Student musicians at festival celebrate the power of music to inspire and uplift everyone
It was a joyous event when more than 600 students took to the stage to perform at the fourth annual Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival.
Celebrating with them were 2,000 attendees including city officials, music education leaders and industry professionals.
Held at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, the festival showed how music can transform lives and open doors to careers in performance, sound engineering and the music business.
'Music shaped my journey — from my first piano notes to a lifelong appreciation for the arts,' Councilwoman Linda Julien said in her opening speech.
'The Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival is more than an event; it's a stage for young artists to find their voice and build their future. I'm honored to support this celebration of talent and opportunity.'
While the festival showcased the immense talent of Miami's youth, it also spotlighted key challenges in music education. Many schools and communities here still lack funding, resources and the infrastructure needed to provide high-quality music education, especially in underserved communities.
'The Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival shows the power of music and the arts to inspire, connect and uplift everyone. It is a celebration of creativity and community, proving what is possible when we invest in our youth,' said Alan Valladares, Arts Access Miami Manager.
The event was organized by Arts Access Miami and Young Musicians Unite in a partnership with Julien. YMU is a key program within Arts Access and plays a vital role in expanding students' musical horizons beyond traditional classroom settings.
As Miami-Dade County continues to grow as a hub for arts and culture, Arts Access and YMU are committed to ensuring that music education is not a privilege, but a right for all students.
Arts Access Miami is 'powered by philanthropist Daniel R. Lewis, managed by Young Musicians Unite, and incubated at the Miami Foundation in cooperation with the Miami-Dade County Public School System., Valladares said.
You can help by becoming a mentor, or donating to the Arts Access Fund at www.artsaccessmiami.org
LOCUST PROJECTS CELEBRATES BOWIE
Get ready to channel your favorite David Bowie look at the upcoming Spring Fling Space Oddity fundraiser hosted by Locust Projects. The annual benefit dinner is 7-10 p.m. April 26, at 297 NE 67th St., Miami.
The event also serves as a celebration of the premiere of Tomas Vu's 'Blackstar' exhibition, an immersive installation focused on Bowie's contributions to contemporary culture.
Central to the exhibit is a geodesic dome inspired by the work of futurist architect Buckminster Fuller. The dome is a recurrent motif in Vu's practice and serves as a platform for projection mapping and a site for continuous immersive visitor engagement.
This fun-filled evening will feature a silent art auction, live music and lip sync performances. Tickets start at $200 at https://bit.ly/4leDhhq
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Something that has always been extremely important is teaching school kids early on about money: how to earn it; save it; spend it; share it.
Young professionals who want to mentor Miami-Dade and Monroe County public school students in developing financial literacy are invited to join the nonprofit Junior Achievement of Greater Miami's Young Professionals Network.
The group also provides work, career and college prep as well as hands-on programs in high schools in which students start their own small businesses. Programs are free, interactive and organized through the school systems.
To better position the organization for greater outcomes in graduation rates and decreasing absenteeism, the nonprofit recently added new team members and expanded to new offices in Coral Gables. Learn more and get involved at https://miami.ja.org/
MERRICK HOUSE TALK APRIL 6
The next gathering at the historic Merrick House in Coral Gables will feature Miami native June Thomson Morris speaking about 'Fortunes Gained and Lost: Miami's Visionaries and Their Fatal Passion to Create.'
The event is part of the '100 Voices: Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables' to celebrate the city's centennial. The Merrick House is at 907 Coral Way, and tickets for the April 6 event are $5 at https://bit.ly/4hVI7xr
Thomson Morris will also tell the story of her grandparents that inspired her play 'Greetings from Paradise,' which premieres at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre April 29 and runs through May 3.
