“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. 

Electric Piquete and Spam Allstars Play Guanabanas for Noche Latina October 5

Miami Latin funk bands to celebrate 4th anniversary of the recurring Latin music series at the popular Jupiter waterfront restaurant, bar, and live music venue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jupiter, FL – September 17, 2019 – Traditional fourth anniversary gifts include flowers and fruit, which is perfectly apropos for a place like Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar, whose very name is the Spanish word for the tropical  produce soursop. Roots Music, Inc. and Guanabanas present the 4th Anniversary of Noche Latina on Saturday, October 5, 2019, which will gift music fans performances by two of Miami’s top Latin funk acts, Electric Piquete and the Spam Allstars. The event begins at 4 p.m., there is no cost to attend, and all ages are welcome to the early show; 21 and over for the late set. The venue is located at 960 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL, 33477.

“These two acts are most appropriate for a Latin dance party, as they both play music that is en fuego and both are very popular with our regular crowd,” says Guanabanas talent buyer Matt Cahur. “Electric Piqute and the Spam Allstars perfectly balance out our traditional offerings of acoustic, reggae and surf rock bands. They are the perfect combo for Guanbanas’ Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.” Cahur is also the place’s lead sound engineer, and a guitarist / songwriter himself. He co-founded the renowned roots / reggae / rock act Boxelder.

In addition to being two-time Miami New Times’ “Best Latin Band” award winners, Electric Piquete (4 to 7 p.m.) has the distinction of being the first band to play a Noche Latina back in 2015. They mix Latin soul / boogaloo with American funk, jazz, and rock elements to form a largely instrumental, highly-catchy sound. The band is getting set to release new music for the first time in several years, a double-A side that will benefit a local women’s shelter. More information: www.ElectricPiquete.com.

The Spam Allstars (9 to 11 p.m.) are synonymous with Miami’s Latin funk sound. They are one of the most well-known, longest-running, and accomplished bands, and have been nominated for a Latin Grammy and toured internationally. A musical amalgamation, they are part hip-hop, part funk, and part electronica. Founded by musician, producer, and musicologist Andrew Yeomanson, AKA DJ Le Spam, the group’s latest release stands as their sixth full-length called Trans-Oceanic(2016). Learn more at www.SpamAllstars.com.

Some other notable Noche Latina acts have included Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated PALO! and Locos Por Juana, Latin Grammy-nominated Cuban singer Danay Suarez, 2019 Miami New Times “Best Latin Act” award winners Cortadito, Palm Beach-based Moska Project, plus Miami standouts Suenalo and Xperimento.

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, bar and live music venue 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 Latin, fresh Florida seafood and traditional Americana fare; an all-new brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays.

Guanabanas also 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. Guanabanas’ food truck can be booked for any event by calling 561.747.8878 or emailing foodtruck@guanabanas.com.

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.

The live music venue has hosted some legendary artists in its 10 year history, including the likes of Michael Franti, Julian Marley, Turkuaz, Inner Circle, Third World, and Zach Deputy. Solo artists can be heard Saturday and Sunday mornings during brunch. On Saturday afternoons, a matinee show from 4 to 7 p.m. offers some of the region’s finest musicians.  

More info and the full schedule is available at www.Guanabanas.com.

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



Bar Nancy Celebrates Grand Opening April 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bar Nancy Brings Craft Cocktail Artistry to Little Havana

Nautically-themed venue features hand-made bar, fixtures and is mixology-driven; grand opening celebration scheduled for April 15
Miami, FL – April 5, 2017 – Named after the Nancy, the doomed Revolutionary supply ship that was supposedly the first ship to hoist an American flag in a foreign port, Little Havana’s newest craft cocktail establishment Bar Nancy is dry docked at 2007 SW 8th Street. Already serving thirsty landlubbers, a grand opening celebration will take place Saturday, April 15, 2017 featuring the Spam Allstars, The Woodwork (formerly the Wholetones), and JUke. Doors open at 5 p.m., and complimentary cocktails will be served from 7 to 9 p.m. Music begins at 8 p.m.

