Wednesday, August 31, 2011

6th Annual Florida Harmonica Championship set for October 16, 2011

Florida Harmonica Championships, October 16, 2011
At The Beachside Tavern, New Smyrna Beach
Come to Play,
Come to Listen,
Come to Party!
Beachside Tavern

690 East 3rd Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
 (386)424-8282
Noon, Oct 16, 2011

Join your hosts Adam Floyd and Farley Palmer
with registration starting at 12:00 noon.
This contest is one of the world's largest
harmonica festivals and a big favorite
with spectators. Arrive early to ensure a
good view of the outdoor stage as we expect
a maximum capacity crowd.

Everyone is invited to join in the
Harmonica Master Class,
Harmonica Tuning and Repair Clinic
and the very popular
Florida Harmonica Orchestra
playing “Suwanee River” by Stephen Foster.

The Payne Brothers Band back up the
25 contestants and there will be a
blow-off after the trophy is awarded.
Lots of free harmonicas, hats and gear
from our sponsors
&

T-shirts, posters and CDs of past championships
will be available. FreeWill BBQ will provide great food.
Recent Florida Harmonica Champions hail from
 all over the state. Expect international
contestants for stiff competition this year.

Awards for
BEST IN SHOW,
CREATIVITY,
SHOWMANSHIP
& TECHNICAL ABILITY.

Sponsored by LEE OSCAR HARMONICAS.

To preregister call Farley Palmer at (386) 314-5718
or

RSVP to event at
facebook here!

Posted by Jazz & Blues Floridawww.JazzBluesFlorida.com
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/ to sign up to have
Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.
Thanks!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Gainesville/Ocala Florida radio station expands blues programming on air and on internet

 
North Central Florida's Home Of The Blues!
WXJZ-FM airs
Smooth Blues Saturday Night with Qquincy
NOW, with three additional hours,
from 9 PM to 3 AM.
 
WXJZ Smooth Jazz 100.9, Gainesville, FL (Live Stream)
 
Keeping The Blues alive in Gainesville!
 
Why? Because those that know, know the blues don't end at
midnight - that is when they just get started.
 
 
 
Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida
.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Port St. Lucie Florida Blues Society Hosts Local International Blues Challenge Competition Sept 25, 2011


The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast is having their annual "Playoff of Bands" on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Mickey Finn's starting at 7:00 p.m.  This exciting, local blues’ event is open to the public.  The winning band will go to the prestigious International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis.  The competing bands are: Joel Zoss (), The Big Cōque Band (), Cool Biz Band (), The Pitbull of Blues Band (. 

In order to compete, bands must be playing blues on a regular basis.  Blues' societies across the country hold these local playoffs with timed judging to simulate the actual participation in the IBC event.  Participants can be a band, or a solo, duo or youth act.

The judges are highly qualified and hand-picked because of their blues' knowledge and their credibility in either performing or for their work in the music industry.  For rules and regulations, go to: www.blues.org (The National Blues Foundation site), then click on “IBC,” then “Rules.” 

Mickey Finn’s has great food, and it’s home to Port St. Lucie’s number one tiki bar.  Come out and support these fabulous bands.  Mickey Finn’s is located at: 269 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL  34984.  For directions call: 772-873-2516.




Posted by Jazz & Blues Floridawww.JazzBluesFlorida.com
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/
.
to sign up to have Florida's jazz & blues news delivered to your inbox.
Thanks!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Jazz & Blues Florida - WWWBTW? It is always about the music.

Where we will be this week (WWWBTW)?:
(These are just some highlights of the week ahead and a summary of new things posted to our site; please click on MUSIC LISTINGS menu tab at http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/ to see our comprehensive listings.)
Monday, Aug 29: 
  • Aces Lounge, Bradenton: Damon Flowler's Sugar Shack Monday w/ Special Guest Ben Prestage;
Tuesday, Aug 30:
  • The Stage, Miami: Rebel Run Tuesday w Uncle Scotchy and Gator Nate
Wednesday, Aug 31:
  • Emiliano's Cafe, Gainesville: Karl Weismantel Duo
Thursday, Sept 1:

  • Pineapple Willy's, Panama City Bch: Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots
Friday, Sept 2:
Saturday, Sept 3:
Sunday, Sept 4:

