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.

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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 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

Afro Roots Fest concludes in Islamorada at Florida Keys Brewing Company April 26-28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Multi-cultural music festival features free performances by Cortadito, Venezonix with San Juan USA, Jean P. Jam, Manny Swagg, and Stella Fusion

Islamorada, FL – April 12, 2024 – The award-winning Afro Roots Fest winds its way down U.S. 1 and concludes with a weekend of spectacular concert events at the Florida Key Brewing Company (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036) Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. The performances will represent the best in Afro-Caribbean vibes and offer up music from Cuban, Venezuelan, Haitian, and Colombian artists. All performances are free and open to all-ages, and will be held in the brewery beer garden.

The weekend concludes six-week run of live music by world-class artists, drum and dance workshops, and short film screenings that included stops in Miami, Miami Beach, Gainesville, and Jupiter. On Friday evening, April 26, Jean P. Jam will offer up a special blend of world beat music called “Deep Roots” that combines African, Soca, Caribbean, and reggae influences into one groovy amalgamation. He takes the stage at 6 p.m.

Next up Saturday, April 27 is Cortadito (Cuba), who are Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. They will perform Cuban folk standards and original music from their upcoming full-length release titled Guajiro Triangle. Supporting them are Venezonix, an Afro-Venezuelan electronica act featuring keyboardist Andres Ponce (co-founder of Nacional recording artists Elastic Bond), plus San Juan USA, a dance group also hailing from Venezuela. Showtime is 6 p.m.

Finally, the dynamic singer / songwriter Manny Swagg‘s unique melding of Latin jazz, Afro-Latin beat, Caribbean folk, and traditional Cuban music takes center stage Sunday, April 28 beginning at 2 p.m. His group will be supported by Stella Fusion‘s smooth Cumbia Salsa funk representing Colombia. Both are making their Afro Roots Fest debuts and will surely bring the beer garden down.

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 Eliades Ochoa, Oumou Sangare, Sun Ra Arkestra, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, and Toubab Krewe, among many others. Since 2018, the event has become a nomadic affair that now includes separate events in markets such as Gainesville, Miami, Miami Beach, and Jupiter.

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 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.

Presented by the Miami-based nonprofit Community Arts and Culture, Afro Roots Fest is dedicated to increasing understanding through the cultivation, preservation and presentation of diverse cultural music and arts offerings. Event support provided by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Keys ICE, and FKBC.

More information available at AfroRootsFest.com.

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

Afro Roots Fest Returns to Guanabanas April 13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Multi-cultural event features free performances by Cortadito, Johnny Dread, Venezonix with San Juan USA, and DJ Ephniko

Jupiter, FL, March 28, 2024 – Afro Roots Fest travels to North Palm Beach County for an afternoon and evening of music representing Cuba, Jamaica, and Venezuela at the enchanting Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar (960 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m. No cover, all ages welcome before 9 p.m., 21 and over after. The nomadic event, named “Best Music Festival” in 2019 by the Miami New Times, is now in year 26, with 2024 being the 7th season of programming set to take place at the popular Jupiter waterfront live music venue.

Cortadito is an award-winning Cuban folk band whose specialty is traditional sounds in the vein of the Buena Vista Social Club. Co-founded in 2012 by tresero Jose Elias and guitarist Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet, the group is now a national touring act and is in the process of finalizing the production of their first full-length release, to be titled Guajiro Triangle, and follows the release of the 2018 EP Canciones de Julio. They have previously backed BVSC star Eliades Ochoa live in concert. Learn more about the band at CortaditoSon.com.

Singer / songwriter Johnny Dread‘s Rastafarian vibes have been rockin’ the globe and bringing the message of Jah to the masses since the release of his debut recording Scarecrow in 1995. Born Juan Carlos Guardiola and originally a drummer, Dread has issued three other full lengths, including his most recent, 2014’s Full Circle, featuring the single and video “Butterfly”. Johnny has toured the world extensively and shared the stage with Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Israel Vibration, among others. More: JohnnyDreadMusic.com.

Andres Ponce is the creative force behind Venezonix, and he’s also the co-founder of Nacional recording artists Elastic Bond. Here he’s teaming up with the amazing percussionists and dancers from the Venezuelan-American cultural organization San Juan USA to bring a vibrant musical show. Venezonix melds the magical fusion of Afro-Venezuelan rhythms with electronic music and technology. Learn more at facebook.com/Venezonix.

