Miami is crazy. There is so much to do here that it boggles the mind. So many events, parties, and festivals. This weekend alone there was the Festival of Speed, Heat and Dolphins home games. But there’s something really huge going on that’s barely (and unjustly) on the radar for Miami locals. The Miami Music Festival.
Like Miami, the Miami Music Festival was crazy. It was gargantuan. A behemoth. There are 45 venues spread across Miami from the beach to Midtown/Wynwood to Little Haiti. It is a multi-cultural emerging musical artist showcase festival with over 400 performances with music from Rock to Reggae. The artists come at their own expense to get here from around the world for a chance to showcase their talent to music executives in artist management, touring, radio, publishing, advertising, film and the recording industry. The festival is in its second year and has huge potential to be one of the U.S.’s if not the world’s premiere showcase for emerging talent from all genres of music.
For those in the Miami area, it’s a chance to check out some exceptional up and coming talent. Prices are $12 for the night or $25 for the festival which is bargain. I had a chance to experience the Festival with Stan Washington of Pantheon Lifestyles, potential sponsors, and organizers. We were shuttled from venue to venue to get a chance to see what the festival was all about.
Our first stop was one of my new favorite spots in Miami, Cafeina. What I like about Cafeina is its lack of pretention and also it’s got that gritty New York/Chicago bar feel to it (not mention a cool art gallery). Inside we were treated to the Acoustic Performance showcase which was held with the support of the Wynwood Arts District Association. We experienced several singer song writers’ performances all of whom were extremely talented with captivating lyrics and music. A group of 100 or so sat on couches in the darkly lit room and attentively soaked in the melodic balladeering. The one that stuck out for me was the SJ Trio and their performance of I Like You. Check it out Click Here Great date music.
Outside on the patio was the R&B stage. My friends and I were pleased with the talent and what was most amazing to me is that these were all some of the best acts that I had never heard of. Next up was Vaughn Anthony. He along with his back up dancers performed five songs including ballads, up tempo, and even a reggae song. My favorite was In Your Shoes that will be a hit. He had a certain tone in his voice and phrasing in his lyrics that was vaguely familiar. We were later informed that his brother is John Legend.
Click to view video ..“In Your Shoes” — Artist: Vaughn Anthony – TEASER .
I had a chance to meet up with MMF CEO Irwin Kornfeld and President Will Edwards at the Transit Lounge, Miami’s five star dive bar. There were three stages set up for various acts. In the bar area a three piece band rocked out to some original grundge inspired music. In the front lounge Haley Noelle crooned. The Santé Fe Naturals Showcase featured Latin music as Delixilio belted out some inspired Latin funk. Click to hear Delexilio
Over the soft sounds of singer song writer, Haley Noelle, Kornfeld discussed his vision for the festival. One could not ignore his passion for the music and the development of upcoming talent. Irwin is also the owner of InTune Partners which advocates development of music talent focusing on grades 7-12. Through its magazine and other media, InTune encourages students to grow and learn from all genres of music. It’s no wonder that the festival spotlights all genres from Acoustic, Latin, R&B, Caribbean, Hip Hop, Rock, Blues, Gospel, and Jazz.
With the Winter Music Festival, and prevalence of international DJs such as David Gulleta or Bob Sinclair, Miami is known for its international music and as a stop for many mega club DJs. Just a few weeks ago DJ Tiesto played to a sellout crowd at Liv with tickets at $270 each. Kornfeld discussed how live music has been moved from the spotlight and the focus is now on DJ’s spinning electronic and production music. Kornfield’s mission is to get “real music” back to the lime light and sees this festival as a way to support the development of these talents. With that goal, the festival has been able to get the support of the city and which has designated November as Live Music Month. As Kornfeld explained his vision for the festival, one could not over look his mentions of Woodstock.
My favorite live performers on the Miami scene are Cleveland Jones, Maryell Epps, and John Saxx and I see them when I can. But I must agree with Kornfeld that Miami is more about the club DJs than the performing live bands. I applaud our city fathers for supporting the festival and the live music month designation. I hope that with this focus, more local talent will be supported and developed here in Miami.
We had a chance to catch up with Miami’s own Betty Wright, who in the 70s created R&B classics like No Pain No Gain, Tonight is the Night, and the unforgettable jilted wife’s anthem, Clean Up Woman. In addition to performing, she now has her own label. She was showcasing locals including my favorite of the night, Brady, in the Betty Wright’s “Future of R&B spotlight at the Clevelander.
I ended the festival with the hip hop show in Bayfront Park. One thing I learned is that I must be getting long in the tooth because most of the music I couldn’t really get into not to mention the dance moves. My brand of Hip Hop is still Biggie and Eric B and Rakim. But be that as it may, the smallish crowd was into it and one could tell these folks had star potential. The show was closed out by Mario who swooned the ladies with R&B ballads.