  • Cheers, Ft. Lauderdale: South Florida Blues Society presents the Annual Harmonica Blow-off w/ host band LowDown 13 and very special guest Madison Slim. Clay Goldstein, Jack Bluni, Nick Trill, Pix-E Ensign, Niles Blaize, Dr. Lee, Cadillac Chuck, Josh Rowand, Hurricane Hawk. (Jazz & Blues Florida September Edition Featured Event)
Monday, Sept 5:
  • Earl’s Hideaway: Day Two of Earl's 12th Anniversay Party Feat. Daddy Mack Blues Band
*********
BLOG POSTINGS:
  • Jazz & Blues Florida's new FESTIVAL page lists over 60 upcoming events
  • SW Florida Blues Scene Makes Local Press!
  • Dallas Texas Club reopens as booking opportunity for jazz & blues road warriors
* New Club/Venue Listings:  
  • Lush: 13451 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers FL 33919 lushfortmyers.com (239)791-8554 8pm-midnight Sept 3: Father Al & The Jazz Congregation.
  • Dolphin Tiki Bar & Café: 1001 North Barfield Driv, Marco Island, FL 34145-2354 (239)394-4048 3pm, Every Sun: Ryan Darling and Triple Shot.
  • Bratta's Piano Bar & Ristorante: 12984 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers FL 33907 brattasristorante.com (239)433-4449 7-11pm, Every Wed: Cat Daddys; Every Mon: Danny & Jay Jazz Jam Session.
* New Florida Music: Lannie Battistini's En La Cima
* New Web Page:  A FLORIDA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL page has been added that lists over 60 annual events that are jazz, blues, both, or a lot of either.  This is the most comprehensive listing for the State of Florida that we are aware of and it took a lot of work to compile, so please visit and share it before the big guys come and scrape it. Thanks!
*New Club Photos:  Derek Mack Band at Chef John's - Thanks JohnO! Next late-night pork at the new Buddy's is on me!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Jazz & Blues Florida's new FESTIVAL page lists over 60 upcoming annual events

Fest NameLocationStart DateType
Boogie Woogie Piano FestFt. Lauderdale09/09/11Blues
Amelia Island Blues FestFernandina Beach09/16/11Blues
Hernando County Bluesapalooza  Brooksville 09/17/11Blues
New Smyrna Beach Jazz FestNew Smyrna Beach09/23/11Jazz
Tangerine Blues FestGulfport09/24/11Blues
Space Coast Music FestCape Canaveral09/24/11Music


See complete annual listing at www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals

Posted by: Jazz & Blues Florida

Thursday, August 25, 2011

SW Florida Blues Scene Makes Local Press!

Blues presence building in Lee, Collier counties

More bars offer taste of local blues club fare

2:59 PM, Aug. 25, 2011
Written by
CHARLES RUNNELLS
crunnells@news-press.com
"
It's not easy to find Buckingham Blues Bar - take Palm Beach Boulevard past I-75, turn right onto Buckingham Road and keep driving until you hit approximately the middle of nowhere - but that doesn't stop blues fans from packing the place every weekend night."

See full article at:
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110826/ENT/108260339/1013/LIFESTYLES/Blues-presence-building-Lee-Collier-counties?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Posted by:
Jazz & Blues Florida
http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/
w/ new Jazz & Blues Festival Listing Page at: www.JazzBluesFlorida.com/Festivals

Monday, August 22, 2011

Dallas Texas Club reopens as booking opportunity for touring jazz & blues artists

Pearl on Commerce, blues bar in downtown Dallas, re-opening in September

by Teresa Gubbins
— In a heroic return that's surpassed possibly only by the resurrection of Jesus, Pearl at Commerce -- the blues bar on the eastern edge of downtown Dallas -- will re-open in September, confirms Tracy Yost, who owns the bar with her husband Rick Yost, himself a blues musician.

See full article at: http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2011/aug/20/pearl-commerce-blues-bar-downtown-dallas-reopen/?refscroll=331

posted by: Jazz & Blues Florida http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Florida represented by two artists at 2011 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition


The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has selected 12 semifinalists to compete in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. These semifinalists will perform for a panel of esteemed judges including Herbie Hancock, Ellis Marsalis, Jason Moran, Danilo Perez and Renee Rosnes on Sunday, September 11 from 1pm to 5pm at Baird Auditorium, located at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History sponsored by Cadillac. Admission is free on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The semifinalists are: Antonio Madruga, Pembroke Pines, FL,  Emmet Cohen, Miami, FL; Kris Bowers, Los Angeles, CA;  Steven Feifke, Lexington, MA; Beka Gochiashvili, Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia; Justin Kauflin, Virginia Beach, VA; Pascal Le Boeuf, Santa Cruz, CA; ; Hod Moshonov, Pardes Hanna, Israel; Can Olgun of Marburg, Germany; Harold O’Neal, Kansas City, MO; Joshua White, Los Angeles, CA; and Glenn Zaleski of Boylston, MA.


