Arrested Development heralded a shining new era in alternative rap – a simple, upbeat spirituality that was determinedly down to earth. The Atlanta-based collective mixes progressive rap with laid-back, southern-fried groovy soul, rural blues, melodic R&B, hip-hop and African percussion. Their politically- and socially-conscious lyrics are filled with pleas for unity, brotherly compassion, and devotion to the struggle for equality. Their hook-filled set of positive, effervescent songs is positively intoxicating. Definitely not to be missed!
Araka is Spanish for “Watch out!” and you certainly should for these Miami based Latin groove-reggae-ska-rockers. They’re hot hot hot live, with an inimitable style that reflects their diverse cultural backgrounds. Their eclectic mix is sure to suit your fancy.
ArtOfficial blends hip-hop, jazz and indie beats, mixing smart MCs with fleet-fingered musicians to merge rap’s Golden era with the electric sizzle of ’70s funky jazz. Miami’s hometown heroes play an unflappable blend of sunny old-school sounds with an organic live touch and triumphant, positive rhymes.
Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet Formed in Louisiana in 1975 by fiddler Michael Doucet, Beausoleil (which means “good sun”) is widely considered one of the best Cajun bands in the world. Their mix of loose 2-steps, stately waltzes, and swampy dance reels are enhanced with dashes of jazz and Caribbean to expand on tradition and keep their sound vital and contemporary. Come dance and delight to the street party sounds of this American institution.
Big Brass Juke is a Miami-based dirty blues band that adds horns and keys from legendary local acts like ArtOfficial, Spam Allstars and more to grow into the horn full swampy septet. Frontman Eric Garcia, aka Uncle Scotchy, howls and raves about love, loss, death and redemption as they push the possibilities of indy-blues straight into the future.
Big Cosmo Hailing from Jacksonville Beach, Randy “Big Cosmo” Judy brings his own brand of Florida sunshine and foot-stompin’ guitar wherever he goes. But his blend of Americana, bluegrass, folk and rock music surely sounds best of all in the Florida sun where it was born.
Bill Kelly Driven by an intense passion for music and a pioneering spirit that has kept pace with the cutting-edge for nearly four decades, few individuals have had as meaningful and lasting an impact upon the dance music industry as DJ Bill Kelly. He is the Co-Founder and Director of the largest dance music convention in the world – the Winter Music Conference. Founded in 1986, WMC now brings over 1.2 million people to Miami for the world’s largest gathering of dance & electronic music performers and music industry pros. Bill has even earned the Key to the City of Miami Beach & has been inducted into the Dance Music Authority Magazine’s Hall of Fame.
Bobby Lee Rodgers The unique sound and stylings of guitarist Bobby Lee Rodgers fuses rock, funk, jazz and blues into a magical musical tapestry. Also a stellar songwriter and vocalist, Rodgers was a founding member of the legendary Southern band The Codetalkers, which often featured Col. Bruce Hampton from the famed Aquarium Rescue Unit. Rodgers’ energy and soul even led him to become one of the youngest ever instructors of Jazz Studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music at the ripe old age of 23. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the new modern day guitar greats!
Frequently known as the Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan is a 10-time Grammy Award-winning singer and composer who came to fame in the ‘70s as the frontwoman for the band Rufus with huge songs like “Tell Me Something Good.” She went solo in ’78, mixing her glorious, soaring vocals with her patented sexiness and inspired phrasing on smash hits including “I Feel for You.” Still winning Grammys as recently as 2004, Chaka Khan remains a thing of wonder when she takes the stage.
From eastern Tennessee comes the sultry swing of Christabel and the Jons. Their music is a lushly orchestrated affair that mixes Big Band swing, old-timey torch jazz, greasy blues, European gypsy folk, and ragtime into a smoky performance all set in motion by Christa DeCicco’s languid, sensual vocals. With nostalgic lyrics cloaked in a vintage velveteen purr, her misty romanticism mixes with retro costumes and a charismatic stage presence to give their show a uniquely elegant, speakeasy feel.
