FAMILY FEST — Free family fun at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Now celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announces the dynamic and diverse lineup for the 2010-2011 season of FAMILY FEST, a season-long celebration of family-friendly programming featuring local artists and internationally-acclaimed acts.  All presented completely free for the South Florida community to enjoy – nearly 14,000 community members have enjoyed FAMILY FEST to date.  Each FAMILY FEST includes an array of outdoor activities and workshops, plus a free indoor presentation in the Adrienne Arsht Center’s magnificent John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.  Returning for the third consecutive year, FAMILY FEST launches in November 2010, and continues through May 2011 with festivities for the entire family!

FAMILY FEST is generously sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, as part of the organization’s community-driven mission, as well as the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

“Family Fest represents our vision and mission coming alive – children, families, and South Floridians of all walks of life converging on the Adrienne Arsht Center – Miami’s new town square,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center.  “When our plaza is filled with families and our Knight Concert Hall is filled with young people, the inspiring, transformational power of the performing arts beats a powerful rhythm through our campus and our city.”

Each FAMILY FEST begins at 11:30 a.m. on the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza with free entertainment on the plaza stage, make-and-take crafts, face-painting, and a variety of kid-centered workshops throughout the Center’s campus.  The fun moves indoors at 2 p.m. with a free, headlining performance in the Knight Concert Hall, showcasing world-class entertainment specifically designed to delight and inspire young people and their families.

The 2010-2011 FAMILY FEST lineup is as follows:

November 6, 2010

MILKSHAKE

Join us for an afternoon of rock music for kids with 2010 Grammy Award nominee MILKSHAKE. Led by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl, MILKSHAKE is a band on a mission – to make great rock music for kids!   Mathews and Gehl garnered critical praise during their decade-long run with the indie rock group Love Riot, whose songs for grown-ups have been featured in movies and prime-time television.  Now in their second chapter as kid-centered artists, MILKSHAKE has won over preschoolers without compromising songcraft, stagecraft, or their authentic rock & roll spirit.  Milkshake’s colorful, energetic videos have been featured on Nick Jr., PBS KIDS, and Discovery Kids, and now they bring their unique brand of rock ‘n roll to South Florida!

This first FAMILY FEST of the season will also feature a spotlight on Miami artists performing on the plaza stage.  The Spanglish Wrangler brings his bilingual song set to the city that loves a sing-a-long.  Children are in for a toe-tapping lesson in español with this terrific acoustic performer.  Live! Modern School of Music features the next generation of rock ‘n roll stars on stage – elementary school-aged kids on drums, guitar, and bass will rock the crowd with pint-sized swagger!  Delou African Dance Ensemble presents an explosive performance with West African dancers and drummers in a celebration of traditional African dance, music, and culture.

January 15, 2011

BALÉ FOLCLÓRICO DA BAHIA

“This Brazilian show is a breathtaker!” –  Boston Herald

In a spectacular display of color, movement, and music, the 38-member Brazilian troupe of dancers, musicians, and singers performs slave dances, capoeira, samba, and carnival dances of African origins. Fasten your seat belts and get set for one of the most explosive and exuberant music and dance shows you will ever experience.

March 26, 2011

MIAMI MUSIC PROJECT

The acclaimed local MIAMI MUSIC PROJECT (MMP) was founded in 2008 by world-renowned conductor James Judd, former music director of the Florida Philharmonic.  MMP is a classical music ensemble with a focus on education and community engagement, and presents this exciting concert featuring MMP professionals and local youth orchestra musicians in a program titled Rhythms of the World. This unique, interactive orchestra performance for all ages is equally fun and educational.

May 14, 2011

TERRANCE SIMIEN’s Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco

A fierce champion of his native Creole culture and zydeco music, Grammy Award-winning TERRANCE SIMIEN & The Zydeco Experience band presents a gumbo-flavored performance showcasing the rich, rural music tradition of the French speaking Creoles of south Louisiana.  The music that was born in St. Landry Parish- the “World Capital of Zydeco Music” deep in Creole country where Simien is from- will take Miami by storm with its infectious rhythms and down home soul. SIMIEN has performed for audiences of all ages, all over the globe for more than 27 years.

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