Posted by: Jazz & Blues Florida
www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Friday, August 19, 2011

Northeast Florida's Amelia Island Blues Festival set for September

Amelia Island Blues Festival

Fernandina Beach
Tarpon Avenue & 
Dolphin Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904)-310-6153
One-day pass $15/adv & $20/gate
Two-day pass $25/adv & $30/gate

Friday, Sept 16, 2011, 3:45-10:30pm
Julia Nikki Savage Band – 5pm
Conrad Olberg – 7:15

Saturday, Sept 17, 2011, 11am-10:30pm
Peck Ensemble – 11am
Blues in School – 11:30am
Beth McKee – 12:15pm
Blistur – 1:45pm

Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags,” Amelia Island, Florida has had an amazing, interesting and tumultuous past, characterized by its diverse cast of Timucuan Indians, pirates, shrimpers, nobles & confederates. With abundant sunshine and mild temperatures year round, it's always a perfect time to visit Amelia Island. With the annual Amelia Island Blues Festival scheduled for September 16 & 17, 2011 it’s also the perfect time and place to extend your summer listening to the Blues at Main Beach.

After the Amelia Island Blues Festival Committee worked diligently to secure magnificent talent for this event they were saddened to learn of the passing of a true blues legend. Willie “Pinetop” Perkins died in his sleep at his home in Austin, Texas. The former piano player in the Muddy Waters Band was 97 years of age and had recently become the oldest Grammy Award winner ever, with his collaboration with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on the album “Joined at the Hip.”   

As sometimes the Blues can be an expression of good things coming from bad, the same day the festival committee learned of the passing of Pinetop we learned of Conrad Oberg, a gifted 16 year old singer, guitar and piano player from Jacksonville who met Pinetop when he was 10 years old. As his mentor from that meeting, Pinetop introduced Conrad to other Blues legends including Buddy Guy, Bob Margolin and Hubert Sumlin to name a few. In honor of Pinetop Perkins, Conrad played the Amelia Island “Taste of the Blues” fundraiser and returning to play the Amelia Island Blues Festival with his set opening for Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. It will be a special night celebrating the life of Pinetop Perkins with his longtime musical partner and a prodigy in the making to begin the 2 day festival.

The David Gerald Band from Detroit, Michigan, Gainesville’s
6th St.
Rhthym & Blues Review and  South Florida’s Albert Castiglia who’s latest album “Keepin’ On” hit number one on the Root’s Blues Chart last September along with other national talent will round out the line up with all proceeds to benefit the Baptist Medical Center Nassau Auxiliary as active partners.

Amelia Island is an easy 30-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), making the airport and available ground transportation services, a quick and convenient option for air travelers from all over the world. For information on Ticket and Accommodation package visit: http://www.ameliaislandbluesfest.com/.

posted by: Jazz & Blues Florida

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Smooth jazz is back in Orlando

From: http://www.radio-info.com/

Early this August, Gross Communications' heritage smooth jazz WLOQ (103.1) became Spanish contemporary “KQ103”, ahead of the $8 million sale to the Lindemann family’s TTB Media Corporation. Now Clear Channel is using translator W273CA to simulcast the HD2 channel of its soft AC WMGF, supplying smooth jazz to the 250-watt translator. The translator is owned by Central Florida Educational Foundation, who also own top-rated contemporary Christian non-com WPOZ (88.3). 102.5 had previously simulcast Cox Media Group’s talk WDBO (580). But as of today (8/18), Cox doesn’t need it, because it just shelved classic rock WHTQ (96.5) to turn it into a full-power simulcast of ‘DBO.

Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Florida Blues Band crosses the line to play in Alabama Internation Blues Challenge local competition

From:

International Blues Challenge regional competition Saturday in Mobile

Published: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 6:23 AM     Updated: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 6:39 AM
RESULTS/FOLLOW-UP ARTICLE:

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Kenny Vance & Planotones in Ft. Lauderdale August 27, 2011