COPE is part melodic pop, part Southern jam, part exploratory funk and part dance party, offering up a compelling mix of rollicking jams and thoughtful lyrics. Tampa’s troubadours include guitar, banjo, keys & saxophone to vary the sound from hard-charging funk to tight jazz fusion. Their spirited and playful excursions pair with emotionally resonant lyrics to create one of the most exciting up-and-coming sounds around town.
Crazy Fingers has been Florida’s premiere Grateful Dead tribute band since 1990. Hailing from Palm Beach County, they’ve played more than 2500 shows celebrating the unique musical vision of the Dead, including many rare songs that other tribute bands barely touch. They’ve also recorded two albums of original material, blending blues, folk, country and of course good old rock and roll.
The Del McCoury Band is undeniably one of the most talented, revered and vital groups in bluegrass history. Born in Bakersville, NC, McCoury has been the epitome of the “high lonesome sound” for over four decades, including a stint as lead singer for Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. He’s a national treasure, with a sound encompassing shades of blues and gospel and crowds which run the gamut from tie-dyed neo-hippie jammers to button-down yuppies to suspendered good ol’ boys. The band’s instrumental and vocal firepower, deep-rooted dedication to bluegrass heritage, consummate showmanship, and high spirits continue to spread their influence. With sons Ronnie and Rob by his side, their impeccable bluegrass virtuosity remains as stunning as ever. McCoury and his band have won more International Bluegrass Music Association awards than any other artist in history.
Diali Keba Cissokho descends from a rich ancestry of Manding griots, serving as historian, advisor, praise singer, and storyteller in his native Senegal. He plays the kora, a 21-stringed “harp-lute” that is at the heart and soul of much West African music, and is a passionate singer, percussionist and dancer. Crossing cultural boundaries with a wide range of sounds, from explosive dance rhythms to soothing hypnotic grooves, Diali brings an unparalleled virtuosity with a unique personal style to this respected traditional art form.
Disip Former Nu-Look front-man Gazzman Couleur’s new group Disip is one of the leading Kompa bands in the Haitian music scene. Based in Miami, their fresh and organic sound is armed to the teeth with strong island grooves, catchy horn arrangements, stick-in-your-head melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Donna the Buffalo From Cajun to country, reggae to improv, zydeco boogie to roots-rock riot, Donna the Buffalo aims for the best of what music has to offer. Their singular sound features upbeat grooves, inspirational lyrics, memorable hooks, superb musicianship and an overwhelming sense of celebration. They’re an American institution, socially conscious yet eternally danceable. Donna the Buffalo started the GrassRoots Festival 20 years ago outside of Ithaca, NY to raise money for local charities and showcase the sounds of their friends and inspirations from around the world. The band features multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins, guitarist Jeb Puryear, keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Kyle Spark and drummer Mark Raudabaugh.
Driftwood In a post-modern world of skyscrapers and handheld computers, Driftwood looks beneath the concrete and circuitry to find their sound. Based in Binghamton, NY, their unique blend of old time folk with modern and world music features blazing fiddle action, boundaryless banjo, booming upright bass and gleeful guitar alongside a scrap wood kick box, clapping hands and stomping feet.
Miami’s own Elastic Bond delivers a unique sonic cocktail with an urban edge and a tropical twist, mixing Latin and soul with modern sample-based production and the vibrant voice of Honduran songstress Sofy Encanto. Fusing a horn section and percussion with electronica, tasty melodies and positive vibes, their funky groove kisses musical boundaries goodbye.
Equanimous Minds are a next level, integrative dance party collective. Founded by drummer, multi-percussionist & producer Bopa King Carré and DJ/producer Adam Sikora, together they create an experience that brings together the best of today’s Electronica and the universal sounds of percussion. Adam Sikora abides by the philosophy “Play the right music, in the right way, at the right time.” His stylistic blend of modern dance and House Music is simple yet incendiary, bringing dance floors to life with explosive energy. Born and raised in-between New York City and the Hamptons, his style reflects his background: classy rhythms and vocals backed by bone-shaking bass lines. Bopa King Carré is an extremely versatile and eclectic drummer/multi-percussionist. Born in New York City’s Lower East Side, Bopa’s explorations of the music and rhythms from his life-study, world travel and 20+ year performance history contribute to his bridging the gap between the DJ and live music performance.
