Winners to Perform Live on Knight Concert Hall Stage,

Opening the FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS Concert on September 16, 2012

Featuring

Grammy-Nominated Urban Gospel Superstar

J MOSS

MIAMI, FL­­­ August 15, 2012 - The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, in partnership with Sony Pictures and Myspace, is proud to announce Miami native Bianca Sirgany-Castro as the national winner of the “Sparkle Singing Challenge,” a singing contest held on behalf of the soon-to-be-released filmSparkle starring Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston. In addition, the Arsht Center is also excited to announce local gospel group S.I.G.N. (Singing In God’s Name) as the winner of its inaugural “New Gospel Talent Search,” a local singing contest set to discover Miami’s next top gospel artists. Both winners will perform as theFREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS opening acts on September 16, 2012, headlined by Grammy-nominated contemporary gospel superstar J MOSS.

Two Fundraising Performances Planned to Keep Ayikodans Lifting the Spirit of Haitians through Dance ­

MIAMI, FL  – Now celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County has convened a wide range of community leaders in support of Ayikodans, one of Haiti’s most prominent artistic exports. Ayikodans will burst onto the South Florida dance scene with two fundraising performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2011. The company will exhilarate audiences with a provocative and riveting program, and will give the community a taste of what is to come next spring, when it debuts its Adrienne Arsht Center-commissioned performance.

JAZZ ROOTS:

CELEBRATING MILES

 The program will explore the two musical sides of Miles Davis’s work, and showcase one of the greatest pieces of music ever produced in

Tutu Revisited, The Music of Miles Davis

MIAMI, FL -- Now celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Larry Rosen present JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series – CELEBRATING MILES in commemoration of Black History Month in February. The program features an all-star lineup of jazz greats and former Miles Davis collaborators paying tribute to one of the greatest jazz innovators of our time, on February 25, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall of the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Jazz Roots: Celebrating Miles will showcase the two musical sides of this legendary artist’s work. The first half of the program features Miles Davis protégé and trumpeter extraordinaire Wallace Roney, with his sextet, featuring acclaimed bassist Ron Carter, one of the original members of the second great Miles Davis Quintet. This section of the program will focus on Davis’s acoustic period, featuring the music from his classic Columbia albums, Milestones, Round About Midnight, and leading up to what is arguably the most important jazz record in modern history, Kind of Blue. The second half of the concert highlights the electric side of Miles Davis with legendary musician, producer and bass guitarist Marcus Miller, bringing his highly anticipated show, Tutu Revisited, The Music of Miles Davis, giving an inside look into the making and artistry of one of the greatest pieces of music ever produced. Joining Miller onstage for the Tutu program is Grammy-nominated, young jazz lion Christian Scott.

Tickets range from $25 to $130 and are on sale now!  Tickets may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org. 

JAZZ ROOTS also features an in-depth educational partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools which will bring more than 900 music students to the Center for a unique behind-the-scenes experience, including a pre-concert sound check and a Q&A session with featured artists followed by a workshop with a local jazz expert that will highlight the music, the artistic process and the practical skills needed for a career in the arts. In addition, the Center has developed a curriculum which will be distributed to 800 music, English and social studies teachers throughout the MDCPS school system, potentially serving 24,000 children.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Larry Rosen present

JAZZ ROOTS:

AN EVENING WITH KEITH JARRETT,

GARY PEACOCK AND JACK DEJOHNETTE

THREE AMERICAN JAZZ ICONS!

KEITH JARRETT, arguably the greatest jazz pianist on the planet

legendary bassist GARY PEACOCK

and drummer extraordinaire JACK DEJOHNETTE

“The standout jazz piano trio of the last 25 years!”

--The New York Times

January 21, 2011 at 8 p.m.

Tickets $25 - $130

John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

MIAMI, FL, -- Now celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Larry Rosen proudly announce a rare performance of one of the world’s most illustrious jazz trios for the next installation of JAZZ ROOTS – A Larry Rosen Jazz Series: AN EVENING WITH KEITH JARRETT, GARY PEACOCK AND JACK DEJOHNETTE.  World-renowned piano virtuoso and Grammy Award nominee Keith Jarrett -- a multi-platinum-selling artist and Downbeat Lifetime Achievement Award winner -- and his longtime collaborators, legendary bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette, will perform on January 21, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Recognized as one of the premier working bands in jazz for more than 25 years, this all-star trio has garnered universal acclaim through its celebrated recordings and international tours. The trio’s improvised interplay on jazz standards, original tunes, and free playing has been described as “jazz at its finest” (Los Angeles Times).

