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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10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival Returns to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park March 10-12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Virginia Key, FL – January 12, 2023 – The GrassRoots Organization is thrilled to announce the return of the 10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance. Taking place March 6-12, 2023 at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149), GrassRoots brings Americana, Latin, folk, roots and world music all together on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The week-long camping music & arts festival begins with four days of daily, unique musical workshops, dinner and dances leading into a three-day, three-stage family-friendly camping music and arts festival.

Hosted by festival founders and Americana stalwarts Donna the Buffalo, the 10th Annual Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival will also present music from Latin Grammy Award winning Puerto Rican salsa keyboardist and conductor Marlow Rosado, Afro-Cuban singer, composer and director Daymé Arocena, Haitian Vodou rock and roots legends RAM Haiti, and Latin Grammy Award Winning Venezulean roots cuatro player Jorge Glem (C4 Trio), along with Cortadito, The Bones of J.R. Jones, Munir Hossn, Eva Peroni (Monsieur Periné), Richie Stearns, Pepe Montes Conjunto, Machaka, Tand, The Resolvers, Cosmic Collective and many more.

Situated just minutes from downtown Miami on Virginia Key, the secluded and serene Historic Virginia Key Beach Park features sandy beaches and miles of nature trails abutting the pristine, calm waters along the Atlantic Ocean; perfect for music, camping and fun with friends and family.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places originally as the Coloreds Only beach for Miami-Dade County, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park began revitalization in 1999. As a committed partner since the first Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival in 2012, the non-profit GrassRoots Organization and its numerous volunteers have contributed each year to building working replica structures of the originals that existed during the parks heyday including six small rental cabins, a Tea House, and replicas of the Historic Lifeguard & First Aid Office and Historic Mini Train Ticket Booth and Beach Shack.

Alongside the broad range of world music, the festival will also host a Sustainability Fair, Yoga, Live Art, Music Workshops, Dance Workshops, Children’s Activities and more. Tickets and camping passes are on sale now at virginiakeygrassroots.org.

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

Live in the Park! series continues October 15 with award-winning Cuban folk group Cortadito  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Concert to be held at the new Westchester Cultural Arts Center located at Tropical Park, features the Miami-based group styled after the Buena Vista Social Club

Miami, FL – October 4, 2022 – The Westchester Cultural Arts Center’s fall lineup of the Live in the Park! music series wraps Saturday, October 15 with a performance by Miami-based Cuban folk group Cortadito, beginning at 8 p.m. The new venue is located at the entrance to Tropical Park, 7930 SW 40th St., Miami. Tickets for Live in the Park! starting at $35 can be purchased online at www.wcacenter.org or www.roxyshows.com, by visiting the Westchester box office, or calling 305-226-0030.

“Live in the Park! is a continuation of a music series that began with the ever-popular Disney Cabaret, and we hope will continue to grow and bring exciting performances to audiences at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center.  I’m eager to personally greet everyone who comes out to this beautiful facility and introduce them to the possibilities,” says Charles Sothers, Artistic Director of The Roxy Theatre Group, the organization managing the center.

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. More information is available at CortaditoSon.com.

Live in the Park! continues on select dates throughout the last quarter of 2022, featuring some of the most exciting names in Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban and Afro-influenced music. The lineup has already included Cuban singer-songwriter Albita, multiple Grammy award winners Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola; still to come are flautist Nestor Torres, mambo heir Tito Puente, Jr., and the series conclusion on Dec. 31 with the Marlow Rosado Orchestra and DJ El Russo ringing in the New Year.

Lineups and show times are subject to change. Please check the Westchester website for updates.

Live in the Park! is a collaboration between Roxy Theatre Group – Westchester’s resident theater managing company – and Broadway Factor, a Miami-based production company. The series is dedicated to the memory of George Cabrera, a Broadway Factor producer, music enthusiast and supporter of Roxy/Westchester’s mission.

Construction of this 11,000 square foot, state-of-the-art black box theater and gallery space was pioneered by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier D. Souto, District 10, and funded by a voter-approved Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond program. County officials inaugurated the $6.8 million cultural arts center in an official ceremony on June 25, 2021.

