choreographers. Events are free for all ages, but registration tickets are required for the Sugar Skull workshop.

For more information, visit communityartsandculture.org/day-of-the-dead. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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 celebrated 20 years of serving the community in 2022. Their signature event, Afro Roots Fest, is embarking on its 26th season of programming.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! music medicine concert returns to Pinecrest Gardens November 18

MEDIA ALERT

Pinecrest, FL – September 18, 2023 – The 10th annual music medicine concert Todo El Mundo Dice AHO! (TEMDA) will take place Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Gardens (11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156) and be headlined by composer, percussionist and singer of Portuguese-Angolan heritage, MonÁxi. Also slated to appear: Supaman, Teresa de Jesús, Jesús Hidalgo, and The Freedom Family Band, plus special guest live painter Chris Dyer. Tickets are available online through bit.ly/TEMDA2023.

TEMDA is an international music festival that brings together different artistic disciplines that manifest a solid relationship and commitment to the conservation and preservation of Mother Earth, awakening a new consciousness and a connection with our ancestral wisdom. Founded by the husband-and-wife duo Hidalgo and de Jesus, past concert events have occurred in Miami, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Co-presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the host for the evening will once again be Kike Posada.

For more information about the concert, please visit todoelmundodiceaho.com. Visit PinecrestGardens.org or call (305) 669-6990 for more details about the venue.

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

Community Arts and Culture presents Cortadito and DJ Le Spam at Florida Keys Brewing Company October 14

Miami nonprofit hosts Cuban folk group and multicultural music selector in Islamorada for a free Hispanic Heritage Month concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamorada, FL – September 14, 2023 – Community Arts and Culture is launching a new program in the Upper Keys to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. On Saturday, October 14, 2023,  Cortadito,  Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club, and DJ Le Spam with his VW Bus, will wrap the month-long celebration with an evening of live and selected music in the Beer Garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036). All ages welcome, no cover, music begins at 6 p.m.

“We are excited to add this new program to our roster of events in Islamorada,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “We appreciate the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company, without whom this celebration would not be possible.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder, vocalist, tres player, and bandleader.

Since forming more than eleven years ago, Cortadito has focused on traditional folk and acoustic performances of the Cuban country music style known as Son (pronounced sOwn). Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this dynamic ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as “The Guajiro Triangle”, which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing their musical influences. They are currently recording their first full-length release due out in May 2024.

DJ Le Spam, founder of the Spam Allstars, is 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, and his expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami bass, Haitian, jazz, and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world while playing guitar in Capitol recording artist Nil Lara’s band, and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band. Spam will roll up in a VW bus customized for a self-contained DJ experience.

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. They always have a great selection of locally brewed beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers on draft. The tasting room is decorated with thousands of bottle caps from breweries all over North America and Europe, as well as art by locals. The brewery is just down the street on Morada Way, featuring two brewing systems that produce a most delicious island beer. The beer garden is an enchanting space that features live musical events. More details available at floridakeysbrewingco.com.

This event is made possible with the generous support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company. 

For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

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

Koubek Center hosts the Inheritants Project: Afro Roots 2023 workshops and jam session April 16 

MEDIA ALERT

Miami, FL – April 6, 2023 – The Inheritants Project: Afro Roots 2023 workshops and jam session take place in Little Havana on Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m., presented by Community Arts and Culture and the Koubek Center. Launched in 2012, the Inheritants Project is the youth component of the nonprofit Community Arts and Culture, and is a Miami-based, Afro-Indigenous music and dance youth program.

Planned activities include a sekere-making class led by Eddie Osborne from Pan-African Arts, a ukelele class by Ameyal, the Afro-Mexican ensemble, a break dance class with Luis “Junior” Vitale, and a jam session with teaching artists including Lazaro “Tato” Alfonso, rumbero, and one of the founders of the Cuban fusion legends Irakere. Since space is limited, RSVPs are required.

Who: Community Arts and Culture and the Koubek Center

What: Community Arts and Culture | Inheritants Project Afro Roots

When: Sunday, April 16, 2023

Where: 2705 SW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33135

RSVP: bit.ly/ARFIP2023

Event support provided by Community Arts and Culture, The Koubek Center, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami Dade College, and Florida Arts and Culture.