“We put a lot of stock into every last detail, from the décor to our drink ingredients, and authenticity is a big part of our appeal,” says co-owner and managing partner Sasha-Alexandre Torres. “Our award-winning bar tenders put their all into the creation and execution of our drink menu, and I’m confident our patrons will taste the difference.” There are no fountain guns behind the bar, and no artificial sweeteners are ever used. The place even has its own sugar cane press for simple syrups. ”

The vibe is colonial-era nautical, and once you’ve entered, the sense is one is in the galley of a ship. With wood-lined walls, tables and chairs, a natural essence is prevalent. Drink names like “Over the Barrel”, “Peg Leg”, and “Siren Song” play right into the theme.  Nancy offers a sizable selection of draft and canned beers. There is an assortment of appetizers, sandwiches and desserts available, and an outside patio with seating.

Co-founder Ben Koufopoulos, a quintessential bar-man and a sought-after commodity in the cocktail world, has been an integral part of team-building for some of Miami’s most successful bars and restaurants, including The Purdy Lounge, Burger and Beer Joint, The Stage, Will Call, PB Station, and Pawnbroker. He has worked with and trained with some of America’s top chefs: Emeril Legassi, Jonathan Eissman, Michael Swartz, Norman Van Aken, and Jose Mendin. He and his father Tom Koufopoulos are largely responsible for all the woodwork, even recreating the Nancy stern to act as the bar back.

Torres also co-founded the now-closed The Stage Miami located in the Design District, where he conceptualized and managed day-to-day activities, and he currently assists in producing live musical events via DNA Entertainment and nationally distributed films with Via Verita and Ratpac Entertainment.

Yet another key Nancy crew member is Derek Stilmann, F.I.U. and Pubbelly Restaurant Group alumni, where he went on to design and create the cocktail program at notable bars like PawnBroker.

This initial group have created the venue’s cocktail, beer, wine, and food menus. Collectively, they have been involved in live music and sports bars, fine dining restaurants and high-volume mixology bars, and each have held all front and back of house positions, from busboy to general manager.

Bar Nancy hosts a happy hour every day from 5 to 8 p.m., and they are open every day until 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 3 a.m. There will be a regular live music schedule in place soon, and there is never a cover. 21 and over are welcome.

For more information, please visit www.Nancy305.com or call 305.397.8971.

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ABOUT BAR NANCY

Bar Nancy is a nautically themed American craft cocktail bar located on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, Miami, Florida. The cocktail bar takes its Inspiration from the American Revolutionary Ship, Nancy, which was the first American ship to hoist the red, white and blue flag after American Independence had been declared.  The Nancy creed Carpe Noctem (Seize the Night) promises transcendence and good times through savory crafted cocktails, great music (live and otherwise), and an optimized hospitality experience.

Katherine Rajsich, Sasha-Alexandre Torres, Ben Koufopoulos and Derek Stilmann make a perfect team to open an American craft cocktail bar in Miami, Florida. Their skills obtained over the years in the service and hospitality industry complement each other and make for a successful recipe. Together they have a combined 70 years’ experience in the field; most of them here in Miami. They have been involved with bar and restaurant openings and know the rigors that come with such a task.

Also part of the Nancy crew: David Perez, Lizz Dominguez, Jamal Giles, Caco Alvarez and Raymond Levy.

For more information, please visit www.Nancy305.com or call 305.397.8971.

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

1st Anniversary of “Noche Latina” October 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Guanabanas’ Noche Latina Series Celebrates 1st Anniversary October 22

 Double dose of Miami Latin funk by Electric Piquete and the Spam Allstars fetes series and Hispanic Heritage Month

Jupiter, FL – October 11, 2016 – Around this time last year, Guanabanas Island Restaurant & Bar’s Talent Buyer Matt Cahur began to satiate demand for Latin culture at the Jupiter restaurant live music venue. By launching the monthly Noche Latina series, he not only brought regional and international Latino music acts to the North Palm Beach area on a more regular basis, but celebrated the flavor and diversity of the genre during Hispanic Heritage Month.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, Guanabanas is marking the one year anniversary of the series by hosting a double header of Latin funk. Electric Piquete will play from 4 to 7 p.m. during happy hour, and the Spam Allstars are scheduled for a two-hour performance beginning at 9 p.m. Both shows are free and open to those 21 and over.