Tickets range from $25 to $130 and are on sale now!  Tickets may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org. 

“It is with great honor and excitement that we offer our South Florida community and faithful JAZZ ROOTS concert-goers this special opportunity to hear three great American jazz masters – Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette --  perform on our Knight Concert Hall stage,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “This stellar ensemble, known for its almost telepathic interplay and stunningly unique interpretation of jazz standards, is sure to present a mesmerizing evening of unforgettable sonic adventures!”

I've been reading some excellent reviews about African-Spanish singer, Concha Buika who recently performed at The Adrienne Arsht Center. The young woman is a mesmerizing combination of Nina Simone, Erykah Badu and Celia Cruz. She's bad. Check her out. 

Buika: The Voice Of Freedom

Official Website of Concha Buika

African Success Story: Concha Buika

Now, there's another reason to see the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Arsht, May 20 - May 23. Liberty City native and New World School of the Arts alum Robert Battle has been named the next artistic director of the famed dance ensemble. How cool is that?

Battle follows in the footsteps of the Judith Jamison who becomes artistic director emerita when the transition is complete.

Here's Battle's bio from the Ailey site:

Congratulations, Mr. Battle! What a tremendous accomplishment. 

Related Links:

Move Over, Chad Ochocinco, Robert Battle Is Liberty City's Best Dancer

Robert Battle talks of next steps for Ailey dance troupe

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Photo: Andrea Mohin 

BLUES GUITAR LEGEND BUDDY GUY LAUNCHES

THE 2009-2010 JAZZ ROOTS SEASON, BRINGING HIS

FAMOUS WAILING ELECTRIC GUITAR SOUND TO A PROGRAM FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST DR. JOHN AND HIS BAND THE LOWER 911

Friday, November 6, 2009

Tickets: $25 to $125

John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

MIAMI, FL October 19, 2009 – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, with acclaimed jazz producer and entrepreneur Larry Rosen, present the inaugural concert of the 2009-2010 JAZZ ROOTS season – THE BLUES featuring multi-Grammy Award-winning blues guitar icon BUDDY GUY AND DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911 on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.

Renowned for his theatrical guitar showmanship and unvarnished blues style, BUDDY GUY, an inductee into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, is considered the greatest living exponent of Chicago electric blues. His unique, wailing guitar sound has influenced virtually every major blues and rock guitarist from Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. New Orleans singer/songwriter and pianist Dr. John and his band The Lower 911 open the concert performing their patented version of blues, gospel, funk and jazz. In addition to his unique fusion style, Dr. John is universally recognized for his original blues interpretations of traditional forms of jazz and American classic songs, as well as his elaborate stage shows.

“Buddy Guy is one of the titans of the blues, straddling traditional and modern forms, as well as musical generations, and Dr. John is universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “We are thrilled to present the talents of these legendary American artists to the South Florida community.”

“We are especially proud to offer 150 Miami-Dade County Public School youth the once-in-a-lifetime experience to interact with these acclaimed musicians,” continued Richard. As a part of the JAZZ ROOTS education program, the students will have the opportunity to attend the sound check and concert as well as learn more about the blues and how this truly American musical genre has influenced jazz, rock, R&B, rap and popular music.

“Thematically, our JAZZ ROOTS series is based on the drums that came from Africa and their influence on all the popular music of the Americas. THE BLUES, our season opener, starts at the core of jazz,” said series co-producer Larry Rosen. “Both Buddy Guy and Dr. John come from a long heritage of Louisiana blues artists. As Buddy Guy said when I recently interviewed him for our JAZZ ROOTS radio show on WLRN-FM, ‘The blues can be sad, or the blues can be happy, but it always represents how folks are feelin’.”

JAZZ ROOTS’ in-depth educational partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools brings more than 900 music students to the Center each season for a unique behind-the-scenes experience, including a pre-concert sound check and a Q&A session with featured artists followed by a workshop with a local jazz expert that will highlight the music, the artistic process and the practical skills needed for a career in the arts. In addition, the Center has developed a curriculum which will be distributed to 800 music, English and social studies teachers throughout the MDCPS school system, potentially serving 24,000 children.