Time to get close & personal w/
&
The Planotones

Friday, August 27, 2011 @ 8pm

Tickets on sale now and
available by
 calling 954-462-0222
or by visiting

The Parker Playhouse
 
707 NE 8th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Jazz & Blues Florida - Club, Concert & Festival Info

Where we will be this week (WWWBTW)?:
(These are just some highlights of the week ahead and a summary of new things posted to our site; please click on MUSIC LISTINGS menu tab at http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/ to see our comprehensive listings.)
Sunday, Aug 14:
  • Blue Jean Blues, Fort Lauderdale:  Barb Van & Mike Orta Jazz Jam  (4-8pm).
  • Earl’s Hideaway, Sebastian: Bonefish Johnny & the Raiford Starke Band w/special guests
  • Van Dyke Upstairs, Miami Beach: Oriente
  • 264 The Grill, Palm Beach: 7:30-10:30pm, Every Sun: Susan Merritt Trio Jazz Party & Jam.
  • Ruby's Elixir, St Petersburg: Jimmy Griswald Duo
  • Upstairs, Lithia: Blues Jam Hosted by Josh Lamkin & Automatic Heat
  • Big Easy, Hollywood: Piano Bob's 88s Trio w/ Pat DeLeon & Richie Coricelli
  • Web Listening Night: Gil Anthony's BLUES POWER, 6-11pm Central Time, at http://gilanthonyblues.com/   
Monday, Aug 15: 
  • New York Pizza & Pasta, Naples: Expandable Jazz Band
  • Mister Tony's, Palm Bay: Jazz Jam Every Monday: Hosted by guitarist Chuck Van Riper w/ pianist Carl Hendrix and bassist Ron Pirtle
Tuesday, Aug 16:
Wednesday, Aug 17:
  • Bonefish Gill, Tampa: The Mars Trio
  • Dave’s Aqua Lounge, St Petersburg: Open Blues Jam Hosted by Cannon Quinn
  • Top of the Bridge @ Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, Boca Raton: Jazz, Bossa & Blues Presents Davis & Dow
  • Blue Jean Blues, Fort Lauderdale Danny Burger 's Show case w/ Nicole Henry
Thursday, Aug 18:
  • Bodega Blue, Vero Beach: Davee Bryan
  • City Pub, Deerfield Beach: Jimmy Cavallo and The House Rockers
  • SallyO Irish Pub: 17 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954)522-4641 8-10pm, Every Thu: Mike Norris Big Band I or II
  • Florida Keys Piano Bar & Cocktail Lounge, Melbourne: John Ryan on Piano.
Friday, Aug 19:
Saturday, Aug 20:
  • Alley Blues Bar, Sanford: Black Top Blues 
  • Harry's Cigar & Brew, Ovideo: RJ Harman & Company (Jazz & Blues Florida Featured Artists - August 2011)
  • Beach Shack, Cocoa Beach: Danny Morris Band
  • Roadhouse Cafe, Fort Myers: Roadhouse Jazz Trio
  • Back Room Blues Bar, Delray Beach: Blues Dragon
  • McWell's Restaurant & Bar, Orlando:  ZShowz Presents IBC Solo/Duo Winners from Germany, Georg Schroeter/Marc Breitfelder Band
  • The Orange Door, Lake Park: JCB Featuring Jeff Bayles "JCB meets the Funkabilly Playboys
Sunday, Aug 21:
Monday, Aug 22:
  • Ka’tiki, St Petersburg: Blues Jam with the Roadhouse Rockers
Tuesday, Aug 23:
  • Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa: IBC Solo/Duo Winners from Germany, Georg Schroeter/Marc Breitfelder Band

     
*********
NEWS BLOG POSTINGS:
  • SW Florida Blues Festival Funds Scholarships
  • Miami Beach’s Bass Museum of Art’s Jazz Series Continues cool nights
  • Rhythm Room 20th Anniversary Celebration announced (not Florida, but a neat thing)
  • SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER GRAND OPENING
  • Sinatra Serenade to Benefit Cancer Alliance in Jupiter FL
  • Joe Louis Walker headlines 10th Annual Red, White The Blues
  • Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Wine and Jazz Event Wins Tourism Award
  • South Florida Blues Society to Hold Local International Blues Challenge Competition
New Club/Venue Listings:  
  • SallyO Irish Pub: 17 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954)522-4641 8-10pm, Every Thu: Mike Norris Big Band I or II.
  • Crawdaddy's: 1949 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach, Fl. 34957 crawdaddysrestaurant.org (772)225-3444 7pm, Sept 3: Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast presents "Hooked on Blues" Event w/ Category 5.
Closings:
  • On August 26th Joey Gilmore will be playing at Bodega Blue in Vero. - This will be the last night for Bodega Blue with Lynn at the helm. New owners will be taking over and re-opening in October. Stop by and give Lynn & Jeff a good send-off and welcome the newbies!
  • Blue Tuesdays w/ Famous Frank Ward at Boston's on the Beach will be taking a break starting in August and returning apprx the first week of November to accommodate remodeling.
* New Florida Music:  Kenny MacKenzie Trio's MOVED & Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion's URBAN NATURE.
* New Links: Living Blues Magazine, Jupiter Performing Arts Fund, Salty Dog's Blues-n-Roots podcast/stream
WWWBTW? Presented by:

Saturday, August 13, 2011

SW Florida Blues Festival Funds Scholarships

 
August 9, 2011
By FRAN THOMAS (pineisland@breezenewspapers.com) , Pine Island Eagle
"The Matlacha Mariners presented six $1,000 scholarships to deserving area students. The winners were Francisco Castaneda, Caleb Davis, Carolina Lerma, Michael Marzella, Brandi Schulte, and Dale Wagner."

"Funds are raised through three yearly activities, the Mullet Toss, the Seafood Fest, and the Southwest Florida Blues Festival to be held on Nov. 19, 2011."

