MIAMI, FL—The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. kicks off its second season of “Expressions” on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at The Historic Ward Rooming House Gallery, 249 NW 9th Street in Miami’s historic Overtown neighborhood.

Hosted by international poet and spoken word artist Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns, “Expressions” includes featured sets from local spoken word artists Rachel “Flow Diva” Finley, Kimani Trapp and Poet Tampa. The evening consists of open mic (poets must pre-register) and live music by Ed the World Famous and Jody Hill and the Deep Fried Funk Band. Local food vendor, Keith the Conch Man will also be there with fresh, delicious conch salad for purchase.

“The start of this second season is very important as we approach the opening of the historic Lyric Theater,” said Timothy A. Barber, Executive Director at The Black Archives. “We are developing our ‘Expressions’ spoken word and live music showcase to be a nationally-recognized event, which will soon be hosted in the completed theater. As we move the programming to the theater, we are honoring our future by honoring our past.”

Until the upcoming official opening of the newly remodeled historic Lyric Theater, “Expressions” is being presented at the neighboring Historic Ward Cultural Tourist Gallery.  “The Ward” undergoes a complete transformation from historic rooming house to a chic poetry lounge under-the-stars, styled by local event production company, The Design Group, Miami.  Sound and lighting by Drummerboy Sound provide the performers with arena-quality audiovisual support.

“What The Black Archives is doing, through Expressions and our future programming at the historic Lyric Theater, is providing Miami residents a place to come and enjoy arts and culture in an area of town that has a historical reputation of being the main hub for black culture in its heyday,” said Kamila Pritchett, Development Coordinator at The Black Archives. “The Black Archives is set to bring that atmosphere back to Overtown.”

Admission for “Expressions” is $10. Tickets can be purchased online via Paypal at www.theblackarchives.org. For more information call 305-636-2390.