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
02-04-2025
- Miami Herald
Student musicians at festival celebrate the power of music to inspire and uplift everyone
It was a joyous event when more than 600 students took to the stage to perform at the fourth annual Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival. Celebrating with them were 2,000 attendees including city officials, music education leaders and industry professionals. Held at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, the festival showed how music can transform lives and open doors to careers in performance, sound engineering and the music business. 'Music shaped my journey — from my first piano notes to a lifelong appreciation for the arts,' Councilwoman Linda Julien said in her opening speech. 'The Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival is more than an event; it's a stage for young artists to find their voice and build their future. I'm honored to support this celebration of talent and opportunity.' While the festival showcased the immense talent of Miami's youth, it also spotlighted key challenges in music education. Many schools and communities here still lack funding, resources and the infrastructure needed to provide high-quality music education, especially in underserved communities. 'The Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival shows the power of music and the arts to inspire, connect and uplift everyone. It is a celebration of creativity and community, proving what is possible when we invest in our youth,' said Alan Valladares, Arts Access Miami Manager. The event was organized by Arts Access Miami and Young Musicians Unite in a partnership with Julien. YMU is a key program within Arts Access and plays a vital role in expanding students' musical horizons beyond traditional classroom settings. As Miami-Dade County continues to grow as a hub for arts and culture, Arts Access and YMU are committed to ensuring that music education is not a privilege, but a right for all students. Arts Access Miami is 'powered by philanthropist Daniel R. Lewis, managed by Young Musicians Unite, and incubated at the Miami Foundation in cooperation with the Miami-Dade County Public School System., Valladares said. You can help by becoming a mentor, or donating to the Arts Access Fund at LOCUST PROJECTS CELEBRATES BOWIE Get ready to channel your favorite David Bowie look at the upcoming Spring Fling Space Oddity fundraiser hosted by Locust Projects. The annual benefit dinner is 7-10 p.m. April 26, at 297 NE 67th St., Miami. The event also serves as a celebration of the premiere of Tomas Vu's 'Blackstar' exhibition, an immersive installation focused on Bowie's contributions to contemporary culture. Central to the exhibit is a geodesic dome inspired by the work of futurist architect Buckminster Fuller. The dome is a recurrent motif in Vu's practice and serves as a platform for projection mapping and a site for continuous immersive visitor engagement. This fun-filled evening will feature a silent art auction, live music and lip sync performances. Tickets start at $200 at JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Something that has always been extremely important is teaching school kids early on about money: how to earn it; save it; spend it; share it. Young professionals who want to mentor Miami-Dade and Monroe County public school students in developing financial literacy are invited to join the nonprofit Junior Achievement of Greater Miami's Young Professionals Network. The group also provides work, career and college prep as well as hands-on programs in high schools in which students start their own small businesses. Programs are free, interactive and organized through the school systems. To better position the organization for greater outcomes in graduation rates and decreasing absenteeism, the nonprofit recently added new team members and expanded to new offices in Coral Gables. Learn more and get involved at MERRICK HOUSE TALK APRIL 6 The next gathering at the historic Merrick House in Coral Gables will feature Miami native June Thomson Morris speaking about 'Fortunes Gained and Lost: Miami's Visionaries and Their Fatal Passion to Create.' The event is part of the '100 Voices: Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables' to celebrate the city's centennial. The Merrick House is at 907 Coral Way, and tickets for the April 6 event are $5 at Thomson Morris will also tell the story of her grandparents that inspired her play 'Greetings from Paradise,' which premieres at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre April 29 and runs through May 3. Write to ChristinaMMayo@ with news for this column.
Yahoo
25-11-2024
- Yahoo
Playing for Change Foundation Kicks Off the Season In Partnership With Tiffany & Co.
Playing For Change Foundation Ann Kroenke & Whitney Kroenke Silverstein Ann Kroenke & Whitney Kroenke Silverstein David Hyrck, Jerry Wonda, Stacey Glassman Mizener and Howard Hoffen David Hyrck, Jerry Wonda, Stacey Glassman Mizener and Howard Hoffen Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Tiffany & Co. Jewelry MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Playing for Change Foundation has partnered with Tiffany & Co. to host an intimate dinner and musical celebration on the evening of Thursday, November 14th. The exclusive event took place at a private residence, hosted by Founder of PFCF and Board Chair Whitney Kroenke Silverstein and her mother Ann Kroenke. This special night was the kick-off for the notable 2025 Impact Awards on March 15, 2025. The magical evening included a dinner under the stars and performances by three awe-inspiring female musicians that showcase the trajectory and value PFCF is bringing through their community-tailored efforts to make an impact through music. Performers included Micaela, a participant in PFCF's and DJ Khaled's We The Best Foundation's 2-week summer program; Valentina, a student from Young Musician's Unite; and Yoli Mayor, a renowned Cuban American singer who previously performed at the 2019 gala in honor of Pharrell Williams and is frequently referred to as 'Cuban Adele' for her powerful voice and soulful music. Gathered together in support of the powerful work taking place around the world, the guest list included power players in the local community and beyond. Notable attendees included Ann Kroenke, Whitney Kroenke Silverstein, Nick Silverstein, Chris Riley, Lisa and Drew Rosenhaus, Bob Bryan, Casey and Timolin Cole, Josh Taekman, Jerry Wonda, and many more. "Partnering with Tiffany & Co. for this evening was not only a celebration of music but a testament to the shared values that both our organizations hold dear—empowering young voices and inspiring communities to create positive change. Through music, we've seen the incredible impact that can be made, from Miami to Uganda and in places around the world,' said Whitney. 