Fishbone Combining equal parts deep funk, high-energy punk, frantic ska, hard rock and endless soul, Fishbone blasted out of Los Angeles in the 1980s as one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the era. Their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity mixed with their goofy sense of humor and sharp social commentary earned them a legion of fiercely loyal fans. Unpredictable and off-the-wall, their unique brand of musical hysteria is almost indescribable.
Gene Tagaban shares his wisdom and talent through dance, Native flute and storytelling. He is of Tlingít, Cherokee and Filipino heritage. Tagaban, whose Tlingít name is Gaay Yaaw, is of the Tak’deintaan Raven Freshwater Sockeye clan of Hoonah and a child of the Wooshkeetaan Eagle Shark clan of Juneau, Alaska. He started dancing when he was 5 years old, and grew up listening to and learning the songs, dances and stories of Alaska’s Tlingít people.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad The psychedelic roots sound of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad weaves layers of complex music within a reggae framework. The Rochester, NY-based crew delivers air-tight dub, roots reggae revelry, and Afrobeat affirmations, flavoring their positive message with upbeat energy and meaningful lyrics.
Gibbor Green is “Bringing Soul Back to the Future” with his youthful charm and infectious debut single “CRUSH” and sophomore release #FOLLOWME. His melodic sounds and charismatic stage presence is attracting fans and followers from all across the country. This 13 year-old R&B crooner is poised to be a worldwide superstar, not just a phenomenon.
The Grady Girls Garrison, Paskin, and Grady Grady Grady; Bubba George meets the Monks of the Screw. In other words, beautifully raw old time, Irish, and a few originals played by five young women from Tompkins Co., NY. Rip-roaring tunes and sweet singing– come feast your ears and bring your dancing shoes.
Greg Humphreys, singer/songwriter’s mad mix of stylistically diverse songs move from roots-pop and straight-up blues to country and bluegrass, using pop hooks and his soulful voice to showcase his spirit and sound. The Hobex and Dillon Fence frontman takes you on a musical journey that is disarming, personal and intimately engaging.
Few can match the energy, talent and attitude of The Habanero Honeys. These four unique women present a delicious blend of folk, blues, Americana, and original music & poetry with a flavor that is at once soulful, sweet, and plenty spicy.
The Heavy Pets are a jamband who masterfully blend R&B, jazz-funk, reggae fusion and rock & roll, setting it all to a heavy danceable backbeat. Bursting out of Ft. Lauderdale with a reputation built on elegant hook-filled songwriting, blazing instrumental chops and explosive live performances, their funky loose-limbed rock-’n'-soul is bound by tight vocal harmonies and ace guitar interplay. Their breezy approach and contagious vibe even earned them a slot on the Huffington Post’s Top 10 Albums of 2010.
Hindu Cowboys play alternative country rich with folk and traditional string band influences and rooted in twangy old-school sounds. Based in Orlando, they top off their organic corn-fed roots music with a homemade retro-country gravy, even adding some classic rock seasoning into their live shows.
Hobex makes oh-so-sweet soul music with a healthy dose of screaming guitars. Singer/guitarist Greg Humphreys formed the band from the ashes of Dillon Fence, one of the biggest southeastern touring acts of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Inspired by Stax/Motown era funk and soul artists, Hobex hit on a unique sound – song-based grooves seasoned with various folk, rock and roll, and British Invasion influences. A strong jazz and hip-hop sensibility helps take their swaggering sound over the top.