The Roxy Theatre Group is a non-profit organization devoted to mentoring children and youngsters in all aspects of the performing arts. Roxy recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mut Communications
Michael Mut
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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.

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Mut Communications
Michael Mut
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Cortadito Announce New “Son Sabroso Saturdays” Residency at Guanabanas in Jupiter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-winning Cuban folk band to entertain Palm Beach County fans on a monthly basis through November

Hialeah, FL – June 20, 2021 – Cortadito,winners of the Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Act” for 2019, and a popular act at Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, will now be appearing during Son Sabroso Saturdays at the waterfront venue located at 960 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477, once a month through November. Cortadito have played Guanabanas previously during the Noche Latina series and the Road to Afro Roots Fest, the opener for an eclectic, long running, and award-winning world music festival. This represents the third residency that the band has booked this summer. The shows will be free and open to the public of all ages, and will run 4 to 7 p.m.

“We are excited and happy to have locked in a number of dates at Guanabanas and appreciate the love and support by Matty and Roots Music and Guanabanas,” says band co-founder Jose Elias, who sings harmony and plays the tres in the band. “Our fan base there in the North Palm Beach area is amazing and we always love playing for them there.” The series of appearances is named after one of the band’s popular original compositions. They are scheduled to perform on the following dates:

August 7

September 11

October 16

November 20

Elias founded the traditional Cuban folk band alongside lead singer / songwriter and guitarist Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet in November of 2011. An instant success, the duo soon released their debut CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012. They subsequently expanded their roster by adding several notable musicians, and quickly became festival favorites, performing at the Fingerlakes, Shakori Hills, and Miami GrassRoots Festivals, the Florida Folk Fest, the Carnival on the Mile, and others. In 2018, the band released an EP titled Canciones de Julio. Cortadito also appears monthly at Jerry & Joe’s Pizza in Hialeah and at Cerveceria La Tropical in Wynwood.

Opened by Jupiter surfers as a sandwich shop in 2004, Guanabanas has grown to become an institution in 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, which is curated by Matt Cahur from Roots Music, Inc. Guanabanas is a 100 percent open-air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead, and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot.

For more information about the venue, visit Guanabanas.com.  More details about the band can be found at CortaditoSon.com.

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ABOUT CORTADITO

Cortadito’s focus is on performing the traditional Cuban music of the early 20th century. From Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon, and Bolero Son, this dynamic ensemble brings the listener back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world.  The era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing music throughout the globe. From time to time, Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians, which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Jose Elias founded the band alongside Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet from Santiago de Cuba in November of 2011 after a 12-year stint with Conjunto Progreso that garnered him a Grammy nomination for his participation in the album Masters of Cuban Son. The duo was an instant success and were invited to perform at the Fingerlakes Grassroots festival in Trumansberg, NY. They released their first CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012, which featured one original composition by each of the artists “Delicias Caribeña” (Elias) and “Te Lo Perdiste” (Delet).

In 2013, Julio Cesar moved to Houston, Texas and was replaced by Humberto Upierre from Guanabacoa, Cuba. The group then expanded into a trio which included percussionist Andres Polanco Rivas from Holguin, Cuba. In 2014, the group reunited with Julio Cesar to record what would be the songs for their next release, which included the participation of double bass player  Yorgis Goiricelaya from Matanzas, Cuba.  Yorgis is the Musical Director for Albita Rodriguez’s group and also plays bass with Oscar De Leon.

From 2015 to 2017 the group added various musicians to the roster, including percussionist Santiago McCook, and double bass player Alberto Pantaleon, who has toured with the Buena Vista Social Club and Eliades Ochoa.

Cortadito started 2018 the year with a bang thanks to world-renowned percussionist Sammy Figeroa – he hired the group to back up Buena Vista Social Club legend, Eliades Ochoa at the GroundUp Music Festival. That summer the group released their second EP release titled Canciones de Julio which features five original compositions written by lead singer Julio Cesar, including the classic “Casa de la Trova” written by his father Julio Rodriguez. On September 2, the band once more backed Ochoa, this time at the Los Dells Festival in Wisconsin, the first major Latin music festival in the Midwest, and soon to be the largest such festival in North America.