More information about the festival is available at AfroRootsFest.com. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

Afro Roots Fest returns to Jupiter featuring Locos Por Juana, Cortadito, Sanba Zao, and Miamibloco April 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eclectic, traveling music festival celebrates its 25th year with a diverse lineup of music representing Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil, as well as selections by DJ Ephniko

Jupiter, FL – March 28, 2023 – One of South Florida’s longest-running music festivals will once again return to Guabanabas Island Restaurant & Bar (940 US Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33147) on April 15, 2023. This year’s edition of Afro Roots Fest, number 25 overall, will feature live music by Locos Por Juana, Cortadito, Sanba Zao, and Miamibloco beginning at 4 p.m. The event is co-presented by Roots Music, Inc. and is free and open to all ages before 9 p.m. 21 and over welcome after.

“I’m always excited to bring the festival back to Jupiter,” says Afro Roots Fest founder and Cortadito vocalist, tres player, and bandleader Jose Elias. “The support we get from the venue, staff, and the community at large is everything. We are looking forward to presenting an afternoon and evening of multicultural musical acts in an always enchanting setting.” Elias is also the executive director of the Miami nonprofit Community Arts and Culture, the organization behind Afro Roots Fest.  

“This is one our favorite events of the year celebrating the unique artists representing the world music scene. This is one of our best lineups since inception, in my opinion,” says Talent Buyer and Roots Music principal Matt Cahur, who is a musician and the lead audio engineer for the venue.

Locos Por Juana is a GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominated bilingual band most notably recognized for their high energy live performances and unique fusion of reggae, funk, cumbia, salsa, and rock. The band, featuring Itawe Correa as its charismatic lead vocalist, talented guitarist Mark Kondrat, innovative drummer Javier Delgado, and electrifying bass player David Pransky, write and produce all of their own music. Their sound can best be described as having “that island swing”.

Since their origin ten years ago, Cortadito has become 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. This dynamic ensemble lead by Elias and co-founder / guitarist / vocalist Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet, leads audiences through “The Guajiro Triangle”, an audio experience spanning the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins.

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

Founded by Brian Potts in 2017, Miamibloco turns Afro-Brazilian music and rhythms into the cultural glue that binds Miami’s unique diverse communities together. Their mission is to help people connect, learn, grow, and thrive for a more joyful and equitable Miami through performance and education. They host the seasonal Brazilian Social, as well as beginner and intermediate percussion workshops and classes throughout the Magic City. In Miamibloco, everyone has an instrument and each one is as important as the next for collective sound. 

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Tobacco Road bar in Miami, Afro Roots Fest has been named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times and crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers include Amadou & Mariam, Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others. Since 2018, the event has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate events in markets such as Gainesville, North Miami, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West.

In addition to DJing, Ephniko is also an MC who fronts the six-man audio/visual collective Nag Champayons, a group that began as an improvisational collective that drew from African, Caribbean, hip-hop, rock and jazz influences. He also leads the Patacon Conspiracy, which fuses hip-hop and raw lyricism with Pan-African and Latin American rhythms to create a worldbeat sound.

Opened by Jupiter surfers as a sandwich shop in 2004, Guanabanas has grown to become an institution in northern Palm Beach County for three reasons: the lush, tropical setting; great cuisine and cocktails; and live music from both national acts and the hottest names in South Florida. The venue has now hosted an Afro Roots Fest event each year since 2018. 

More information about the festival is available at AfroRootsFest.com. Learn more about the venue at Guanabanas.com. 

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

Afro Roots Fest returns to Gainesville for a two-day Afro-Cuban convening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free, all-ages concert at Bo Diddley Plaza follows a full day of song, dance, and drum workshops, and a lecture / artist panel at the University of Florida

Gainesville, FL – March 14, 2023 – The long-running, award-winning Afro Roots Fest is coming back to North Florida on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8, 2023 for a two-day convening that includes workshops, lectures, and a free, family-friendly concert. The first day, clinical component is a ticketed event at the University of Florida School of Theater and Dance (1800 McCarty Drive Gainesville, FL 32603). The next evening, a concert takes place at Bo Diddley Plaza (111 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601) featuring Jacaré Brazil, the UF Afropop Ensemble with special guest Titos Sompa, and the Odara Conjunto Folklorico beginning at 7 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to continue developing this relationship that we have with the University of Florida School of the Arts,” says Jose Elias, founder and executive director for presenting organization Community Arts and Culture. “This will be the first time the festival incorporates a more academic approach to our presentations. The caliber of artists that are participating in this program is unprecedented. We look forward to continuing to make this an annual destination event in Gainesville.”