In its debut last season, the JAZZ ROOTS series was a major success, selling out all six performances and drawing more than 10,000 jazz lovers to the Arsht Center. The electrifying 2009-2010 series will once again showcase an all-star lineup of artists in a variety of programs exploring the spectrum of jazz: AN EVENING WITH DAVE GRUSIN featuring Patti Austin, Jon Secada, Gary Burton, Sammy Figueroa, Arturo Sandoval, Nestor Torres, and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Mancini Institute Orchestra (December 4); VOCALESE - Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and Jon Hendricks (January 15); JAZZ and SOUL - Al Jarreau and Ramsey Lewis (February 26); A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA - Michael Feinstein, John Pizzarelli and The Frost School of Music Mancini Institute Big Band (March 19); PIANO LATINO - Eddie Palmieri, Michel Camilo, and introducing Alfredo Rodriguez (April 16).

As Miami joins in the celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is proud to host a Lincoln Town Hall exploring the theme of "Lincoln, Miami and the American Dream." The Town Hall, taking place November 1, will be led by Channel 4 anchorman Antonio Mora. Respected panelists, including Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the Knight Foundation's Alberto Ibarguen, among others, will weigh in on the impact that Lincoln's life and words have on the Miami of today.

Sunday, Nov. 1
4-6 p.m.

Lincoln Town Hall: Lincoln, Miami, and the American Dream
John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami

Box Office
305-949-6722

Enjoy the music of Lincoln's time in performances by the 57-member wind ensemble from the New World School of the Arts and the 60-member Ambassador Chorale of Florida Memorial University. The two groups also will perform a segment of Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait," with narration by Alonzo Mourning.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., who directs the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Studies at Harvard University, will discuss his most recent book, Lincoln on Race and Slavery. View Lincoln and Civil War memorabilia from the Norman Braman collection on display in the foyer of the Knight Concert Hall.

This event is free. But tickets must be reserved through the Arsht Center box office. Seating for this event is general admission. There will be no reserved seating.

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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WHO/WHAT:

 §         The official Florida premiere of “RiseUp,” a documentary film that showcases Jamaica's underground music community and the struggles, dreams and aspirations of three young artists vying for their shot at success.

§         30-minute Q&A with “RiseUp” director Luciano Blotta to follow each screening. “RiseUp” recently won “Best Music Documentary” at AFI/Discovery Channel's national documentary film festival Silverdocs.

§         Exclusive offer for “RiseUp” screening attendees: $10 discount on tickets to see the hit musical The Harder the Come, in its U.S. premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center from August 29 – September 12. Featuring a hit list of reggae classics including “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Your Love Has Lifted Me,” and the title song, The Harder they Come is based on the ‘70s Perry Henzell cult classic film of the same title that helped make reggae an international music sensation. For additional information, please visit: www.arshtcenter.org.

TICKETS:

 FREE for Adrienne Arsht Center members; $10 for non-members. RSVP is required for all members at 786.468.2040 or [email protected]. Non-members can purchase tickets in advance by contacting box office at 305.949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

WHEN:

 Friday, August 14 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 15 at 10:45 p.m.

Sunday, August 16 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

 Adrienne Arsht Center - Carnival Studio Theater

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Hailed by Time Out as “a real thrill…the band is tight, the clothes are right – it’s a sure-fire smash hit,” THE HARDER THEY COME features a cast of 16 Jamaican-born performers and tells the story of young singer Ivanhoe Martin (played by Rolan Bell) as he arrives in Kingston, Jamaica with dreams of becoming a reggae star. A corrupt and drug-fueled music industry drives him into a fast and furious life as Jamaica’s most-wanted outlaw and most-celebrated underground star. Reggae music star and pioneer Jimmy Cliff starred in the ‘70s film of the same title, which catapulted the island’s signature sound into a globally recognized and respected genre, turning Jimmy Cliff and reggae music in general, into an international sensation. “With top-class acting, singing and dancing, [this] superb production faithfully distils not just the movie’s music and characters, but also, somehow its soul” (The Standard).