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.

Event support provided by the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, and Guanabanas. High resolution photos and artist interviews available upon request. Presented by Roots Music, Inc. and Community Arts and Culture.

For more information, please visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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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

Cortadito and Electric Piquete celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Guanabanas September 23

Ongoing Noche Latina series returns to Jupiter waterfront bar and restaurant for free show beginning at 4 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2023 – Two Miami-based acts will be performing at Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar (960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477) on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The pair of award-winning groups in Cortadito (traditional Cuban folk), and Electric Piquete (Latin funk / fusion), will take the stage for musical celebrations first from 4 to 7 p.m. (all ages welcome), and then 9 to 11 p.m. (21 and over). The Noche Latina series was first created by Roots Music, Inc. in 2015 to offer area music fans a little more variety.

“It’s always a great time when Cortadito rolls into town, with their spicy Cuban sound and their enthusiastic fan base, and Electric Piquete always brings the Miami funk,” says Roots Music founder and Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with these two bands and we can’t wait to host them on our stage.” Cahur manages acts, and produces and promotes local and regional concerts.

Named after your favorite caffeinated pick-me-up and voted “Best Latin Act 2019” by Miami New Times, Cortadito’s mesh of Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon and Bolero Son will transport you back to a time when Trio Matamoros or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world. With a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club, this dynamic Miami-based ensemble has backed world-renowned percussionist Sammy Figueroa, opened for legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and performed at festivals like GroundUP Music Festival and Afro Roots Fest. Learn more about the band at CortaditoSon.com.

Their influences are as diverse as the Miami region that birthed them, ranging from rock to jazz spiced with everything in between: funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B. Though mostly instrumental, Electric Piquete does feature vocals and rapping on several numbers; a tight rhythm section and heavy percussion supports melodious horn play. Their repertoire consists of mostly original compositions, but they are well-versed in Latin and jazz standards, borrowing from a range of artists, from Herbie Hancock to Mongo Santamaria. Get more details at ElectricPiquete.com.

From its humble beginnings as a one-time sandwich shop / kayak rental place in 2004-2005, Guanabanas has grown into an “Old Florida” local mainstay. The enchanting open air restaurant has been named “Best Waterfront Restaurant” by the Palm Beach Post and “Best Restaurant” by SouthFlorida.com, been featured on PBS Local, Emeril’s Florida, and Chef Michele Bernstein’s Check Please, and become a favorite hangout of professional athletes and international celebrities. Live music is a staple, with Big Wednesdays plus Friday, Saturday, and Sunday programming. 

For more information about the show and the venue, to browse the menu and shop the online store, visit Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878. 

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

Afro Roots Fest to Highlight Multicultural Rhythms in Key West April 27-28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eclectic, traveling music festival celebrates its 25th year with performances by the Nag Champayons + Tomas Diaz and Cortadito

Key West, FL – April 3, 2023 – Audiences can enjoy multicultural musical events in Key West Thursday and Friday, April 27-28, during the annual Afro Roots Fest.

The cultural kaleidoscope is to begin Thursday with two performances by Tomas Diaz and the Nag Champayons at the Green Parrot Bar (601 Whitehead St.).

A Latin Grammy Award nominee, Diaz has appeared with artists ranging from Celia Cruz to Bruce Springsteen. He and the Nag Champayons, known for their “Afrogalactic Tropidelic” sound, join forces to present an unforgettable musical experience.

Shows are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the landmark bar. There is no cover charge and everyone age 21 and over is welcome.

The Studios of Key West (533 Eaton St.) is the setting for a Friday night concert by Cortadito, a Cuban folk and country band known for its mastery of the Afro-Cuban musical form known as Son. Cortadito’s traditional stylings have evoked comparisons to Cuba’s iconic Buena Vista Social Club.

The 8 p.m. show is to take place in the Helmerich Theater. Tickets are $50 per person ($40 for Studios of Key West members) and can be purchased at bit.ly/ARFKW2023.  

The Key West events highlight the 25th season of the Afro Roots World Music Festival, an exploration of cultural experiences through performances, programs and outreach at locations around Florida.

