The Overtown Music And Arts Festival Pays Homage To The Rich Cultural Heritage Of Overtown

Festival Celebrates The Music, Food, Culture and Social Vitality of Overtown

MIAMI – The spirit of  Community  permeated through the  Overtown Music and Arts Festival(OMAF) this past weekend. Produced and curated by Headliner Market Group(HMG), the OMAF is positioned to become one of the most anticipated outdoor festivals within the South Florida landscape.The community of Overtown welcomes its visitors to celebrate the cultural menu of Overtown’s rich and diverse ingredients. City of Miami Commissioner, Keon Hardemon, and the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW) recognize the characteristically enterprising Overtown all year long. They brought in HMG to capture all the elements they’re known for when they produce events for their A-list clients. The OMAF provided a backdrop of economic empowerment through music, arts, food and the cultural pride of Overtown.

The entertainment lineup featured a mix of bold names such as Teedra Moses, Jaguar Wright, R&B singer Case, AME Bethel, Dwight Moment & Symphony, Deanna Butler, Born ll Serve, Sebastian Mikael. Favorites like singer and TV One’s R&B Divas star Keke Wyatt and Grammy nominated soul singer Raheem Devaughn — who closed out the day with his awe-inspiring performance — were also in attendance. The artists were backed by South Florida’s own Deep Fried Funk band. Larry Dogg’s performance tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze had the crowd singing along with him.

The festivities continued throughout the day with music powered by DJ A Fly Guy and special guest hosts, Felisha Monet, Shelby Rushin, Larry Dogg, Hot 105’s Jill Tracey, and Miami Heat’s Jason Jackson. The audience was treated to an impromptu poem performed by spoken word artist Rebecca Butterfly Vaughn. Her Soapbox Conversation talked about the missing girls in Nigeria and letting the children down.  The piece ended with the importance of following your dreams and what dreams mean (Desired Reality Eagerly Awaiting Manifestation).

Commissioner Keon Hardemon sponsored a 3rd Grade Essay contest “If you had one million dollars, how would you use it to better Overtown?”. He presented the winners at OMAF. 1st Place- Najeh Jones-Apple Ipad mini 16GB, 2nd Place-Mark Mayorquin-Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Read with Special offers and 3rd Place-Michael Harris- Apple iPod nano 16GB.

Commissioner Hardemon also presented Headliner Market Group with a proclamation for their efforts in highlighting the positive foundation that Overtown has despite what is always reported in the news.

“We are elated to be a part of the rich culture that defines Overtown and we’re looking forward to doing our part to inspire and uplift the community, and ensuring that the unique narrative of Overtown continues to grow.” states Michael Gardner, CEO of Headliner Market Group

Guests in the VIP lounge were treated to special cocktails appropriately named “The Headliner” and “The Towner” courtesy of Ciroc & Bai Drink. Spectacular Birds of Paradise centerpieces finalized the ambiance in the VIP Lounge courtesy of Flowers By Grace.

Festival sponsors include: City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, Hot 105, 99 Jamz, House of Wings, Comcast, The Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust.

The youth zone was powered by T.E.E.S., Green Family Foundation, Norwood Consulting Group, and Absolute Fitness PT.