In June of 2019, Cortadito was named “Best Latin Act” by the Miami New Times in their “Best of Miami” issue. Click here to learn more. The group also received an acknowledgement by the City of North Miami during Hispanic Heritage Month for their representation of traditional Cuban culture in our community. 

In August 2020, the group started pre-production on their first full length album which will feature all original compositions by various band members. The album is due out for release in November 2021 to commemorate the band’s ten-year anniversary.

For more information, please visit CortaditoSon.com.  

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

Cortadito Announce Residency at Jerry & Joes Pizza in Hialeah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

June 19
July 17
August 21
September 18

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

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

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

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

Photo by Luis Olazabal

Cortadito CD Release Party 11/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cortadito Celebrates Release of Canciones de Julio November 16 at Wynwood Yard

Traditional Cuban folk group plays free all-ages show in Wynwood to launch five-song EP of original music

Miami, FL – October 31, 2018 – Thomas Wolfe may have written the novel You Can’t Go Home, but Miami’s premiere Cuban folk group Cortadito has quite the audio evidence to the contrary. They have now released Canciones de Julio, written and recorded with the group’s co-founder Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet, and plan a proper celebration and homecoming Friday, November 16, 2018, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at The Wynwood Yard (56 NW 29th Street, Miami, FL 33127). The show will be free and open to the public of all ages.

“I’m happy that this project has finally seen the light of day,” says group co-founder / producer Jose Elias about the material that was originally recorded in 2015. “We are looking forward to performing the new material at the Wynwood Yard and beyond.”

The group went back to their roots and teamed up with Delet for the creation of their second EP release, which features five original compositions written by Julio Cesar, including the classic “Casa de la Trova” written by his father Julio Rodriguez. The fine work of double bass player Yorgis Goiricelaya from Matanzas, Cuba is featured throughout the recording. Yorgis is the Musical Director for Albita Rodriguez’s group and also plays bass with the legendary Oscar De Leon.

Founded in 2011, Cortadito has played countless private parties and corporate events, lounges, bars, and festivals. Most recently, the group backed legendary Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa at the Los Dells Festival in Wisconsin, the first multi-genre Latin music festival in the Midwest, and soon to be the largest such festival in North America. They also accompanied him at this year’s GroundUp Music Festival on Miami Beach in February.

Cortadito released their debut CD Abriendo Caminos in 2012, which besides covering a variety of Cuban music standards, featured one original composition by each of the artists “Delicias Caribeña” (Elias) and “Te Lo Perdiste” (Delet).

For more information about the venue, navigate to www.wynwoodyard.com or call 305-351-0366. For more on the band, please visit www.cortaditoson.com.

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ABOUT CORTADITO

 Cortadito’s focus is on performing the traditional Cuban music of the early 20th century. From Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon, and Bolero Son, this dynamic ensemble brings the listener back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world. The era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing music throughout the globe. From time to time, Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians, which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Jose Elias founded the band alongside Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet from Santiago de Cuba in November of 2011 after a 12-year stint with Conjunto Progreso that garnered him a Grammy nomination for his participation in the album Masters of Cuban Son. The duo was an instant success and were invited to perform at the Fingerlakes Grassroots festival in Trumansberg, NY. They released their first CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012, which featured one original composition by each of the artists “Delicias Caribeña” (Elias) and “Te Lo Perdiste” (Delet).

In 2013, Julio Cesar moved to Houston, Texas and was replaced by Humberto Upierre from Guanabacoa, Cuba. The group then expanded into a trio which included percussionist Andres Polanco Rivas from Holguin, Cuba. In 2014 , the group reunited with Julio Cesar to record what would be the songs for their next release, which included the participation of double bass player  Yorgis Goiricelaya from Matanzas, Cuba.  Yorgis is the Musical Director for Albita Rodriguez’s group and also plays bass with Oscar De Leon.

From 2015 to 2017 the group added various musicians to the roster, including the likes Eduardo Saborit on vocals and rhythm guitar from Santiago de Cuba, percussionist Santiago McCook, Wilfredo Fuentes Cespedes who recorded and toured with Eliades Ochoa, and Horacio Rodriguez, who worked with Orquesta Aragon from 2000 to 2016. Most recently, the group has added double bass player Alberto Pantaleon, who has toured with the Buena Vista Social Club and Eliades Ochoa.