The festival is staged by Community Arts and Culture. Now in its 20th year, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing understanding through the cultivation, preservation and presentation of diverse cultural music and arts offerings.

Festival information: 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

10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival Returns NEXT WEEKEND March 10-12, 2023

MEDIA ALERT

Latin-heavy lineup highlights include Marlow Rosado, Dayme Arocena, and Cortadito, along with mainstays Donna the Buffalo and more

Virginia Key, FL – March 1, 2023 – Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days and three stages of family friendly world, roots music and camping at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

Headlining artists include Donna The Buffalo, Marlow Rosado, Daymé Arocena, RAM Haiti, Jorge Glem, The Bones of J.R. Jones, Munir Hosn, Cortadito and many more.

Alongside the broad range of world music and the option to camp at the festival for the weekend, the festival will also host yoga, a sustainability fair, live art, food and craft vendors, music workshops, dance workshops, children’s activities and so much more.

DATE: March 10-12, 2023

TIMES: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. each day

VENUE: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149

WEBSITE: VirginiaKeyGrassRoots.org

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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. 

Amadou & Mariam Headline Afro Roots Fest Miami Beach March 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The “blind couple from Mali” play the Miami Beach Bandshell with Cortadito and special guests Afro-Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola and Brazilian percussion collective Miamibloco, plus DJ Le Spam

Miami Beach, FL – February 8, 2023 – Two of Africa’s most popular artists, the Malian husband and wife duo of Amadou Bagayoko and wife Mariam Doumbia, will launch their 2023 North American tour during the opening date of Afro Roots Fest, the award-winning nomadic world music festival now in its 25th year, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141). 

The supporting act Cortadito, Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club and the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” for 2019, will bring their traditional folk sound and invite a few special guests on stage, while acclaimed DJ Le Spam spins before and between acts. The host for the show is legendary broadcaster George Collinet, who voices the Peabody award-winning Afropop Worldwide syndicated world music radio program. Advance tickets are $41.50 and now available online at bit.ly/ARFMB2023. All ages welcome.

“Twenty-five years is certainly a long time, and I feel honored and blessed to have been able to present such a diverse range of acts throughout the journey,” says Afro Roots Fest founder and Cortadito vocalist, tres player, and bandleader Jose Elias. “I am grateful for all of the support, especially from our friends at the Rhythm Foundation, and I am very excited about having Amadou & Mariam open what promises to be another amazing Afro Roots concert season.”

For the past forty-odd years, Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming, discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music, and African music, all around the world. They have collaborated with Damon Albarn of Blur, Manu Chao, Santigold, TV On The Radio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The duo have played the world’s biggest festivals, from Coachella to Glastonbury, and opened for huge bands such as Coldplay and the Scissor Sisters. Their latest release is called La Confusion from 2017, for which they are just now getting to tour for due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“From the very beginning, we have always wanted to mix our own music with great, talented musicians,” says Amadou. “We wanted to break barriers and open our ears to a new sound, to bring Malian music to a lot of people around the world in a form they would understand and enjoy. “We love what we do,” adds Mariam, “and we seek to make people happy with our music, help humanitarian causes and share positive messages about the good work being done by people in every corner of the world.” 

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.

Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this dynamic ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as “The Guajiro Triangle” by group co-founder and producer Elias, which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana, and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing their musical influences.

Aymée Nuviola is a Cuban-born singer, songwriter, national recording artist and actor. Known for her witty improvisations and “rumbera” stage presence, Nuviola’s fans know her as “La Sonera del Mundo” (The Singer of the World). Last year, she was honored to be the first Latina invited to sing during a special Tropical music segment on the 64th Grammy Awards telecast.

In November, 2022, she won her second Latin Grammy, for Live at Marciac, her first duo album, recorded with jazz pianist and childhood friend Gonzalo Rubalcaba. As an actor, Nuviola is best known for playing the adult Celia Cruz in the Spanish soap opera “Celia,” which aired on Telemundo and Netflix and was viewed in 45 countries.

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. The organization’s performance group, Bateria Saideira, will join Cortadito on stage. 