Peruvian-born rapper Immortal Technique mixes rough-edged charm with plain-spoken politics, earning a huge underground buzz since his first album dropped in 2001. The NYC-based artist expresses his opinions – complex, reasoned, fiery and intense opinions! – with ire squarely directed at his favorite enemies: politicians, capitalism, and big business.
The Jacob Jeffries Band, led by Jacob Groten, burst out of south Florida in 2006 in a piano-bashing frenzy of hook-filled rock and roll. Their heartfelt musical range covers everything from John Lennon to Freddie Mercury, with touches of Jeff Buckley and rock and roll musicals thrown in the mix. With insightful lyrics and tasty melodies, the Miami Herald has declared them one of Miami’s “best and most buzzed-about independent artists.”
Jahfe, which means “creation,” is a majestic 10-piece roots reggae band from Miami featuring a female lead singer and an international cast of characters. Exuding an intense energy, they play heavy yet smooth fusion infused with rocking dub-hop. Their infectious vibe and message of universal unity embodies the power of a young generation and the wisdom of roots culture.
Jah High Towa, aka Da Real Poor Man, is a young Jamaican-born DJ schooled in the tradition of Bobo Ashanti/Rastafarian DJs such as Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, and Anthony B. His growing success performing throughout Miami is doubtless due to his spirited efforts and ability to make his lyrics and songs shine. His hospitality during our first visit to Miami made a lasting impression, we thank him for showing us the beauty of this city and its people, One Love.
A pioneer of modern hoop dance since 2001, Jewels is a performer, teacher, organizer and entrepreneur who strives to bring the magic and fun of hooping to the masses. She sees hooping as a holistic practice for creative expression which opens heart and builds communities. Together with her partner Scott, they’ve created classes, camps, conferences and companies, and in 2011 even opened their own performance space, The Flowjo, in their hometown of Carrboro, NC.
Jim Lauderdale is a Nashville treasure who helped layout the blueprint for the Americana movement of the ’90s. He earned high critical marks for an eclectic series of albums that spanned hard country, slick pop, rootsy rock & roll, blues, folk, R&B, and bluegrass. After his success as one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters, Lauderdale has finally begun receiving more attention for his own records and concerts. His recent albums include collaborations with Ralph Stanley, Robert Hunter and Donna the Buffalo.
Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band Louisiana-based accordionist Keith Frank combines Creole and Cajun sounds with massive elements of funk and soul, putting his own singular spin on genuine American roots music and transforming it into a modern day dance party. Adding elements of R&B, blues, pop, rock, reggae, and even hip hop, the sonic gumbo he cooks up is known as “nouveau zydeco,” and no one does it better. Keith Frank is forging his own urbanized and infectiously danceable style, with legendary shows that unleash an uninterrupted flow of positive, uplifting music. Together with the Soileau Zydeco Band, he’s gained critical acclaim on the international festival circuit.
Keith Secola & Wild Band of Indians hail from Tempe, AZ, and combine rock and roll with Native American sensibilities, adding flutes, indigenous drums, and native chants to their musical vision. Their sound is a unique blend of folk, rock, reggae and world beat – what he calls Native Americana music – with an ample dose of humor and style. He has a special way of getting the audience involved in the music and the stories. An inspirational eclectic soundscape is their goal, with hopeful lyrics aiming for a unified world.
Lance-O began his note-worthy career in music presentation and hosting when he started a college radio station. He’s gone on to win best radio personality of the year, and host Power 96’s reggae programming. His Kulcha Shok Muzik has become the definitive source of reggae music, culture and events in Florida and the Caribbean.
The Lee Boys Part of the “Sacred Steel” movement, the Lee Boys (most of whom are related) put pedal steel guitar at the front of their gospel. But unlike their contemporaries, there’s a slight and unusual country tinge to their bluesy gospel sound, making them sound at times like the mid-’70s Allman Brothers. The rhythm section is rock-steady, but the band rocks the house like no one’s business. Each member began making music in the church when they were 7 or 8 years old, and they haven’t stopped playing since.