For more information about the band, visit www.cortaditoson.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Mut Communications

Michael Mut

786.426.2277

info@mutcomm.com    

 

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Cortadito Continues Residency at La Centrale

MEDIA ALERT

Cuban Son Group Cortadito Continues Residency at La Centrale in Brickell

Miami, FL – October 3, 2018 – Cortadito, the Cuban folk band led by musician and producer Jose Elias, will continue their weekly Thursday night residency at the Brickell City Center’s Italian eatery La Centrale during the month of October. The band’s trio format will play from the hours of 7 to 9 p.m. at the venue, located at 601 S Miami Ave, and patrons can not only enjoy traditional Son Montuno compositions and fine dining, but free rose wine during the event. Elias is also the founder and director of the local non-profit Community Arts & Culture, organizers of the long-running Afro Roots Fest. Cortadito also serves as the backing band for Eliades Ochoa, one of the original members of theBuena Vista Social Club. For more information about the series, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/492295834571413. For more on the band, navigate to www.CortaditoSon.com.

Who: Cortadito

What: Cuban folk music residency

When: Thursdays in October (4, 11, 18, 25), 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: La Centrale, Brickell City Centre 601 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33131

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

Cortadito Bar Debuts at Bar Nancy 09.26.18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cortadito to Debut at Bar Nancy with a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration October 12

Traditional Cuban folk trio plays Little Havana live music hotspot in celebration of all things Hispanic

Miami, FL – September 26, 2018 – Bar Nancy is planning to celebrate Hispanic culture by serving up some Cuban Cortadito on October 12, 2018. The Miami-based folk trio will debut at the souwesera craft cocktail tavern located at 2007 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135 during the venue’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The show begins at 10 p.m. and there is no cover;  21 and over are welcome to attend.

“We’re very excited about playing the Nancy for the first time and it couldn’t have been timed better,” says group co-founder Jose Elias. “Our sound is perfect for the location and the occasion, and we are looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for Cuban music fans that night.” Elias is also a producer and the Executive Director for the non-profit organization Community Arts and Culture.

Founded in 2011, Cortadito has already played its share of parties, lounges, bars, and festivals. Most recently, the group backed legendary Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa at the Los Dells Festival in Wisconsin, the first major Latin music festival in the Midwest, and soon to be the largest such festival in North America. They also accompanied him and wolrd renowned percussionist Sammy Figueroa at this year’s GroundUp Music Festival on Miami Beach in February.

This fall, the group will once again team up with co-founder Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet for the debut of their second EP release titled Canciones de Julio, which features five original compositions written by Julio Cesar, including the classic “Casa de la Trova”, penned by his father Julio Rodriguez. The band is currently enjoying a weekly Thursday night residency at La Centrale Italian Food Hall in the Brickell City Center.

The décor at Bar Nancy is colonial-era nautical, and once inside, one gets the sense of being below deck and in the galley of a ship. Wood-lined walls, and wooden tables and chairs lend a natural essence to the place. Nancy’s sizable selection of draft and canned beers, as well as specialty cocktails set it apart from other Little Havana watering holes. The bar also showcases a monthly “songwriters in the round” night hosted by Juan Turros, as well as a daily happy hour 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information about the venue, navigate to www.nancy305.com or call 305-397-8971. For more on the band, please visit www.cortaditoson.com.

###

ABOUT CORTADITO

Cortadito’s focus is on performing the traditional Cuban music of the early 20th century. From Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon, and Bolero Son, this dynamic ensemble brings the listener back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world. The era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing music throughout the globe. From time to time, Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians, which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Jose Elias founded the band alongside Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet from Santiago de Cuba in November of 2011 after a 12-year stint with Conjunto Progreso that garnered him a Grammy nomination for his participation in the album Masters of Cuban Son. The duo was an instant success and were invited to perform at the Fingerlakes Grassroots festival in Trumansberg, NY. They released their first CD titled Abriendo Caminos in 2012, which featured one original composition by each of the artists “Delicias Caribeña” (Elias) and “Te Lo Perdiste” (Delet).