Director of Community Operations Suom Francis offers: “At Miamibloco everyone has an instrument and each one is as important as the next for collective sound. Experiencing these subtle empowering lessons consistently instills a sense of self-worth, and locates us inside our community in a way that is accessible, less charged, or intimidating.” 

Miami based DJ Le Spam, founder of Spam Allstars, is 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.

Originating in 1999 at the now defunct 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, 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.

Produced by Sean Barlow, Afropop Worldwide began its life 35 years ago as a weekly program on National Public Radio. Still the standard for both the curious and the connoisseur, it takes listeners on audio journeys to dynamic music capitals around the globe, and has introduced listeners to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cesaria Evora, Gilberto Gil, Baaba Maal, Kanda Bongo Man, and many, many others. Fans of the program are invited to a special meet-and-greet with Mr. Collinet at 6 p.m. on the day of show. 

The event is generously being supported by the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Miami Beach, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Rhythm Foundation, and Urban Resource. For more information, visit AfroRootsFest.com.

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Amadou y Mariam inauguran el Afro Roots Fest de Miami Beach el 14 de marzo

La “pareja no vidente” de Malí tocará en el Miami Beach Bandshell junto a Cortadito y sus invitados y DJ Le Spam

Miami Beach, FL – 8 de febrero de 2023 – Amadou y Mariam, dos de los artistas africanos más populares del momento,empezarán su gira por Norteamérica, desde Miami. Esta pareja musical proveniente de Malí y conformadapor los esposos Amadou Bagayokoy Mariam Doumbia, será la encargada de inaugurar la nueva edición del Afro Roots Fest, reconocido evento musical que cumple 25 años.  Amadou y Mariam prenderán los motores del festival que arranca el martes 14 de marzo a las 6 p.m. en el Bandshell de Miami Beach (7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33141).

El grupo telonero Cortadito, la versión miamense de Buena Vista Social Club yelegido por el Miami New Times como “El mejor grupo latino de 2019”, traerá su sabroso y tradicional repertorio de música cubana, con algunos invitados especiales, mientras el aclamado DJ Le Spam soltará su mezcla musical, antes del show y entre los recesos. El anfitrión de la noche será el legendario locutor de radio George Collinet, director de Afropop Worldwide, programa de world music sindicado y ganador del premio Peabody. Los boletos cuestan $41.50 y pueden comprarse en  bit.ly/ARFMB2023.  Público de todas las edades es bienvenido.

“El haber organizado el festival Afro Roots por 25 años ha representado una gran oportunidad para nuestra organización y para mí personalmente como músico y como productor”, expresa José Elías, el fundador del festival, vocalista y tresero de Cortadito. “Estamos tan contentos de tener a Amadou y Mariam inaugurando su gira por EEUU desde el sur de Florida. Hace 15 años nuestros amigos de Rhythm Foundation los presentaron aquí y creo que es la primera vez que se presentan en el Bandshell de Miami Beach. Ciertamente será una noche muy especial”.

Durante 40 años Amadou y Mariam han sabido combinar de manera inteligente su vida musical y conyugal para convertirse en los más famosos embajadores de la música de Mali y África alrededor del mundo. El dúo maliense ha colaborado con artistas de la talla de Damon Albarn de la banda Blur, Manu Chao, Santigold, TV On The Radio,y the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. La pareja ha tocado en grandes festivales del mundo desde Coachella hasta Glastonbury, y han alternado con conocidas bandas como Coldplay y The Scissor Sisters. Su último disco se llama La confusión, grabado en 2017, el cual están promocionando actualmente debido a la pandemia del coronavirus.

“Desde que empezó nuestra carrera, siempre quisimos combinar nuestra música con la de otros talentosos artistas”, comenta Amadou. “Quisimos romper barreras y abrirnos a nuevos estilos musicales para llevar nuestros ritmos a la mayoría de gente alrededor del mundo”.  “Amamos lo que hacemos”, agrega Mariam, “buscamos hacer feliz al público, promover causas humanitarias y compartir mensajes positivos sobre las cosas buenas que hace la gente en cualquier lugar del mundo”.

Desde que debutaron en la escena musical hace una década, Cortadito se ha convertido en estandarte de un fenómeno de la cultura popular cubana que data de hace dos siglos. Esta banda que cultiva la música folclórica de Cuba se ha concentrado en explorar y desarrollar la esencia del Son y su sonido nos hace recordar el grupo Buena Vista Social Club.