See full article at: http://www.pineisland-eagle.com/page/content.detail/id/519125/Mariners-award-six--1-000-scholarships.html?nav=5051



Posted by: Jazz & Blues Florida
http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/
.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Miami Beach’s Bass Museum of Art’s Jazz Series Continues

hot nights
cool jazz
~ ~ ~ ~
On top, from down under…



2100 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach FL 33139
bassmuseum.org (305)673-7530 
7-9pm, $10/Members & BassPass Free

(Featured Artist in August Edition of Jazz & Blues Florida!)

Aug 28: David Siegel Quartet

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Rhythm Room 20th Anniversary Celebration announced! PARTY!

"Borrowed" from Bob's e-newsletter!:


  • It is quite a milestone for any music venue to make it for 20 years, and the Rhythm Room can boast that after all these years it remains a thriving and symbolic institution. The Rhythm Room opened on Sept 18th, 1991 and has since been Phoenix's standard bearer for presenting live music (with a special focus on the blues). To celebrate it's two decade anniversary, the Rhythm Room plans a weekend of blues parties with 3 full days of pure fun and music. Here is the lineup:

  • Friday, Sept 16th (early) 5pm doors 6-8pm early show with Tommy Castro.
    Friday, Sept 16th  (late show) starting at 9pm Soul Music Party with host band Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns, plus featured artists Jerry Lawson (of Persuasions fame) Stan Devereaux, Gloria Bailey, George Bowman, Lucious Parr, Kenneth Williams, Rochelle Whitehead, Andy Gonzales, Paris James and more! Phoenix's rich soul music legacy will be on display this night!

    Saturday, Sept 17th Bob Corritore & His Blues Friends 7pm doors 8pm show with Mud Morganfield, Bob Margolin, Diunna Greenleaf, Dave Riley, Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck, Mookie Brill, Johnny Rapp, Brian Fahey and more! 

    Sunday Sept 18th (the actual day of the 20th anniversary) All Day Blues and Rhythm Festival featuring 11 of the greatest Phoenix based blues and soul bands. Doors at 11am and music kicks at noon. Free Big Pete Pearson CDs will be given to the first 75 people. Acts in order of appearance include
    Chico Chism Tribute with George Thomas & The Flamekeepers (Chico's last band) with guest appearance by Gypsy!
    Hoodoo Kings Tribute with Mario Moreno, Jim Dorholt, Paul Thomas and other alumni of this historic Phoenix band
    Rocket 88s with special guest Johnny Rapp
    George Bowman & Badness featuring Lucious Parr
    Discount hotel room rates of $69.00 plus tax are available for out of town attendees from the Residence Inn Black Canyon. To make reservations call 602-864-1900 and  ask for the Rhythm Room rate. The Rhythm Room thanks it's loyal clientele and looks forward to this forthcoming celebration.

    SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

    photo by Robin Hill

    A brand-new $51 million state-of-the-art performing arts venue is officially introduced to the South Miami-Dade community on October 1 & 2. The much-anticipated South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay) opens with two days of spectacular, high-quality performances open to the public, and is followed by an inaugural season of performances.
    The Grand Opening Celebration is highlighted by a multidisciplinary show featuring international artists, as well as some of Miami’s highest caliber performers. The show takes place on Saturday, October 1 at 8pm and Sunday, October 2 at 3pm. On both days, the Center offers additional FREE pre-show outdoor activities, for all to enjoy.
    Tickets for the Grand Opening performance are $50, $35, $20 on Saturday night and $40, $25, $10 on Sunday afternoon (Family Day). Sunday pricing also includes $5 Culture Shock tickets for youth ages 12-22, 50% of for kids ages 6-12 and $5 off for Seniors at all ticket levels. For information on how to buy tickets the public should call (786) 573-5300 or visit http://www.smdcac.org/.
    The Grand Opening performance spans genres and cultures of south Miami-Dade and includes jazz, classical, Latin, Caribbean and gospel music and dance, as well as, theater and multimedia presentations created from interviews with community members. The Grand Opening Celebration is a community event that represents both the artistic and demographic diversity found in Miami-Dade and is designed to present outstanding cultural offerings to people from all backgrounds.
    The artistic team producing the show includes: Director Heidi Marshall; Teo Castellanos, Dramaturge; Rosie Herrera, Choreographer; Jordy Gomez, Musical Director; Elizabeth Sobel, Manager of Musical Director; Andrew Yeomanson, DJ Designs; Edouard Duval Carrié, Set Concept Designer; Ken Kurtz, Set Planner; Xavier Pierce, Lighting Designer; Benton Bainbridge, Projection/Video Designer; Mark Moormann, Documentary Filmaker and Carry Cabrera, Wardrobe Supervisor; Ronald K. Brown, Choreographer (pre-show activities)
    An official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony takes place on Saturday night along with free outdoor pre-show activities, bringing together residents, community leaders, and government officials to commemorate the opening of the facility. Sunday’s activities feature outdoor family-friendly events and a children’s price for the Grand Opening performance.
    The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, designed by an internationally-acclaimed design team that includes Arquitectonica International, Inc. (architects), Fisher Dachs Associates, Inc. (theater design), Artec Consultants, Inc. (acoustics), and AMS Planning & Research Corp. (theater management), provides, for the first time, a state-of-the-art cultural venue and community gathering place in the southern part of Miami-Dade County.  The Center features prominent works of art created by Miami artist Robert Chambers who was commissioned by Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program to design a kinetic light wall and sculptures for the theater. The Center is an integral part of the economic and cultural development of the area, offering quality artistic programming and community accessibility.