In 2013, Julio Cesar moved to Houston, Texas and was replaced by Humberto Upierre from Guanabacoa, Cuba. The group then expanded into a trio which included percussionist Andres Polanco Rivas from Holguin, Cuba. In 2015, the group reunited with Julio Cesar to record what would be the songs for their next release, which included the participation of double bass player YorgisGoiricelaya (Albita, Oscar De Leon) from Matanzas, Cuba.

From 2015 to 2017 the group added various musicians to the roster, including the likes Eduardo Saborit on vocals and rhythm guitar from Santiago de Cuba, percussionist Santiago McCook, Wilfredo Fuentes Cespedes who recorded and toured with Eliades Ochoa, and Horacio Rodriguez, who worked with Orquesta Aragon from 2000 to 2016. Most recently, the group has added double bass player Alberto Pantaleon, who has toured with the Buena Vista Social Club and Eliades Ochoa.

For more information about the band, visit www.cortaditoson.com.

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

Noche Latina Returns to Guanabanas August 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Guanabanas Offers up Cortadito and The NagChampayons for Latin Night August 5

Monthly Latin music series returns with a doubleheader of Miami-based Cuban traditionalism and Afrogalactic / tropidelic funk  

Jupiter, FL – July 12, 2017 – Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar is by now known for its waterfront beauty, open-air seating, delectable menu offerings, and a monthly Latin music night. On any given evening, the area’s best reggae / roots / rock bands can be seen on stage, but for nearly two years now, there is at least one night per month reserved for genres with a little more spice in them. On Saturday, August 5, 2017, beginning with a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour engagement by Cortadito and closing with a 9 to 11 p.m. set by The NagChampayons, Guanabanas’ tropical flavor will be truly and sonically enhanced. The venue is located at 960 North Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

“I’ve been trying to fit Cortadito in to our Noche Latina series for some time now, and am glad to finally be able to present them to our music lovers,” says Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “They definitely promise to deliver something rich and lively, just like the traditional warm milk and coffee beverage they are named after. The Nags have killed it each time they performed up here – I’m looking forward to them returning with their usual funky fire.”

Cortadito’s focus is on performing the traditional Cuban music of the early 20thcentury. From Son Montuno, Guaracha, Boleros, Nengon, and Bolero Son, this dynamic ensemble brings the listener back to a time when Trio Matamoros, or Ignacio Piniero ruled the Cuban music world.  The era when popular music was Cuban Music and Son Montuno was influencing music throughout the globe. From time to time, Cortadito is backed by a variety of guest musicians, which gives the group a sound reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Cortadito-295653443871468.

The Nag Champayons have raised musical bar down in Miami in terms of creativity, messaging and collaborative efforts with each new release. Their heady and infectious 2016 single “Brazilian LSD” came with a visually stunning video, and served as a follow up to 2015’s masterful Rising Sounds of a Sinking City, a darkly serious and ominous 21-minute environmentally-conscious theme. They continue to play local and regional music festivals, and are currently in the studio recording new music. For more details, visit www.NagChampayons.com.

There is no cover for either performance on August 5; 21 and over are welcome after 9 p.m. For more information, please call 561.747.8878 or visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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ABOUT GUANABANAS

Guanabanas is an open air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts and banyan trees towering overhead and hand-chiseled coquina stone pathways underfoot. The team maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The award-winning menu features a fusion of Mexican, fresh Florida seafood and traditional fare; a breakfast menu is available Saturdays and Sundays. Guanabanas offers a custom catering menu and signature cocktails. Executive Chef Vinny Trupia oversees the culinary operations and also manages a community garden at the neighborhood resource center El Sol.

The establishment hosts recurring “Give Back Thursdays” to help the needs of the local community organizations, partnering with willing companies to help drive donations and  money where needed, as well as giving away stage space to allow charities to showcase their cause. Past beneficiaries include the Surfrider Foundation, Martin Memorial Hospital, Haiti Relief Effort, the Brave Maeve Foundation, Freedom Flight for WWII Vets by the Martin County Firefighters, Furry Friends, and many others.

Guanabanas’ new food truck can be booked for any event by calling 561.747.8878 or emailing foodtruck@guanabanas.com. For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com.

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