“These two acts represent the Miami sound extremely well and are crowd favorites at Guanabanas,” says Cahur. “They both feature a roster of extremely talented musicians, and both offer highly-danceable and infectious grooves. We invite everyone to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with us once again.”

Electric Piquete, two-time Miami New Times “Best Latin Band”, fuse rock, jazz, funk, Afro-Caribbean, progressive and R&B influences with incendiary results. They recently issued their Singles Collection digitally and on CD, and released a video for their brand new single “Cut Me Loose”. The band made their debut at the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in North Carolina on October 8. More information: www.ElectricPiquete.com.

The Spam Allstars are one of Miami’s most popular, well-known, longest-running and most accomplished bands. They have been nominated for a Latin Grammy, toured nationally, and this year played in South Africa as part of a cultural exchange sponsored by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates. The group is getting set to release a long-anticipated sixth full-length album called Trans-Oceanic. Learn more at www.SpamAllstars.com.

Guanabanas is located at 960 North Highway A1A Jupiter, FL 33477. For more information, please visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8878.

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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 there.

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, Pink Purses, Martin Memorial Hospital, Haiti Relief Effort, Freedom Flight for WWII Vets by the Martin County Firefighters, Jupiter High Surf Team, Friends of Jupiter Beach, Vita Nova House, Furry Friends, and many others.

For more information, visit www.Guanabanas.com or call 561.747.8513.

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

 

Hialeah Park Presents the Spam Allstars 1/30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hialeah Park Presents the Spam Allstars January 30

Ongoing monthly music series features prominent Afro-Cuban electronica act on the newly remodeled fountain terrace

Hialeah, FL – January 12, 2016 – Hialeah Park’s monthly live music series continues with Latin Grammy nominees the Spam Allstars, one of Miami’s best-known and most talented acts, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, beginning at 9 p.m.  The show is free and open to the public of all ages; must be 21 to enter the casino. The performance-driven initiative was launched in August of 2015 as part of a commitment to prove additional entertainment options for patrons, and to attempt to draw those who had not yet visited the historic park since reopening in 2013, after a multi-million dollar makeover.

“Given the success of past shows on our brand-new fountain terrace, we are excited about our featured performers in January, the Spam Allstars,” says Vice President of Marketing & Entertainment Frank Fiore. “The group is one of the most dynamic that the City of Miami has to offer, and I invite everyone to come enjoy them at our newly-renovated facilities.” Hialeah Park first opened in 1925 as the Miami Jockey Club and has been home to legendary horses and races, been featured in Hollywood films, hosted countless quinces photo shoots, weddings and special events.

Formed in 1998 by Andrew Yeomanson AKA DJ Le Spam, the Spam Allstars began their career together as an improvisational group performing live on a pirate radio station. This led to the release of a debut CD Pork Scratchings in 1999 and residencies at Snowwhite’s, Lola bar and Galapagos in Brooklyn, NY, as well as a weekly webcast on Eyeqradio.com.  In 2001, the group began a long-standing and profile-raising weekly party called Fuacata at Hoy Como Ayer in Little Havana, a residency that continues to this day. The Spam Allstars have totaled five releases so far and are busy working on a sixth.

They have been featured on Good Morning America, Mun2’s The Roof, CBSThis Morning, NPR’s All Things Considered, CBS4’s Making of the Latin Grammys, NBC 6’s Trendtrackers. Additionally, they’ve contributed music to the Miami HEAT, had a their original song “Ochimini” placed on MTV’s Advance Warning Compilation: Volume 5 Miami Edition, and have performed with Sammy Figueroa, Larry Harlow of the Fania Allstars, John Medeski of Medeski Martin and Wood, Clarence Reed AKA Blowfly, Page McConnell of Phish, the late Wildman Steve, various members of AntiBalas, Pee Wee Ellis of the JB Horns, Daddy Yankee, Jose Conde, Brimstone 127, Mr. Haka, Cabas and more.

Quarter horse racing resumed December 26 at Hialeah Park, which recently unveiled the new Private King’s Court VIP addition to its poker room, as well as the new Champion’s Simulcenter / sports bar on the second floor of the racetrack. The series resumes with an appearance by the Latin Grammy and Grammy nominees PALO!, an Afro-Cuban funk band, in February.

For more information, please visit www.HialeahParkCasino.com  or call 305.885.8000.

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