Locos por Juana is a Miami-based Latin urban orchestra whose wide-ranging musical approach draws from tropical styles such as reggae, cumbia, and salsa as well as urban styles such as hip-hop, rock, and Latin alternative. This burning, rapid-fire multicultural ensemble heats up to a high-energy hyperactive sizzle sure to get you moving. Their biting social commentary integrates a message of unity and their philosophy of “One Sound.”
Michael Smith on Steel Drum knows how to charm an audience. His charismatic playing and sweet tropical sounds lure passer-bys in, whether he’s playing on a stage or the streets of the design district. His steel drums emanate the unexpected: Don’t be surprised if you hear a perfect rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony pour from his hand-crafted Steel Drum and find yourself transfixed.
Born and raised on his family’s Caribbean-island hopping boat, Mishka watched his sister Heather Nova’s music career take off in the ‘90s as he became a competitive windsurfer representing Bermuda at international meets. Eventually his own songwriting urge took over, and his universally conscious roots reggae sound became an instant hit. His voice boasts an emotional resonance that mixes with his pop, soul and folk-rock-infused reggae to create his joyous and catchy sunburst of music.
Mixed Culture is an 8-piece roots reggae ensemble from Hollywood, FL pumping out sweat-fueled, sweet-feeling reggae rhythms and bilingual streams of rhymes. Love songs, equal rights, justice, peace and the trials of life are all expressed through the sacrament of music.
Nery Arevalo Born in El Salvador and based in Charleston, WV, amazing drummer and percussionist Nery Arevalo plays his own heartfelt version of reggae-tinged Latin jazz. “My intent is to play and enjoy and bring happiness and good music to wherever I go,” he says, and he’ll be true to his word when he hosts a Latin percussion workshop at the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival.
Omniscient cranks out hard-hitting hip-hop in an array of styles, and was nominated for a Grammy as a member of Locos Por Juana, who are also appearing at the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival. His act is ripe with mindful lyrics and features a live band and his animated stage presence. Far from typical, Omniscient has overcome personal travails to continue spreading his message.
Accordionist Preston Frank has been laying down his blazing bayou boogie and unabashed, traditional Louisiana zydeco for decades. His trademark swamp groove is a combination of Cajun, funk and soul, a smooth and flowing Creole sound that instantly makes you start to move. The jumping rhythms and festive vibes rest in his hands while his fingers work magic on the diatonic accordion. Firmly planted in his musical roots for over thirty years, Preston Frank remains an important force in preserving traditional Zydeco and Creole French music.
Adorable Miami-based folk duo Raffa & Rainer play quirky, insightful, and downright haunting ditties of life and love, with a delightfully campy yet heartfelt sound. Their decade-long partnership began in high school and has developed into an amazingly idiosyncratic and earnest expression of beautiful music.
Revelation Mizik is a Miami-based band whose sweet, catchy Haitian harmonies blend perfectly into their sunny day sound. Don’t miss this chance to dance and smile beneath their Caribbean breeze.
DJ Richard McVay is one of Miami’s premiere and most revered DJs. He’s also the Director of Flamingo Record Promotions which he founded with DJ Bill Kelly and DJ Waggy Tee in 1982 to help spread the word about the power of music to bring people together and make them dance!
The Rowan Cunningham Band is comprised of world-class fiddler Sue Cunningham along with Rowan brothers Chris and Lorin (the brothers of bluegrass legend Peter Rowan with whom they still play in the progressive bluegrass group The Rowans). Chris and Lorin’s soaring sibling harmonies are joined by Sue’s sultry vocals and her spicy newgrass fiddle to create a full and vibrant sound. All three are accomplished songwriters and their tunes pulse with originality and passion.
Brooklyn-based Rubblebucket is a joyous jungle of trance-inducing, polyrhythmic dance-rock. Their hybrid of world music influences – everything from funk and rock to Afrobeat, jazz and pop – is the sound of eight different freak flags flying in perfect unison. Their intense and eclectic sound is nearly impossible to pigeonhole, and definitely not to be missed.
