MIAMI – On Saturday, March 25th, people from around South Florida, and around the globe, will come together to experience Miami’s eclectic diversity in a one-day cultural extravaganza called Discover Miami.
The series of street festivals will occur simultaneously throughout six locations in Miami, each showcasing musical and artistic genres representing African American, Caribbean, Haitian, Latin, Jewish, Native American and European American cultures, Discover Miami reveals a distinctive mosaic in a one-day celebration bridging communities.
Discover Miami will present a range of top-notch, up-and-coming and community-based artists, and will also feature dance and theater performances as well as visual art exhibitions, craft artisans, traditional food vendors and more.
An official event of Dade Heritage Days 2006, Discover Miami is free and open to the public.
The Discover Miami cultural showcase includes:
Overtown (African American and Caribbean culture) Lyric Theater, 819 N.W. Second Avenue, Miami. The Overtown area is full of city treasures like this year’s site, the newly renovated Lyric Theater. Visit the historic heart of Miami’s Black community and move to the beat of African-American & Caribbean music.
*Presented by the Black Archives, History & Research Foundation of South Florida
Little Haiti (Haitian culture) at the Caribbean Marketplace, N.E. 59th Street & N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami. The streets around this beautiful market come alive with Haitian music, colorfully costumed folkloric dancers, vivid storytelling, painting, crafts and delicious cuisine of this island nation.
*Presented by Sosyete Koukouy In Creole: Pou plis enfòmasyon rele 305-757-9922
Sosyete Koukouy dance troupe
Little Havana (Latin culture), Calle Ocho between SW 14th & 17 Avenue, Miami. One of Miami’s true hidden gems. The historical area features the legendary Domino (Maximo Gomez) park, world renowned Calle Ocho and, music and foods from Latin America.
*Presented by the Latin Quarter Cultural Center
Temple Israel (Jewish culture), Performing Arts District, 137 N.E. 19th Street, off of Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. At Miami’s oldest and still thriving synagogue, a striking complex that includes a 1920’s main chapel, experience the diversity of Jewish music and culture with all its international flavor. Temple Israel is considered by many as having an important and unique role in the history of Miami.
*Presented by Temple Israel
Downtown Cultural Center (Native American culture), Historical Museum of Southern Florida, 101 West Flagler Street. The outdoor stage and fair in front of the Historical Museum will feature the traditions, music and customs of the Florida native tribes of the Miccosukee and Seminole.
*Presented by the Historical Museum of Southern Florida in collaboration with Miccosukee & Seminole families
Downtown Miami Flagler Street (European American culture), Steps of Dade County Courthouse, 73 W Flagler Street, Miami. Downtown Miami is a vibrant and always changing part of the City of Miami featuring rich history, which includes its founders Henry Flagler, Julia Tuttle and William Brickell. At the site, enjoy European-American pop, folk, bluegrass, musical theater, cabaret and classical music on the steps of the landmark County Courthouse.
*Presented by the Downtown Miami Partnership and The Folk Club of South Florida
In addition to Discover Miami, organizers also will offer a related forum entitled, “Diaspora Miami: Imagining the Multicultural City.” A diverse group of artists, scholars and community leaders will unite for a lively panel discussion on March 23 to discuss how Miami defines itself as a city when most of its residents come from other parts of the world. The forum will be held at Miami-Dade College, Wolfson Campus in the James K. Batten Room, Building two located at 300 N.E. 2nd Avenue.
Discover Miami is a project of Music Fest Miami, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate cultural diversity through musical expression and education. Discover Miami is produced in collaboration with community partners in each of the neighborhoods where the event takes place. Music Fest Miami, Inc. has also presented a large music festival in downtown Miami, as well as other free community development and educational programs, including the Rhythm of Miami Summer Music Camp. Music Fest Miami, Inc. was initiated in 2000 by Honorary Co-Chairs, retired Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.