    The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with funding support from the Office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.  The Center is dedicated to presenting and supporting arts and culture and providing access to the arts to the entire Miami-Dade County community.
    About the Building
    South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center serves as a showcase for the performing and media arts, welcoming people from all backgrounds and economic means.  The facility includes 966 seat state-of-the- art theater, which features a fly tower, orchestra pit, front of house spaces (box office, lobby, concessions, etc.) and back of house support spaces (dressing rooms, storage and work areas, administrative offices, etc.).  The site also includes an activities building which houses lab / experimental theaters, and may be used for classrooms, rehearsals, and small-scale performances.  A beautiful outdoor plaza allows for festivals, art shows, and other outdoor activities.  The concert lawn “back yard” slopes to the Black Creek Canal, and can host outdoor concerts, performances and events.
    Following its Grand Opening Ceremony and performance weekend in early October, the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay), presents a thrilling line up of today’s acclaimed contemporary artists representing a variety of genres. For information on how to buy tickets the public should call (786) 573-5300 or visit www.smdcac.org.
    The Center’s mission is to offer accessible arts experiences for residents and to provide a state-of-the-art facility for presentations by local artistic groups. The inaugural season offers the community a variety of shows that include a series of productions presented or co-presented by the Center. These types of shows fall under the SMDCAC Presents title.
    An important component of SMDCAC Presents is education and community outreach. Many of the artistic groups performing at the Center engage the South Miami-Dade community directly by offering classes, workshops, school field trips and professional master classes.
    The Center is also a rental facility providing reasonable rates to artistic groups based on a sliding scale. Organizations with a broad range of budgets are able to produce shows, use rehearsal space, run performing arts camps, and host events at the new facility. For the inaugural season SMDCAC Presents offers a range of dance, music and theater programming.
    SMDCAC Presents brings influential artists in the jazz, blues and gospel arena to south Miami-Dade. In February, three-time Grammy Award-winning blues artist Keb Mo plays from his latest album The Reflection. The Reflection is the first studio album by Mo since Suitcase in 2001 and represents a departure by the artist into African American “folk soul.”
    SMDCAC and Tigertail co-present legendary blues artist James Cotton and his band in March. Cotton represents one of the most prolific eras of blues music and throughout his career played with giants like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Known affectionately as “Superharp,” Cotton is one of the most dynamic blues harmonica players around today.
    The Center also presents New Orleans brass band music featuring the Rebirth Brass Band and artists from the HBO special “A Night in Treme” in October.

    In November, FUNDarte and Nestor Torres Foundation in association with SMDCAC present: Nestor Torres in A Concert for a New Renaissance: Symphonic Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace, based on reflections by the artist 10 years after 9/11.

    For Black History month in February, the Center shows a special multimedia jazz and spoken word production based on the writings of Langston Hughes called “Ask Your Mama,” 12 Moods for Jazz, performed by the Ron McCurdy Quartet with a special guest narrator. In April, SMDCAC Presents features gospel duo CeCe and Be Be Winans and Grammy Award-winners Turtle Island Quartet who play their classical interpretations of John Coltrane’s legendary jazz album, A Love Supreme.
    SMDCAC Presents Schedule and Pricing
    (Additional shows are being programmed)

    OCTOBER 2011

    SMDCAC & Asolo Repertory Theatre Present (Open Access Theater Series)
    Hamlet Redux
    Friday, October 14, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $15 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)

    This production is a contemporary look at Shakespeare’s classic tale about justice, revenge and family conflict that resonates with students and families and includes shadow performances for the hearing impaired.

    Funding provided by the NEA.