Sim Redmond Band Playing a unique blend of roots-rock, Afro-Caribbean, reggae and folk music, the Ithaca, NY-based Sim Redmond Band will lift your spirit and move your body. The band’s airy, breezy sound draws from the world beat tradition to create a danceable mix of distinctly American pop hooks with African arrangements. Their music washes over your brain with its sunny sound, earthy rhythms, warm vocal harmonies and lyrics exploring truth, dreams and love.
Son Salvaje is a Tampa-based assembly of Latin all-stars who shine on salsa, cha-cha, merengue, bachata, bolero, Latin jazz and more. This giant 11-man ensemble features a robust rhythm section including timbales, congas and bongo alongside a dynamic horn section and a thrilling team of singers. Their mission is to make you dance and spread the message that “even our wildest dreams can become a reality.”
Soulflower Based in Miami, Soulflower is an emcee taking the hip-hop world by storm through her multi-dimensional lyrical expressions soaked through with consciousness and spirit. On stage she becomes lightning & thunder, an electric roar taking hip-hop into neosoul, jazz,rock, reggae, alternative, jungle and spoken word. Soulflower is also co-President of a record label, founder of a worldwide organization of conscious women in the arts, and the host of “Raize It Up!” on Miami’s 94.5FM and Raize It Up Live!, one of Miami’s most powerful and cultural monthly events. She has also been named “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist” at the Boston Music Awards.
Suenalo is Miami’s premier 8-piece Latin jam band, with a signature sound embracing funk, hip-hop, jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and more – the quintessential embodiment of Miami as melting pot. Their irresistibly infectious music provides the perfect soundtrack to celebrate the harmonious melding of differences. Put on your dancing shoes for this one!
The Sunsetters play what they call twilight music, capturing that magical mood between relaxation and inspiration, when the sun’s going down and the night’s lighting up. They’re a reggae duo consisting of singer/drummer Derrick McDonald and guitarist Jose Pasquini. McDonald’s silky and soulful vocals come straight out of the reggae/R&B past while Pasquini’s guitar shapelessly shifts between genres, morphing from rock and blues to jazz and flamenco while elegantly covering the bass lines.
The TalkToMes Ithaca, NY’s The TalkToMes plays roots rock smashed into alt-country with a punk rock attitude. If music were bocce, they would be the pallino, the target that gets rolled out in the beginning of the game that everyone else tries to “kiss” with their own bocce balls. Band members include J.T. Puryear, Sim Redmond, Asa Redmond, and Gregor Sayet-Bone, whose stunning original songs are the driving force behind this group.
Thousands of One is a community-based, politically driven neo-soul/R&B collective from Ithaca, NY. They spout lyrics both spiritual and positive while their deeply addictive Afro-hiphop-funk-soul grooves provide the anchor.
Asheville, NC’s Toubab Krewe sets a new standard for fusing West African music with rock & roll. They blend instruments such as kora & ngoni with influences ranging from country & Latin to reggae & hip-hop. Their music is danceable & celebratory, with interweaving melodies floating over two drummers locked in hypnotic beats. Their singular sound is a blend of of authenticity & unpredictability – expertly meshed surf guitar with Malian rhythmic patterns, a “Dick Dale goes to Timbuktu” experiment in Afro-California fusion.
Waggy Tee Selector of class and master of clash, King Waggy Tee has been filling and thrilling dance floors across Miami for over 30 years. From dancehall to hip hop to R&B, the award-winning DJ, writer and promoter never eases up and never disappoints.
Willie Watson & the Evil City String Band finds Old Crow Medicine Show’s Willie Watson joining forces with Richie Stearns of The Horse Flies and Rosie Newton of The Pearly Snaps. This old-time supergroup brings a wealth of experience to their sound – Watson has been tearing up Nashville for the last decade, Stearns is a founding member of Donna the Buffalo, and Newton has been fiddling ever since her Woodstock childhood. They’ve now joined forces for a set of old-time music that promises to move you to your core.