A través de sus múltiples interpretaciones de música tradicional y canciones originales este conjunto dinámico conduce a la audiencia por una experiencia auditiva denominado el “Triangulo Guajiro” por su co fundador y productor José Elías, haciendo referencia a las tres ciudades, Miami, La Habana y Santiago que conforman su influencia musical.

Aymée Nuviola es conocida como “La Sonera del Mundo” por sus habilidades en la improvisación y su domino de los escenarios. La cantante, compositora, pianista y actriz nacida en Cuba posée un Grammy y dos Latin Grammy. El año pasado Aymée tuvo el honor de ser la primera mujer latina invitada a cantar durante un segmento especial dedicado a la música tropical durante la ceremonia televisada de la sexagésima cuarta entrega de los premios Grammy.

En noviembre del mismo año, la artista cubana obtuvo su segundo Latin Grammy con el álbum “Live in Marciac”, grabado en dúo con el conocido pianista internacional Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Como actriz, Aymée Nuviola es mejor conocida por interpretar a Celia Cruz en la telenovela “Celia” que fue transmitida por Telemundo y Netflix, y se vio en 45 países.

Fundada por Brian Potts en 2017, Miamibloco convierte la música y los ritmos brasileños en la pega cultural que une a las diversas comunidades de Miami. Su misión es ayudar a las personas a conectarse, aprender, crecer y prosperar para lograr un Miami más alegre y equitativo a través de la interpretación artística y la educación. El grupo presenta sus eventos dSociales Brasileños”, así como talleres y clases de percusión para principiantes e intermedio en Miami. Su grupo de performance, Batería Saideira, acompañará a Cortadito en la tarima.

El director de operaciones comunitarias Suom Francis afirma lo siguiente: “En Miamibloco todas las personas tienen un instrumento y cada uno es igual de importante para el sonido colectivo del grupo. Experimentar estas sutiles lecciones de empoderamiento infunde un sentido de autoestima y nos ubica dentro de nuestra comunidad de una manera que es accesible, menos cargada o intimidante”.

El DJ miamense Le Spam, fundador de Spam Allstars, es conocido por su excéntrica colección de discos en acetato. Tras nacer en Montreal y criarse en Londres y Bogotá, este DJ estuvo expuesto a una gran variedad de ritmos y culturas que se expresa en la música que programa. Su extensa colección de acetatos incluye Latin, funk, Miami-bass, Haitian, jazz, y mucho más. El DJ empezó a coleccionar discos mientras tocaba la guitarra para el cantautor Nil Lara y hacía giras mundiales junto al artista. Su colección se extendió, cuando empezó a hacer giras con su propia banda Spam Allstars.

Desde sus inicios en 1998 en el desaparecido y afamado club de Miami, Tobacco Road el Afro Roots Fest se ha convertido en uno de los festivales de mayor longevidad en el sur de Florida. Denominado como uno de los “10 Mejores Festivales de Música por Miami New Times, fue coronado como el Mejor Festival en la edición especial “Best of Miami” en 2019. Artistas que se han presentado en el Afro Roots Fest en el pasado incluyen  a Sun Ra Arkestra, Alsarah, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Toure, Toubab Krewe, y Roberto Torres, entre muchos otros. Desde 2018 el festival se ha extendido con otras presentaciones y fechas a distintas ciudades como Gainesville, Jupiter, Doral, Hollywood, Islamorada y Cayo Hueso.

Producido por Sean Barlow, Afropop Worldwide comenzó hace 35 años como un programa semanal en National Public Radio. El programa transporta a los oyentes a lugares dinamicos de musica alrededor del mundo y ha presentado a su publico a artistas globales de la talla de Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cesaria Evora, Gilberto Gil, Baaba Maal, Kanda Bongo Man y muchos otros. Los seguidores del programa están invitados a conocer al señor Collinet a las 6 p.m. el día del show.

El Festival Afro Roots cuenta con el apoyo de Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, la ciudad de Miami Beach, el Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Rhythm Foundation, y Urban Resource.

Para más información, visitar AfroRootsFest.com.

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