'Thursday's gathering under the stars reminds us of the power of unity and purpose. We're thrilled to continue this journey as we look ahead to our 2025 Impact Awards and beyond." The symbolic partnership between PFCF and Tiffany & Co. speaks volumes on the important work they stand behind not only in the local Miami community, but globally as well. In Miami alone, PFCF in partnership with Young Musicians Unite and Overtown Youth Center, helps to serve 9,000 children weekly, inspiring social change through different music education programs. Leading up to the upcoming Impact Awards, Playing for Change Foundation has been doing miraculous work, most recently building a cultural art center and establishing The Salam Music Program at the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda. There's no sign of slowing down as award season quickly approaches, and the energy of this was fervently felt throughout the vibrant, close-knit evening. Story Continues About Playing For Change Foundation For 17 years, Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) has helped youth rise up through their own culture using music education to create social and economic change in areas that are economically poor, but culturally extremely wealthy. With 75+ locations across 25+ countries and growing, the positive impact of PFCF on youth, families, and communities in need is truly extraordinary. We employ more than 800 staff, teachers, and community leaders locally across program locations, including: Mali, Morocco, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Jordan, Nepal, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Argentina, South Dakota, and Miami. For more information, visit email info@ or follow @PlayingForChangeFoundation on Instagram and Facebook. About Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co., founded in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, is a global luxury jeweler synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 13,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories. Nearly 5,000 skilled artisans cut Tiffany diamonds and craft jewelry in the Company's own workshops, realizing the brand's commitment to superlative quality. Tiffany & Co. has a long-standing commitment to conducting its business responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Tiffany & Co. and its commitment to sustainability, please visit @tiffanyandco #TiffanyAndCo Photos accompanying this announcement are available at CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Playing For Change Foundation chloe@ Tiffany & Co.
Yahoo
04-11-2024
- Yahoo
YMU Signs Presenter-Influencers Jack Remmington & Ash Holme
YMU is pushing further into the creator/influencer space with the signings of Jack Remmington and Ash Holme. Remmington is a comedian, presenter and social media personality who posts viral videos, matter of fact observations and satirical content. He has hosted red carpets and interviewed stars, and counts Disney+, Prime Video and Radio 1 among his recent collaborations. UTA Signs Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo WME & MVE Co-Sign 'Love Island UK' Star Uma Jammeh 5X Media Signs Wealth Of Digital Creatives He is the host of BBC Sounds podcast Famously…. In Love, and was initially known as one half of singing duo Jack & Joel, who reached the finals of The X Factor on ITV in 2017. Holme, who has collaborated with Remmington several times, is known as the host of the Antics with Ash podcast, which has commanded two million monthly listens. She also posts sketches, has a popular TikTok channels that she launched in 2020 and has worked with Prime Video among others. Most recently, she was featured in ITV doc series Ash Holme: What Not to Do With Dad, in which she takes on unusual challenges with her autistic dad. 'We're delighted to welcome both Ash and Jack to YMU Entertainment,' said YMU Managing Director of Global Entertainment Lucy Loveridge. 'Ash is a brilliant content creator, broadcaster and undoubted star of the future and Jack's blend of quick wit, political passion and positivity bring a new depth to our growing roster of talented performers, presenters and creators. We can't wait to get started.' For YMU, the signings closely follow those of Michael Dapaah, Grace Beverley and Leomie Andersen, as the company pushes further into the influencer space. 'I truly cannot believe I get to do what I love for a living,' said Holme. I have met some amazing people so far on my journey and I have achieved goals that I thought were impossible. I am beyond excited to announce my signing with YMU. I know that with their guidance and knowledge I can continue to grow, learn and of course have some fun and foolery along the way… world domination pending.' Jack said: 'I feel so fortunate with the trajectory of my career at the moment and know that YMU is absolutely the best place to continue that growth in a field I love so much.' Loveridge's Global Entertainment division last month hired Steven Bartlett's former manager, Lauren Clark, from InterTalent to be a director. Loveridge has led the unit since March, when she was upped from MD of YMU Social following the exit of YMU Entertainment MD Holly Bott in 2023. Bott has since launched management firm Little Arrow, as we first reported in July, taking The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman with her. All The Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Played On Her Eras Tour So Far What's New On Peacock For November 2024: Streaming Guide For TV Shows And Movies New On Hulu In November 2024: Daily Streaming Schedule For TV, Movies & More