Workshops and lectures include “Songs in Lukumi for Eleggua and Yemaya”, Afro-Cuban Dance classes like Rumba and Orisa for Yemaya, an all-levels percussion class that focus on guiro and bembe, a lecture about the sacred Bata, and an all-cast artist panel with a Q&A. Florida residents can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets by using the promo code “FloridaResident” and presenting a valid Florida ID on the day of event. Preregistration is required – there will be no options to pay for the workshops on the day of. Attendees should allow extra time to park on site and check in, which begin 30 minutes before class.

Jacaré Brazil provides a unique interpretation of Brazilian music through its usage and mixture of various Brazilian instrumental musical genres and rhythms such as the choro, waltz, maxixe, samba-choro, and bossa-jazz. The distinctive blend of musical instruments such as the violin, mandolin, saxophone, guitar, pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine), and voices create nostalgic sentiments with colorful and brilliant textures. Its repertoire celebrates and reminds us of Brazil’s rich music scenario, and is a vibrant part of the World Music and Graduate Program in Ethnomusicology at UF.

Founded in 2021, UF’s African Popular Music Ensemble specializes in the popular music of the African continent, with a special focus on Afrobeat, highlife, soukous, and African jazz. The ensemble, directed by Sarah Politz and Kenneth Metzker – both Affiliate Faculty in the Center for Arts Migration and Entrepreneurship – features students from the School of Music, musicians from the Gainesville community, and selected guest artists. Sompa, the colorful master dancer, choreographer, drummer, and healer was born in Brazzaville, Congo. He founded the band Les Echos Noir, which he still tours with, and is widely credited as a champion of the distinctive Congolese sound.

Odara Conjunto Folklorico is an all-star group comprised of all of of the individuals leading workshops on Friday: Yudisleidy Valdes, dancer, Ernesto “El Gato” Gatell, vocals, Roman Diaz, percussion, Sandy Perez, percussion, and Alain Fernandez, vocals. Afro-Cuban music fans can expect an explosive performance of traditional Yoruba chants and rhythms, mixed in with Latin jazz and a fusion of other world music influences.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct Miami live music venue Tobacco Road, the Afro Roots Fest has become one of the area’s longest-running music festivals. Named one of the “10 Best Music Festivals in Miami” by the Miami New Times in 2017, it was crowned the “Best Music Festival” in the 2019 “Best of Miami” issue. Past performers have included Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, and Roberto Torres, among many others.

Since 2018, the event has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate concerts in markets such as Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada, and Key West. 

Tickets for the workshop day are available online at bit.ly/ARFG2023. Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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. For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

“A Great Day at Oak Grove Park” Music Festival Coming February 18

Featured artists at free, all-ages concert to include Tabou Combo, Emeline Michel, Inez Barlatier, Cortadito, Spam Allstars, Papaloko, and special guests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


North Miami, FL – January 31, 2023 – The nonprofit organizations Miami Light Project (MLP) and Community Arts and Culture (CAC) have partnered with the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) to present the inaugural “A Great Day at Oak Grove Park” music festival on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Oak Grove Park (690 NE 159th St, Miami, FL 33162), beginning at 1 p.m. 

The free, all-ages show will feature international, regional, and local talent from Haiti, Cuba, and Miami, including Haitian Konpa superstars Tabou Combo, Haitian songstress Emeline Michel, Haitian composer and griot James Germain, Haitian-American multidisciplinary performing artist Inez Barlatier, award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito, Latin Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban jam / dance band the Spam Allstars, Haitian visionary artist Papaloko, plus some very special special guests.

“Miami Project is thrilled to develop this unprecedented community-based artistic program for Oak Grove Park,” says Beth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director of MLP. “In partnership with many extraordinary artists, and like minded collegial cultural organizations, we seek to transform the ways in which the community interacts with, and experiences Oak Grove Park. Our goal is to celebrate the community and its rich cultural heritage through the presentation of world class dance, music, theater, cinema, photography and visual art.”  

