MIAMI – On Saturday, June 17th, 2006 from 6pm to 1am at VIZCAYA Museum and Gardens on 3251 South Miami Avenue, CARÜBBEAN® presents the First JüneFest Celebration paying homage to Caribbean American Heritage Month and in celebration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Teaming in the spirit of a fruitful event with Laurence “LT” Taylor and Rush Productions as well as the press liaisons at thinkking media, inc., JüneFest @ VIZCAYA is an extraordinary evening that will enchant honored dignitaries, guests, sponsors and participants alike.
The evening touts art exhibitions curated by Tina Spiro in cooperation with the BASS Museum of Art, a full fashion show by renowned New York City Stylist Sheila Gaillard (assisted by Claudia Jean od Chocolate Gurl Happy Casting), delicious Caribbean cuisine prepared live by the Chef Creole cooking show, exotic Caribbean dance performances by Silvia Brasil & Hot Jam Entertainment, Caribbean “ritual” displays and of course a spectacular live music performance by some of the top stars of the Caribbean including: Latin Grammy Award Winning flautist Nestor Torres, Strings, La Orquesta Chaonda, Code Red, Erol Josue and others.
JüneFest offers its VIP guests an evening nothing short of a cultural and sensory extravaganza. The Moet & Chandon VIP reception will thrive throughout the evening flowing Hennessy Cognac, Belvedere Vodka and 10 Cane Rum. Carolina Brasil Swimwear and Latino Royalty will both showcase alluring fashion shows of their latest collections, the unique vintage inspired collection of jewelry will be showcased by Buddha Soul Style, deluxe gifts will be provided by Havaianas Brazilian Footwear, Carol’s Daughter Beauty by Nature and so much more.
Nominations for the Annual CARÜBBEAN® Life Achievement awards will be announced to accomplished peoples of Caribbean descent in the areas of sports, art and entertainment, finance and real estate, and health and humanitarian services, nominees include: NBA all star Tim Duncan, baseball future hall of famer Sammy Sosa, Real Estate Moguls Armando Codina and Alicia Cervera, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Curator and Founder of the Diaspora Vibe Gallery, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise and many others.
In honor of Caribbean-American heritage, Celebrity Pop Artist, Jeffery Dread, will be showcasing a special portrait of the Caribbean freedom fighter Toussaint Louverture and will be donating two custom portraiture opportunities to the raffle.
Proceeds from this year’s inaugural event will go towards implementing progressive programs that enhance the quality of Caribbean Urban life, such as the establishment of “AIDS within the Caribbean”, a new relief fund for HIV/AIDS prevention in the Americas, and Eyes of Haiti, a relief fund that builds schools and community centers for children living in destitute conditions.
JüneFest is the ultimate destination for individuals who embody the spirit of CARÜBBEAN® – those that celebrate Caribbean culture while living today’s urban lifestyle.
This year’s magnificent celebration of Caribbean music, style, art, people and cultures under the open skies of Biscayne Bay at the magnificent venue of VIZCAYA Gardens will be attended by the top leaders in the media, finance, real estate, fashion, civil services, music, and arts, who are joining one another to recognize, honor, and celebrate the contributions of immigrants from Caribbean Islands and Latin American countries.
With over 22 million people of Caribbean heritage now living in the United States, JüneFest is proudly sponsored by Moet & Chandon, Comcast, Hennessy Cognac, Belvedere Vodka, 10 Cane Rum, FedEx Kinkos, Clear Channel, The Miami Herald, PUBLIC Magazine, Bass Museum of Art, Chin Magazine, Haitian Heritage Museum, Jeffery Dread, Ritmokreyol, and The Eyes of Haiti.
JüneFest is part of the CARÜBBEAN® (Caribbean+Urban) movement that strives to unify and strengthen people of Caribbean-Latino heritage, to enhance the image of Caribbean, and to re-define and inspire today’s urban market.
