North Miami, FL (November 4, 2021)
Caribbean and Hispanic culture is the core of South Florida, so it’s only appropriate that a celebration of the arts should take center stage at the 1st Caribe Arts Fest in Griffing Park, 12220 Griffing Blvd, North Miami, Fl 33161. A day of culture, art and music will be on display and the North Miami CRA is proud to share the many activities planned for Saturday, November 20, 2021 from Noon till 10pm. Come celebrate with live entertainment from Boukman Eksperyans from Haiti, Gio Beta from Colombia, Agape featuring Nadia Harris from presented by MOCA, Willie Stewart and Rhythms in Conversation from Jamaica and our own School of Rock North Miami. This is a free, family friendly event for everyone.
There is something for the entire family: artisans selling their work, a kids art zone, an outdoor concert on the sprawling lawn of Griffing Park, as well as food trucks.
Popup exhibits will include the wining designs from the International Reggae Poster Competition, a travelling exhibit; “Currents” by Hattie Mae Williams from Live Arts Miami; and a surprise exhibit from Copperbridge Foundation, based in North Miami.
“Diversity is certainly one of our greatest strengths here in North Miami and Caribe Arts Fest allows us to celebrate our vibrant culture as a whole and support local businesses and artisans through public arts,” said Rasha Cameau, Executive Director.
Chairman, Honorable Philippe Bien-Aime added, “We are excited to produce this event that our residents can enjoy as we celebrate together during this time. We are also getting our youth involved this year by inviting them to showcase their talent, while honoring our cultural diversity. It will be a fun day.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends and a lawn chair to enjoy this memorable event. Register online for free raffle prizes and giveaways.
For more information on any of these events, please call the North Miami CRA at 305-895-9839 or visit www.CaribeArtsFest.com.
Talent
Boukman Eksperyans
The Haitian band Boukman Eksperyans is undoubtedly one of the most representative of the Haitian musical movement called Mizik Rasin. Mizik Rasin (Roots Music) is a type of music that combines traditional elements of many different styles of Haitian roots music, religious vodou ceremonies, and Native American and African identity mixed in a rock-n-roll sound.
Since 1987 Boukman Eksperyans has been sharing their musical rebellion with the world. The name "Boukman Eksperyans" is the combined result of two historical events; the 1791 Slave Revolution at Bwa kay Iman lead by the Vodou Priest Boukman Dutty and the other influence of what is said to be the greatest guitarist of all time; Jimi Hendrix and his band The “Jimi Hendrix Experience”. Boukman Eksperyans is continuing the revolution of Boukman Dutty by sharing Haiti's history and struggle through social messages in song and dance. http://www.boukmaneksperyans.com
Gio Beta
GioBeta is a Colombian singer who belongs to the Betancourt dynasty, a well-known family of musicians since the 1970s.
He lives in Miami, Florida and for many years, has been part of the band of some of the best¬ known artists and influential people in the salsa industry, such as Oscar de Leon, Ismael Miranda, Jose Alberto el Canario, Tito Nieves, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, to name a few.
In 2013, he gained international recognition after being the winner of the UNIVISION TV reality show "Idolos de la Cancion" (Idols of the Song), in which thousands of people participated. This led to a tour in the United States and in some Latin American countries. https://giobeta.net
Agape featuring Nadia Harris
Treading their own path through a diverse spectrum of sounds and life experiences, Agape brings it all together in a collaboration that ignores geographical locations and sound barriers. The sound can be called “DUB” since it’s the element that seems to mostly tie the strings of their prismatic sonic collages. Elements are drawn from their Cultural roots and take new forms.
Agape is not so much about a particular style or brand of music as much as it is about a feeling having much to do with freedom.
The sound simply reflects their upbringing and the environments around them. It’s live, organic and at the same time electronic. Everything is everything; kind of like taking a stroll in their native backyards. Visit a Toronto neighborhood and you will be exposed to a canvas of ancient smells, tastes and sounds that come from all corners of the Earth to find harmony within a modern context. Take a drive around Miami Beach and you will see the symbiotic integration of nature and technology into an aesthetic whole that becomes something of its own. This is more and more what we encounter in most of the world’s major cities. This “melting pot” example is a good way to describe the different elements that have produced and influenced their sound, unintentionally. www.sustainablemusic.com/
Willie Stewart and Rhythms in Conversation
A prolific musician/director, Willie Stewart, OD was born in England to Jamaican parents, who moved the family to Jamaica when Willie was a young boy. His love of music led to an illustrious career that has included playing in the popular band Inner Circle, touring with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires as their youngest member, and 23 years as a director and member of the internationally known band, Third World. During that time Third World produced 13 albums of which five received Grammy nominations. Willie has recorded and performed with such renowned artists as Stevie Wonder and Eddy Grant, and performed live with Carlos Santana and Bob Marley. Over the years, other notable performances included sharing the same stage bill with Quincy Jones, Sting, Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, and U2.
In 2020, William “Willie” Stewart was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government. The OD is the Caribbean country’s sixth highest honor. https://embracemusicfoundation.org/
School of Rock North Miami
School of Rock North Miami serves North Miami and surrounding communities with music lessons taught by practicing, passionate musicians. Students at School of Rock North Miami can learn everything from guitar to drums, vocals, bass, keys, and even violin, so they can rock out to area-popular styles like electronic, Cumbia, Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón, trap, hip hop, Caribbean, and more. It's no secret that Miami has produced great musical talent over the years -- including the likes of Phil Collins, Lenny Kravitz, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Students here can even play at great local venues like the North Beach Bandshell and Gramps in Wynwood. https://locations.schoolofrock.com/northmiami