“We are very excited for the opportunity to be working with Miami Light Project,and Miami-Dade County to present this wonderful event,” offers Jose Elias, founder and executive director for CAC, who also performs on electric guitar with the SpamAllstars, and co-founded, sings, and plays the Cuban tres with Cortadito. “Also, I’m happy to announce that this concert will mark the start of the 25th anniversary season of Afro Roots Fest.”

Rhythm is the essence of the “Ambassadors of Konpa”, who exported their infectious sound from Haiti to New York City in 1971, and haven’t stopped thrilling audiences around the globe since. Singing in English, Spanish, French or their native Creole, Tabou serves a hot mix of grooves and textures with roots from around the world: merengue from the Dominican Republic, American funk and soul, French colonial era quadrilles and contra-dances, West African Soukous, added to Haiti’s dance-till-you-drop carnival music, rara, and the hypnotic drums of Haitian voodoo rituals. Learn more at taboucombo.com.  

Haitian songstress and Red Cross Ambassador Emeline Michel is internationally acclaimed for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms into deeply moving, joyful music delivered with a charismatic live show. Based in NYC, she runs her own production company and is a cherished voice for social issues surrounding women and children worldwide. Michel has appeared at Carnegie Hall, The United Nations, the Festival International de Jazz (Haiti), Ontario’s Luminato Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, and other high-profile events. More details: emeline-michel.com. 

James Germain was born and raised in St. Antoine, Port au Prince, and studied music at the Promusica Academy in Haiti, and Paris, France, at the Conservatoire Claude Debussy and l’Ecole de Jazz du Centre d’Initiation Musicale. His work has been described as replenishing ofthe Haitian spirit through the reinterpretation of traditional songs, Vodou spirituals, and complaints, which are songs that complain about the situation a person is living in. He is an in-demand touring artist who has released several full-length recordings, including 2007’s critically-acclaimed Kreol Mandingue. 

Born and raised in Miami, FL, Barlatier joined her father’s band, Jan Sebon & Kazak International, at the age of 12. Inez led her own band, Kazoots, and was also a member of Venus Rising: Women’s Drum and Dance Ensemble performing as a drummer, dancer and singer. With her ancestral contralto voice, her music has toured internationally and is inspired by multi-cultural wisdom and rhythms. Barlatier’s children’s show Ayiti, Stories & Songs from Haiti is currently touring schools across the U.S., and has been showcased to 70,000 children here in Miami-Dade County public schools. InezInezInez.com 

Since its origins ten years ago, the evolution of Cortadito has led them to become one of the torch bearers 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. Winners of the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” award in 2019, the band frequently plays regionally, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, as well as Florida Folk Festival, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, and Afro Roots Fest. Learn more att CortaditoSon.com. 

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. 

Born Jude Thegenus in Port Au Prince, Papaloko is also a visual artist, and a voice for social justice and Haitian activism. He allows himself to be possessed by a spirit whose purpose is to paint strokes of life onto canvas. Papaloko studied to become a Roman Catholic priest, but his artistic journey led him to music with at first the Rara band Koleksyon Kazak, and then with the vodou pop band Loray Mistik. In 1999, Papaloko founded the Jakmel Art Gallery, Cultural Center and Caribbean Backyard, a center for cultural diversity, awareness, positivity, and creation in Miami. judepapalokothegenus.com

The event is generously being supported by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department. For more information, visit oakgrovefest.com. 

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

High-resolution images available here

ABOUT MIAMI LIGHT PROJECT
Founded in 1989, Miami Light Project is a not-for-profit cultural organization which presents live performances by innovative dance, music and theater artists from around the world; supports the development of new work by South Florida-based artists; and offers educational programs for students of every age. Since inception, they have reached a diverse cross-section of communities throughout Miami-Dade County with an extensive outreach effort that includes partnerships with other arts organizations, universities and social service agencies. Miami Light Project is a cultural forum to explore some of the issues that define contemporary society. For more information, please visit MiamiLightProject.com.

ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE
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. For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

ABOUT OAK GROVE PARK
Miami-Dade County PROS is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of over 275 parks and more than 40,000 acres of parks and natural areas, comprised of active, passive parklands and nature preserves. Outfitted with a swimming pool and the Father Gerard Jean-Juste Community Center, Oak Grove Park has recently been upgraded with a synthetic turf soccer playing field, complete with new sports field lighting, the planned amenities include a field drainage system, WiFi, new bleachers, enhanced landscaping, and ADA accessible updates. Click here to learn more. 

Community Arts & Culture to Again Present Dia de los Muertos Events in Doral and Islamorada Along with Ameyal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami-based nonprofit and Mexican cultural organization host celebrations at Doral Yard, Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, and the Florida Keys Brewing Company October 17 – November 2

Miami, FL, October 17, 2022 – For 20 years now, Community Arts & Culture (CAC) has prided itself on fostering an appreciation of a vast assortment of cultures, including Afro-Indigenous traditions. Last year, CAC and Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization teamed up to bring twin Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations to downtown Doral and the Upper Keys. This year, the events return to the Doral Yard on Sunday, October 30, and will enjoy an extended run in Islamorada at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (FKHDC) beginning today and culminating at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. (FKBC) on November 2.

First up is a special installation of several traditional Dia de los Muertos altar displays at the FKHDC, which is located at 82100 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. Museum admission is required to view the display. Next, is an afternoon of family-friendly fun at Doral Yard (8455 Northwest 53rd Street Doral, FL 33166) including a sugar skull workshop at 2 p.m. and a traditional procession plus live music by Ameyal beginning at 6 p.m. Finally, the sugar skull / procession / live music comes to FKH&DC on November 2 and ends at the FKBC (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036).

“We’re pleased to be again working with Ameyal, the Doral Yard, and the Florida Keys Brewing Co., all of whom have proved to be vital community partners and solid supporters of our artistic and cultural vision,” says CAC Founder and Executive Director Jose Elias. “Our thanks to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center for joining us this year. We look forward to these great events celebrating our ancestors.”

Established in 2013, the FKHDC is a world-class history and discovery center that accurately reflects the Florida Keys in a multi-faceted and interactive environment. It occupies a two-story, 7,500 square foot facility located in the heart of Islamorada on the property of the Islander Resort. Major themes of interest are the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, as well as the area’s fishing and maritime heritage. The FKHDC offers an annual lecture series, as well as undertake projects that fit with our mission and vision. Learn more at KeysDiscovery.com.

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 the downtown area. A 20,000-square-foot space is divided into two indoor / outdoor zones: The Hub and The Backyard, which includes a full liquor bar, a grassy turf area for gathering and dancing, and a stage; the outdoor space is fully covered. Visit DoralYard.com for more details.

FKBC is the gateway to the Morada Way Arts District in Islamorada and was founded with the hopes of bringing great beer to the island chain and beyond. All of their island-themed beers are brewed with top-quality ingredients to make the best beer possible. The tasting room faces the Old Highway, but there is a private residence for rent on the second level, and an expansive beer garden out back complete with an outdoor stage. Learn more at FloridaKeysBrewingCo.com.

Ameyal is dedicated to fomenting and spreading popular Mexican culture by focusing on sharing the richness of its cultural heritage through four pillars: pre-Hispanic dance, traditional music, folkloric ballet, and cultural dissemination. Their intention is to create a welcoming epicenter that supports all stakeholders in the community during the cultivation of Mexican artistic expression. To learn more about them, navigate to Ameyal.org.

Events free are open to the public of all ages, but tickets are required for the sugar skull activities in Doral and Islamorada. Limited edition tanks, tees, totes, and hoodies are available to commemorate the 2022 events – there’s a two-step order and payment process live on the web now.

The celebration in Islamorada is generously being supported by the Monroe County Tourism Development Council, Monroe County School District, Florida History and Discovery Center, Florida Keys Brewing Company, and Hot Dog on a Stick. Event support in Doral provided by the Miami–Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Doral Yard, and Hot Dog on a Stick.

For more information, visit communityartsandculture.org/day-of-the-dead.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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

Community Arts and Culture Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Doral Yard on September 24, 2022

Miami nonprofit to host an eclectic evening of live music and fundraising in Downtown Doral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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. 

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS & CULTURE

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.

For more information, please visit CACMiami.org.

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