    SMDCAC Presents
    “A Night in Treme”
    The Musical Majesty of New Orleans
    Friday, October 21, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $30, $20, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    The Treme neighborhood of New Orleans has been a source of African American music and culture for as long as cooks in the Crescent City have been serving red beans and rice on Monday nights. Birthplace of the great New Orleans brass band tradition and one of the first black neighborhoods in America, “Treme” (pronounced truh-MAY) is the heartbeat of New Orleans and the home to
    Congo Square
    .
    “A Night In Treme” features the legendary Rebirth Brass Band and special guest artists from New Orleans who are part of the HBO Series, Treme from David Simon and Eric Overmyer, which centers around the rebuilding of the famous neighborhood following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

    SMDCAC & CR Music Productions Present
    Christina Robinson, South Florida Gospel Music Award Winner
    Saturday, October 29, 8pm (Main Stage)
    FREE

    Christina Robinson is an international gospel recording artist under the record label of Destiny Joy Records owned by Vickie Winans International. She has recently released her music single called “More of You” and is working on her live recording project “Heavenly Experience” set to take place on October 29, 2011. Robinson’s goal and mission for this project is to strengthen and empower the lives of people in all walks of life.
                                                 
    NOVEMBER 2011

    SMDCAC Presents
    Garth Fagan Dance
    Saturday, November 5, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $25, $15, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Now in its 40th season, Garth Fagan Dance is “unfailingly original” deemed by the The New York Times. Tony Award-winning choreographer of Broadway’s The Lion King, Garth Fagan’s dancers communicate with unbridled energy the depth, precision, and grace of Fagan’s work. On this program is Fagan’s newest dance Madiba.

    Fagan’s ever-evolving dance language draws on many sources: sense of weight in modern dance, torso-centered movement and energy of Afro-Caribbean, speed and precision of ballet, and the rule breaking experimentation of the post-moderns.

    Funding for this project is provided in part by South Arts.

    SMDCAC Presents
    Brazz Dance Theater
    Artistic Director, Augusto Soledade
    November 10-12, 17-19, (Lab Theater), 8:30pm
    $15 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    Brazz Dance Theater is an Afro-Brazilian contemporary dance company under the direction of acclaimed choreographer Augusto Soledade. The company presents an exciting new work performed in the intimate setting of the SMDCAC Lab Theater. The piece will be developed during a month-long residency for the Company at SMDCAC.

    Soledade, a native of Bahia, Brazil, is a performer, choreographer and currently serves as a full- time Assistant Professor  of Dance at Florida International University in Miami and as Founder Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of Brazz Dance Theater. Soledade is a 2008 Guggenheim Fellow in Choreography.

    FUNDarte & Nestor Torres Foundation in association with SMDCAC Present
    Nestor Torres in a Concert for a New Renaissance:
    Symphonic Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace
    Friday, November 11, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $45, $35, $25
    $5 off all seating levels for students and seniors

    Ten years after 9/11, Nestor Torres creates a concert event of a lifetime in a Symphonic version of songs from his CD “Dances, Prayers & Meditations For Peace”.  Offering a Musical/ Multidisciplinary performance directed by Daniel Lewis and conducted by Maestro Eduardo Marturet, Mr. will be joined by the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, the Thomas Armour Dance Conservatory, the Miami Children’s Choir, and students from the New World School of The Arts.

                                                      
    DECEMBER 2011

    SMDCAC & Miami Youth Ballet Present
    The Nutcracker
    Saturday, December 3, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $35, $25

    This classic ballet is a perfect holiday spectacle for children and adults alike. Don’t miss a little girl’s dreamlike journey to the magical Land of the Sweets, the Sugarplum Fairy, dazzling costumed characters, and of course, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score. Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker is a timeless production that will entertain and delight the entire family.
    SMDCAC & Seraphic Fire Present
    O Holy Night: Christmas with Seraphic Fire
    Saturday, December 17, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $25, $15, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    “O, Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining!” Adolphe Adam’s timeless carol has signaled Christmas for countless listeners across the ages. SMDCAC and Seraphic Fire present this spectacular holiday program, with arrangements of O Holy Night and Silent Night by Artistic Director Patrick Dupré Quigley, as well as a combination of classic carols, gorgeous motets and Gregorian chant. Now a South Florida holiday tradition, Seraphic Fire’s Christmas concerts always sell out. Don’t miss it!

    January 2012


    SMDCAC & Culture Shock Present
    Black Violin
    Sunday, January 15, 7pm (Main Stage)
    FREE

    To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical are musical genres, but to revolutionary music group Black Violin, they're nothing but ingredients.

    Combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound that is not quite maestro, not quite emcee, this group of two classically trained violinists and their DJ are redefining the music world-one string at a time.

    With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare, a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel.

    Miami String Project will open the show!

    SMDCAC & Chamber South Present
    Band of the United States Air Force Reserve
    Thursday, January 26, 8pm (Main Stage)
    FREE

    SMDCAC Presents
    Keb Mo
    Saturday, February 4, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $35, $25, $15 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Keb Mo is a three-time Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album; and a key figure in the acclaimed PBS series Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues.

    Mo plays from his recent acclaimed album, The Reflection, influenced by African American "folk soul.”

    His music is described as a purely post-modern expression of the artistic and cultural journey that has transformed the blues, and his own point of view, over time. His distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and genres, including pop, rock folk and jazz.


    SMDCAC Presents
    Evidence, A Dance Company
    Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director
    On Earth Together, with music by Stevie Wonder
    Saturday, February 18, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $25, $15, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Evidence, A Dance Company, founded in 1985 by acclaimed choreographer Ronald K. Brown, focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. On this program is a new work by Brown performed to music by Stevie Wonder called On Earth Together.

    Through their work, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms.
     

    SMDCAC Presents
    8th Annual Black History Month Celebration
    The Langston Hughes Project “Ask your Mama”
    12 Moods for Jazz
    Ron McCurdy Quartet
    Thursday, February 23, 8pm (Main Stage)
    Pricing TBD

    The Langston Hughes Project is a multimedia concert performance of Langston Hughes's kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite. “Ask Your Mama.” The poem is Hughes's homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s. It is a twelve-part epic poem which Hughes scored with musical cues drawn from blues and Dixieland, gospel songs, boogie woogie, bebop and progressive jazz, Latin "cha cha" and Afro-Cuban mambo music, German lieder, Jewish liturgy, West Indian calypso, and African drumming -- a creative masterwork left unperformed at his death.


    March 2012

    SMDCAC & Tigertail Present
    James Cotton
    “Superharp”
    Saturday, March 17, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $35, $25, $15 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Grammy Award-winner James Cotton with a blast-furnace sound, a larger-than-life personality, and massive fame, “Mr. Superharp” is a blues giant in every aspect. The New York Times adds, “Cotton helped define modern blues harmonica with his moaning, wrenching phrases and his train-whistle wails.”

    SMDCAC Presents
    Abraham.In.Motion
    Saturday, March 31, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $25, $15, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    “The best and brightest creative talent to emerge in New York City in the age of Obama.” – Out Magazine.

    Abraham.In.Motion is an ensemble of dancers, under the direction Kyle Abraham, one of one of the nation’s most talented young choreographers. On this program is The Radio Show, an abstract narrative about loss of communication. Abraham investigates the effects of the abrupt discontinuation of a radio station on a community and the lingering effects of Alzheimer's and aphasia on a family. Abraham mixes score with recordings of classical soul and hip-hop with a contemporary classical composition by Ryoji Ikeda and Alva Noto.

    Funding for this project is provided in part by South Arts.

    April 2012

    SMDCAC Presents
    Turtle Island Quartet
    A Love Supreme, The Music of John Coltrane
    Saturday, April 21, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $30, $20, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Winners of a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album, Turtle Island Quartet pay homage to John Coltrane’s legendary jazz album, A Love Supreme, during this spectacular concert. Recorded four decades ago at a time when the country was deeply troubled by issues of race and war, Coltrane’s music was a personal statement of redemption and salvation that struck a chord in the hearts of millions, becoming one of the most enduring jazz recordings of all time.

    Turtle Island Quartet continues its tradition of employing the string quartet form to shed new light on the timeless joy and beauty contained in the greatest music of the American jazz masters.

    SMDCAC Presents
    BeBe and CeCe Winans
    Friday, April 27, 8pm (Main Stage)
    $35, $25, $15 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Brother and sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans present an inspirational evening of gospel music. Both artists have successful solo careers, but together the duo holds three Grammy Awards, nine Dove Awards and have created numerous Gold and Platinum albums. Don’t miss BeBe and CeCe as they team up once again for this wonderful evening of spiritual singing.
    Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and SMDCAC, together with support and funding from The Children’s Trust, Present
    The 6th Annual All Kids Included Family Festival
    Saturday, May 5, 10am-5pm (All Venues)
    FREE

    The All Kids Included Family Arts Festival is an innovative, interdisciplinary community arts festival for children and families with or without disabilities, and features live entertainment, interactive arts activities and community resources for parents.  Each component of the festival is designed to be accessible, utilizing technology such as Braille, guided tours, ASL interpretation and Shadow Interpreted Theater. 
                                                     
    SMDCAC & Asolo Repertory Theatre Present
    Hamlet Prince of Cuba/Hamlet de Cuba
    By William Shakespeare
    Adapted by Michael Donald Edwards
    Spanish Translation by Eduardo Machado
    Thursday, May 17, Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19 (Main Stage)
    Sunday, May 20
    Times TBD
    $30, $20, $10 ($5 tickets CultureShockmiami.com)
    $5 off orchestra level seats for students and seniors

    Hamlet’s intense struggle to understand the meaning of his life has captivated audiences for more than 400 years. Now, Miami-Dade audiences are among the first to see a distinctively Cuban Hamlet, which reveals new perspectives on the classic work, while staying true to Shakespeare’s original story. With performances in both Spanish and English, this new adaptation is a fresh and stunning portrayal of a son’s struggle to pursue justice, and the consequences that threaten to destroy the lives of those he loves..

    For information on how to buy tickets the public should call (786) 573-5300 or visit www.smdcac.org.